A joint resolution to authorize the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc. to erect a memorial.

(Conference report filed in House, H. Rept. 96-1129)

Authorizes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Incorporated, to establish a memorial on public grounds in West Potomac Park in the District of Columbia in honor and recognition of the men and women of the armed forces who served in the Vietnam war.

Authorizes and directs the Secretary of the Interior to select a site in the Constitution Gardens area of West Potomac Park, in consultation with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Inc., and with the approval of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission. Provides that if subsurface soil conditions prevent the establishment of the memorial on such site, then the Secretary is authorized to select a site other than Constitution Gardens in the park.

Provides that the Secretary, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the National Capital Planning Commission shall have 90 days after submission of plans for such memorial within which to make their objections.

Declares that the authority conferred pursuant to this resolution shall lapse unless: (1) the establishment of the memorial is commenced within five years of enactment of this resolution; and (2) the Secretary determines that sufficient funds are available to insure completion of such memorial.