WASHINGTON, DC—The U.S. Senate late Tuesday passed a bill by U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties) to honor President Ronald Reagan on the 100th anniversary of his birth.

The Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent. On March 9, the House passed it on a 371-19 vote, with one Member voting present. The bill now goes to President Obama for his signature.

The Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act will create an 11-member commission that will plan and carry out activities deemed fitting to honor Ronald Reagan on his 100th birthday, which will be on Feb. 6, 2011.

The commission will make recommendations and provide necessary assistance for federal, state and local governmental agencies and civic groups to honor President Reagan’s 100th birthday. Such activities could include special stamps or coins. In addition, the commission will recommend to Congress activities to honor President Reagan’s 100th birthday, including the possible convening of a Joint Session of Congress.

No federal money can be spent on the commission or its activities.

“The bipartisan support for the commission says a lot about how President Reagan’s impact on U.S. and international affairs continues to be felt today,” Gallegly said. “President Reagan inspired greatness in the nation he loved. Celebrating his life and accomplishments is a celebration of America.”

Gallegly also noted that it’s fitting that the legislation passed in time for the unveiling of President Reagan’s statue in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on June 3. Former first lady Nancy Reagan will attend the ceremony.

Previous commissions have been instituted to honor Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Abraham Lincoln.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is in Simi Valley, CA, Gallegly’s hometown.