2 U.S.C. § 177 — Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry

(a) Recognition. Congress says the Library of Congress's Consultant in Poetry has long been an important literary voice for the nation. This person has sometimes acted like a poet laureate does in other countries. The Librarian of Congress appoints someone to this job for a one- or two-year term, based only on literary merit. Pay comes from endowment funds managed by the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board. Congress says this position is the same as a national Poet Laureate. (b) Position established. (1) The Library of Congress creates the position of Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry. The Librarian of Congress appoints this person using the same process that was used for the Consultant in Poetry as of December 20, 1985. (2) Every federal department and office is encouraged to use the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for ceremonies and celebrations. The Librarian of Congress sets rules for this so that it doesn't get in the way of the person's regular work in the role. (c) Poetry program. (1) Each year, the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts, advised by the National Council on the Arts, must sponsor a program. At this program, the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry presents a major work, or the work of other well-known poets. (2) Congress authorized $10,000 per year for the National Endowment for the Arts to pay for this program, starting in fiscal year 1987 and continuing through fiscal years ending before October 1, 1990.