[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      H.R. 3567, THE JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1994

                                 ______


                               speech of

                      HON. JAMES A. TRAFICANT, JR.

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 10, 1994

  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, the members of the Public Works and 
Transportation Committee offer their enthusiastic, bipartisan support 
for H.R. 3567, as amended. This bill will correct long-standing 
deficiencies in the management and operations of one of our Nation's 
most recognized and cherished buildings, the Presidential Memorial to 
John F. Kennedy.
  Members of the committee have reviewed, analyzed, and critiqued the 
bifurcated management structure of the Kennedy Center, and in 
particular, the planning and management of its capital program. It 
became apparent that, in order to preserve an already substantial 
investment in this building, adjustments in the management structure 
were needed which would clearly place all management and operational 
responsibility and authority with the Board of the John F. Kennedy 
Center. This authority includes planning, designing, and constructing 
all capital projects at the Kennedy Center. The Center will retain its 
authority and responsibility for routine, daily maintenance. Having the 
ability to manage routine maintenance as well as planning and execution 
for capital improvements will most assuredly enhance the overall 
management and operation of this special institution.
  The Center will continue in its leadership role in national 
performing arts programs for American citizens of all ages.
  As always, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will be 
the national exemplar in performing arts activities and in educational 
programs in the arts for disabled individuals.
  And, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will continue 
as the most prestigious memorial to President John F. Kennedy.
  I wish to thank my chairman, Norm Mineta, for his support and 
guidance, Chairman Bruce Vento of the Natural Resources Committee for 
his cooperation, insight, and expeditious action on H.R. 3567, and 
finally, Congressman John Duncan for lending his support for this bill.
  As I have mentioned, this bill has broad bipartisan support at the 
subcommittee and full committee levels and I urge adoption of H.R. 
3567.

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