[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 81 (Thursday, June 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

                                 ______


                           HON. BILL BARRETT

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 1994

  Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, June 22, I 
inadvertently voted ``aye'' on roll call vote No. 263. This roll call 
vote occurred on an amendment offered by Rep. Phil Crane to eliminate 
funding for the National Endowment for the Arts [NEA]. In past Interior 
appropriation's bills, I've consistently voted against similar 
amendments, and I had intended to do the same on roll call No. 263.
  The NEA, through the Nebraska Arts Council, has brought outstanding 
art programs to my district, which has enriched the artistic knowledge 
of my constituents, and their children--and I support those efforts. 
Without the NEA, poor rural schools would be without artist in 
residence programs, rural community art programs would not exist, and 
communities would not benefit from touring theatre and orchestra 
companies. From October 1992 through September 1993, 146 NEA-sponsored 
grants, which received $136,000 in NEA funds, were awarded to 
Nebraska's Third Congressional District. These programs attracted 
456,856 people. This is the primary reason why I've consistently 
opposed past amendments to completely eliminate the NEA.
  That's not to say that I support all of the NEA's funding decisions. 
I've been shocked and concerned that some highly objectional projects 
received taxpayer-provided funding. Thus, I have supported amendments 
in the past to reduce NEA funding by 5 percent.
  I hope this explanation is helpful.

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