[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 REGRADING THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSEUM

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I am extremely disappointed that the 
Senate was unable to overcome the objections of one Member and pass 
what we all know is a simple, non-controversial bill to authorize the 
Smithsonian to establish a National African-American Museum.
  We were presented with an opportunity to pass a bill which would 
recognize the achievements of African-Americans, many of whom have 
faced enormous obstacles such as enslavement and segregation, and made 
vast contributions to our Nation's culture, literature, politics, art, 
history and many other areas of our society.
  The facts on this matter are clear the bill is not controversial. 
Similar legislation has been reported by the rules committee twice, 
passed the Senate by unanimous consent once and the House once. 
Throughout this process there has been little or no opposition to the 
bill. It has 30 cosponsors and enjoys bipartisan support.
  In most instances a bill of this nature would pass the Senate without 
any notice like it did in the 102d Congress when it passed by unanimous 
consent. Unfortunately, this year is much different. This year the bill 
is being held because of expressed concerns regarding the cost of the 
museum.
  I do not find these concerns to be well founded. It is the intention 
of the sponsors of the legislation, its supporters outside of Congress 
and the Smithsonian to seek private donations to fund as much of the 
museum's activities as possible. In fact, the legislation restricts the 
use of the appropriated funds to operation and maintenance only. 
Additionally, the authorizing committee will also be able to monitor 
the activities of the museum and take further action if costs truly 
become a concern. The fact is the bill to authorize the museum is 
fiscally responsible.
  Efforts to restrict all Federal funds for this museum are 
inappropriate. No museum operated by the Smithsonian is entirely funded 
by private dollars. Requiring this museum to be operated in this manner 
would be a double standard and, I am sure that is not the message that 
this body wants to send.
  Mr. President, this is not a complex or controversial matter. All we 
are attempting to do authorize a museum that will recognize and 
celebrate the contributions of vital and important part of the melting 
pot that is America. I say to my colleagues if we can not do something 
as simple as this how will we resolve the more difficult issues that 
face this Nation.
  I know that the Senator from Illinois will reintroduce this bill 
again next year and I intend to cosponsor it again. I only hope that 
next year we will finally be successful.
  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, on Wednesday September 28, 1994, one of 
the most skillful and effective lawmakers to serve in this century 
passed away. Robert Lee Fulton Sikes, the distinguished Congressman who 
served the people of the Florida Panhandle in the House of 
Representatives for 38 years, lost his battle with Alzheimer's disease 
at the age of 88.
  Bob was victorious in most of the battles he waged. His record as a 
Congressman from 1940 to 1978 was tremendously successful for the 
Nation and Florida, a fact that won him admiration and praise from 
colleagues and constituents. He was especially distinguished by his 
service as chairman of the Military Construction Appropriations 
Subcommittee. In this capacity, he was a stalwart for a strong national 
defense during 4 decades of unprecedented challenge to our national 
security.
  I had the privilege of knowing Bob Sikes for most of my life. My 
mother, who grew up in De Funiak Springs, knew the Sikes family 
throughout her youth. She introduced me to Congressman Sikes when I was 
a child. In 1959, when Bob was a distinguished Member of the House of 
Representatives and I was a college intern in Washington, he was very 
gracious to me. He took me under his protective wing, and I learned a 
great deal from him.
  Our friendship matured while I served in Florida State government. I 
regularly drew upon his wisdom, influence and advice to advance issues 
that were important to our State.
  Bob Sikes represented his constituents with intensity, and maintained 
a high standard of service to those he represented. Bob Sikes will be 
missed as a public official, as a leader of our State, and as a friend.

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