[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 112 (Friday, July 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8990-S8991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. WARNER (for himself, Mr. Ford, Mr. Robb, Mr. Moynihan, Mr. 
        Simpson, Mr. Cochran, and Mr. Glenn):
  S. 1995. A bill to authorize construction of the Smithsonian 
Institution National Air and Space Museum Dulles Center at Washington 
Dulles International Airport, and for other purposes; to the Committee 
on Rules and Administration.


the smithsonian institution national air and space museum dulles center 
  at washington dulles international airport authorization act of 1996

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce legislation on 
behalf of myself, and Senators Ford, Robb, Moynihan, Simpson, Cochran, 
and Glenn. This legislation would authorize the Board of Regents of the 
Smithsonian Institution to construct the Smithsonian Institution 
National Air and Space Museum Dulles Center at Washington Dulles 
International Airport. The legislation clearly states that no 
appropriated funds may be used to pay any expense of the construction 
of the center. Funds for the construction will be privately raised and 
in fact this legislation permits the Smithsonian to move forward with a 
fundraising drive.
  In 1983, the Smithsonian Board of Regents first approved the National 
Air and Space Museum plan to expand at Washington Dulles International 
Airport. In 1993, after 10 years of hard work by the Smithsonian 
Institution, the Virginia congressional delegation, five Virginia 
Governors, and many

[[Page S8991]]

local officials, Congress passed and the President signed legislation 
authorizing the Smithsonian Institution to plan and design the National 
Air and Space Museum Extension at Washington Dulles International 
Airport.
  This legislation would serve to further the objectives of the 
National Museum Amendments Act of 1965 which directs the National Air 
and Space Museum to ``collect, preserve, and display aeronautical and 
space flight equipment of historical interest and significance.''
  I believe that it is accurate to state that the National Air and 
Space Museum now holds the most impressive and significant collection 
of air and spacecraft in the world. However, due to the limited 
exhibition space in The Mall building coupled with the size and weight 
of many of the artifacts, only 20 percent of the museum's collection is 
on display. Therefore, such significant air and spacecraft as the 
Boeing 367-80, the Saturn V launch vehicle, the Boeing Flying Fortress, 
the B-29 Enola Gay and the space orbiter Enterprise cannot be displayed 
and enjoyed by the nearly 10 million visitors the museum receives each 
year. In addition, the museum's space limitations inhibit the 
interpretation of aerospace technology's significant contribution to 
America and the possibilities which it holds for the future.
  The Air and Space Museum Dulles Center will allow approximately 65 
percent of the Smithsonian's air and spacecraft collection to be on 
display. The center will also allow visitors to view the restoration 
operations and see first-hand how historic air and spacecraft are 
preserved.
  Mr. President, I call on every Member of the Senate to support this 
legislation which will make the expansion of the National Air and Space 
Museum at Washington Dulles International Airport a reality. Air and 
space technology has and will continue to greatly impact every facet of 
our lives. The creation of this extension will enable visitors from all 
over the world to experience first-hand the magnitude and significance 
of America's technological achievements.
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