[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 98 (Friday, July 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1409]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  1998

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 11, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I reluctantly rise in support of the rule to 
the Interior appropriations bill.
  Though I am disappointed that the rule fails to protect an amendment 
for full NEA funding I must support the rule due to the Interior 
appropriations bill's inclusion of $8.5 million for Sterling Forest. I 
support continued funding for the NEA.
  Funding for the arts has not only produced $3.4 billion in revenue, 
but supports local economies by way of increased sales in local 
establishments.
  The arts are an integral part of education. Children with an arts 
background have shown increased ability in math, and a heightened 
capability for analytical and creative thinking. Funding for the 
National Endowment for the Arts has also created many literacy programs 
and children's educational activities.
  In my own 20th District of New York, I understand the necessity of 
continued funding for the arts. The local theater and arts groups, 
orchestras, and dance troupes, will suffer greatly. These groups 
represent thousands of jobs that are supported by the arts.
  Moreover, I strongly support the agreement between New York and the 
Sterling Forest Corp. designed to purchase Sterling Forest. This has 
been a long and hard battle for many years as Chairman Rugula and my 
New Jersey colleagues know.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate 
in fully funding the NEA during the House-Senate conference.

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