[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 130 (Tuesday, October 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1770-E1771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO BILL IVEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2001

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute Bill Ivey for his service 
as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Under his 
leadership, this important agency has thrived despite stagnant budgets 
and political roadblocks. In fact, his greatest achievement may be the 
period of relative calm in which the NEA now finds itself.
  When Chairman Ivey took over this embattled agency, he faced a 
Congressional majority that was not only unsupportive of the NEA, but 
downright hostile to the entire notion of federal funding for the arts. 
He inherited an agency marked for elimination since 1995, over which 
legendary battles had been waged. Chairman Ivey disarmed many of his 
enemies, however, with his thoughtful approach and personal charm.
  An important legacy of Chairman Ivey's tenure is the Challenge 
America Initiative, which specifically expands the reach of the NEA 
into under-served communities. By clearly demonstrating the NEA's 
historic commitment to ensuring the broad distribution of the arts 
throughout the nation, Chairman Ivey greatly enhanced the impact of the 
NEA.

[[Page E1771]]

  His tireless lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill were finally rewarded 
last year with the first increase in nearly a decade. He should also be 
proud that the annual debate over the NEA has become a largely pro-
forma affair as Congress has learned that the overwhelming majority of 
Americans support the NEA and its mission. Chairman Ivey's successor 
will have a great task ahead, but he will have a strong foundation from 
which to work, thanks to Bill Ivey.

                          ____________________