[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 130 (Tuesday, October 2, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         FAREWELL TO BILL IVEY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2001

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I have never been timid about my 
support for the National Endowment for the Arts or my passionate belief 
about the importance of the arts in our culture and the role of the 
federal government in fostering the arts. Just as profoundly, I believe 
we have been blessed to have Bill Ivey at the helm of that agency at a 
critical time.
  I have thousands of civil servants among my constituents. I know the 
dedication they bring to their work.
  Billy Ivey would rank among the top of those who come into government 
only for a time--contributing their special backgrounds and abilities. 
His appointment to be Chairman of the NEA was an inspiration.
  Bill did not have to be converted to the idea of connecting the arts 
and the NEA to communities and families. He was one of its prophets.
  As a life-long folklorist, when Bill Ivey talks about America's 
Living Cultural Heritage, it's clearly not a phrase from a good 
wordsmith. That devotion comes from his very soul. When he says 
``Living Cultural Heritage,'' you can practically see his toes growing 
into the ground like tree roots.
  He also brought another skill to the NEA, one that is as critical to 
success as it is often overlooked. From having run a non-profit 
organization for more than 25 years, Bill understood, and had met, the 
challenges of leading and managing a large organization. We never saw 
that directly on the Hill. But I have heard from my constituents who 
have worked for Bill at that agency that he was extraordinary. We have 
certainly seen the results.
  Most heads of agencies or programs might get to know the Chairmen and 
a few key Members of the Authorizing and Appropriating Committees with 
relevant jurisdiction. Bill Ivey tried to meet all of us, especially 
all of the critics of the NEA. He pounded the terrazzo and marble of 
our halls to meet hundreds of Members of Congress, reinforcing the 
agency's supporters and disarming its detractors. He gave us concise 
briefings on the NEA's programs and procedures, and on his vision for 
how the NEA could enrich our families and communities.
  He took back to the NEA the priorities of our constituents. He 
instituted many experimental programs, among them: for fostering 
partnerships among local community organizations, for positive 
alternatives for young people, and for enhancing the use of arts in 
education. He promoted outreach in formal and informal initiatives--and 
in simply making outreach a priority in everything the NEA did. In the 
last four years, with mostly a flat budget, the NEA increased the 
number of applications received, and doubled the number of grants 
given. Bill Ivey, and the National Endowment for the Arts under his 
leadership, gave Congress more than ample reason for FY 2001 to give 
the agency its first budget increase in eight years.
  Mr. Speaker, Bill Ivey is moving on to other challenges, but his 
accomplishments in leading the NEA can never be exceeded. Personally I 
will miss him.
  Our nation now faces a new challenge brought upon by the terrorists 
attacks on September 11th. I share Bill Ivey's belief that the Arts can 
play a critical role healing this country. Following Bill Ivey's tenure 
at the NEA, the Arts community is in a better position to respond to 
this new challenge.

                          ____________________