[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 45 (Thursday, March 20, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4171-S4172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. Santorum, Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. 
        Edwards, Mr. Feingold, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Kerry, 
        Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Dodd, and Ms. Mikulski):
  S. 674. A bill to amend the National Maritime Heritage Act of 1994 to 
reaffirm and revise the designation of America's National Maritime 
Museum, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation.
  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I am pleased to be introducing America's 
National Maritime Museum Designation Act of 2003. This legislation 
would designate an additional 19 maritime museums as ``America's 
National Maritime Museums'' nationwide. Maritime Museums are dedicated 
to advancing maritime and nautical science by fostering the exchange of 
maritime information and experience and by promoting advances in 
nautical education.
  The America's National Maritime Museum designation would include a

[[Page S4172]]

commitment on the part of each institution toward accomplishing a 
coordinated education initiative, resources management program, 
awareness campaign, and heritage grants program. Maritime museums in 
America are dedicated to illuminating humankind's experience with the 
sea and the events that shaped the course and progress of civilization.
  Museum collections are composed of hundreds of thousands of maritime 
items, including ship models, scrimshaw, maritime paintings, decorative 
arts, intricately carved figureheads, working steam engines, and much 
more. Maritime museums offer a variety of learning experiences for 
children and adults through hands-on workshops and programs that focus 
on maritime history.
  Maritime lecture series offer an opportunity to learn about the 
history and lore of the sea from some of the Nation's leading maritime 
experts. Visitors learn the broad concept of sea power--the historic 
and modern importance of the sea in matters commercial, military, 
economic, political, artistic, and social.
  The legislation that I am proposing would help museums better 
interpret maritime and social history to the public using their 
extensive collections of artifacts, exhibits and expertise. These 
programs and facilities are used by schools, civic organizations, 
genealogists, maritime scholars, and the visiting public, thus, serving 
students of all ages.
  I urge all members of the Senate to join me in support of The 
America's National Maritime Museum Designation Act of 2003.
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