[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 107 (Friday, July 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1514-E1515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 
                                  2004

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2003

  The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union 
had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2691) making appropriations for 
the Department of the Interior and related agencies for the fiscal year 
ending September 30, 2004, and for other purposes:

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support today for this modest 
bipartisan amendment offered by Reps. Slaughter, Shays, Dicks, and 
Leach to increase funds for the National Endowment for the Arts and the 
National Endowment for the Humanities.
  As a Member of the Congressional Arts Caucus, and a longtime 
supporter of the arts at the state level in California, I value the 
tremendous role arts funding and arts education programs play in the 
lives of our children and friends.
  Several academic studies demonstrate the connection between music, 
dance, visual arts, and the development of the human brain. It is well 
known among researchers that arts education cultivates critical 
thinking skills that are so important in our information-age economy.
  My congressional district was fortunate to receive NEA and NEH grants 
this year. Some of the recipients include:
  Performing arts educational outreach programs at schools in my 
district combined with the assistance with one of the region's most 
respected theaters; A program to support the Chinese Community 
Initiative in arts education; Artist-in-residence programs in 
elementary schools to encourage student and teacher involvement; A 
program in my district that incorporates traditional music and dance 
from diverse cultures to improve student relations, coordination and 
memory; and an amateur chamber orchestra, and a symphony association 
program to bolster musical knowledge and skills for ethnically diverse 
student population.
  As a parent of two young children, I am particularly interested in 
the most recent research. Children who learn to read music or play an 
instrument show improved proficiency in math and science. To further 
proficiency in history, I was proud to join a letter of support to 
House Appropriators last month that would increase funding to the NEH 
budget for its We the People Initiative, which is designed to boost 
American knowledge and appreciation for our history, culture and civic 
traditions.
  This increase of $15 million under the Interior Appropriations for 
the NEA and NEH will go to fund so many rich programs offered and so 
many opportunities for us all.
  Last year, an economic study conducted by Americans for the Arts 
found that America's nonprofit arts industry generates $134 billion in 
annual economic activity. This number includes full time jobs, 
household income and local, state and federal tax revenue. This study 
includes more than $80 billion in event-related spending by audiences. 
This is additional clear evidence that opportunities funded through NEA 
and NEH continue to bring us to new levels in our economy, culture, 
language, music, art and life.

[[Page E1515]]

  I urge my colleagues to support this important amendment and commend 
our bipartisan colleagues who are leading the fight on this critical 
issue.
  By supporting the arts and the humanities, the Federal Government has 
the ability to partner with state and local efforts to bolster the arts 
and educational opportunities in our communities.

                          ____________________