[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 16, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H8248-H8254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[[Page H8248]]
MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES ACT OF 2003
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in
the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 13) to reauthorize the Museum
and Library Services Act, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read as follows:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Museum and Library Services
Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
TITLE I--GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 101. General definitions.
Sec. 102. Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Sec. 103. Director of the Institute.
Sec. 104. National Museum and Library Services Board.
Sec. 105. Awards; analysis of impact of services.
TITLE II--LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY
Sec. 201. Purpose.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Sec. 203. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 204. Reservations and allotments.
Sec. 205. State plans.
Sec. 206. Grants to States.
Sec. 207. National leadership grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements.
TITLE III--MUSEUM SERVICES
Sec. 301. Purpose.
Sec. 302. Definitions.
Sec. 303. Museum services activities.
Sec. 304. Repeals.
Sec. 305. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 306. Short title.
TITLE IV--NATIONAL COMMISSION ON LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SCIENCE ACT
Sec. 401. Amendment to contributions.
Sec. 402. Amendment to membership.
TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Sec. 501. Amendments to Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act.
Sec. 502. National children's museum.
Sec. 503. Conforming amendment.
Sec. 504. Technical corrections.
Sec. 505. Repeals.
Sec. 506. Effective date.
TITLE I--GENERAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 101. GENERAL DEFINITIONS.
Section 202 of the Museum and Library Services Act (20
U.S.C. 9101) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) Determined to be obscene.--The term `determined to be
obscene' means determined, in a final judgment of a court of
record and of competent jurisdiction in the United States, to
be obscene.'';
(2) by striking paragraph (4);
(3) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (5);
(4) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Final judgment.--The term `final judgment' means a
judgment that is--
``(A) not reviewed by any other court that has authority to
review such judgment; or
``(B) not reviewable by any other court.
``(4) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' means any
tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community,
including any Alaska native village, regional corporation, or
village corporation (as defined in, or established pursuant
to, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601
et seq.)), which is recognized by the Secretary of the
Interior as eligible for the special programs and services
provided by the United States to Indians because of their
status as Indians.''; and
(5) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Museum and library services board.--The term `Museum
and Library Services Board' means the National Museum and
Library Services Board established under section 207.
``(7) Obscene.--The term `obscene' means, with respect to a
project, that--
``(A) the average person, applying contemporary community
standards, would find that such project, when taken as a
whole, appeals to the prurient interest;
``(B) such project depicts or describes sexual conduct in a
patently offensive way; and
``(C) such project, when taken as a whole, lacks serious
literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.''.
SEC. 102. INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES.
Section 203 of the Museum and Library Services Act (20
U.S.C. 9102) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking the last sentence; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Museum and Library Services Board.--There shall be a
National Museum and Library Services Board within the
Institute, as provided under section 207.''.
SEC. 103. DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE.
Section 204 of the Museum and Library Services Act (20
U.S.C. 9103) is amended--
(1) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following:
``Where appropriate, the Director shall ensure that
activities under subtitle B are coordinated with activities
under section 1251 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6383).''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Regulatory Authority.--The Director may promulgate
such rules and regulations as are necessary and appropriate
to implement the provisions of this title.
``(g) Application Procedures.--
``(1) In general.--In order to be eligible to receive
financial assistance under this title, a person or agency
shall submit an application in accordance with procedures
established by the Director by regulation.
``(2) Review and evaluation.--The Director shall establish
procedures for reviewing and evaluating applications
submitted under this title. Actions of the Institute and the
Director in the establishment, modification, and revocation
of such procedures under this Act are vested in the
discretion of the Institute and the Director. In establishing
such procedures, the Director shall ensure that the criteria
by which applications are evaluated are consistent with the
purposes of this title, taking into consideration general
standards of decency and respect for the diverse beliefs and
values of the American public.
``(3) Treatment of projects determined to be obscene.--
``(A) In general.--The procedures described in paragraph
(2) shall include provisions that clearly specify that
obscenity is without serious literary, artistic, political,
or scientific merit, and is not protected speech.
``(B) Prohibition.--No financial assistance may be provided
under this title with respect to any project that is
determined to be obscene.
``(C) Treatment of application disapproval.--The
disapproval of an application by the Director shall not be
construed to mean, and shall not be considered as evidence
that, the project for which the applicant requested financial
assistance is or is not obscene.''.
SEC. 104. NATIONAL MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES BOARD.
The Museum and Library Services Act (20 U.S.C. 9101 et
seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 207 as section 208; and
(2) by inserting after section 206 the following:
``SEC. 207. NATIONAL MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES BOARD.
``(a) Establishment.--There is established within the
Institute a board to be known as the `National Museum and
Library Services Board'.
``(b) Membership.--
``(1) Number and appointment.--The Museum and Library
Services Board shall be composed of the following:
``(A) The Director.
``(B) The Deputy Director for the Office of Library
Services.
``(C) The Deputy Director for the Office of Museum
Services.
``(D) The Chairman of the National Commission on Libraries
and Information Science.
``(E) 10 members appointed by the President, by and with
the advice and consent of the Senate, from among individuals
who are citizens of the United States and who are specially
qualified by virtue of their education, training, or
experience in the area of library services, or their
commitment to libraries.
``(F) 10 members appointed by the President, by and with
the advice and consent of the Senate, from among individuals
who are citizens of the United States and who are specially
qualified by virtue of their education, training, or
experience in the area of museum services, or their
commitment to museums.
``(2) Special qualifications.--
``(A) Library members.--Of the members of the Museum and
Library Services Board appointed under paragraph (1)(E)--
``(i) 5 shall be professional librarians or information
specialists, of whom--
``(I) not less than 1 shall be knowledgeable about
electronic information and technical aspects of library and
information services and sciences; and
``(II) not less than 1 other shall be knowledgeable about
the library and information service needs of underserved
communities; and
``(ii) the remainder shall have special competence in, or
knowledge of, the needs for library and information services
in the United States.
``(B) Museum members.--Of the members of the Museum and
Library Services Board appointed under paragraph (1)(F)--
``(i) 5 shall be museum professionals who are or have been
affiliated with--
``(I) resources that, collectively, are broadly
representative of the curatorial, conservation, educational,
and cultural resources of the United States; or
``(II) museums that, collectively, are broadly
representative of various types of museums, including museums
relating to science, history, technology, art, zoos,
botanical gardens, and museums designed for children; and
``(ii) the remainder shall be individuals recognized for
their broad knowledge, expertise, or experience in museums or
commitment to museums.
``(3) Geographic and other representation.--Members of the
Museum and Library Services Board shall be appointed to
reflect persons from various geographic regions of the United
States. The Museum and Library Services Board may not
include, at any time, more than 3 appointive members from a
single State. In making such appointments, the President
shall give due regard to equitable representation of women,
minorities, and persons with disabilities who are involved
with museums and libraries.
``(4) Voting.--The Director, the Deputy Director of the
Office of Library Services, the Deputy Director of the Office
of Museum Services, and the Chairman of the National
Commission on Library and Information Science shall be
nonvoting members of the Museum and Library Services Board.
``(c) Terms.--
``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection, each member of the
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Museum and Library Services Board appointed under
subparagraph (E) or (F) of subsection (b)(1) shall serve for
a term of 5 years.
``(2) Initial board appointments.--
``(A) Treatment of members serving on effective date.--
Notwithstanding subsection (b), each individual who is a
member of the National Museum Services Board on the date of
enactment of the Museum and Library Services Act of 2003,
may, at the individual's election, complete the balance of
the individual's term as a member of the Museum and Library
Services Board.
``(B) First appointments.--Notwithstanding subsection (b),
any appointive vacancy in the initial membership of the
Museum and Library Services Board existing after the
application of subparagraph (A), and any vacancy in such
membership subsequently created by reason of the expiration
of the term of an individual described in subparagraph (A),
shall be filled by the appointment of a member described in
subsection (b)(1)(E). When the Museum and Library Services
Board consists of an equal number of individuals who are
specially qualified in the area of library services and
individuals who are specially qualified in the area of museum
services, this subparagraph shall cease to be effective and
the board shall be appointed in accordance with subsection
(b).
``(C) Authority to adjust terms.--The terms of the first
members appointed to the Museum and Library Service Board
shall be adjusted by the President as necessary to ensure
that the terms of not more than 4 members expire in the same
year. Such adjustments shall be carried out through
designation of the adjusted term at the time of appointment.
``(3) Vacancies.--Any member appointed to fill a vacancy
shall serve for the remainder of the term for which the
predecessor of the member was appointed.
``(4) Reappointment.--No appointive member of the Museum
and Library Services Board who has been a member for more
than 7 consecutive years shall be eligible for reappointment.
``(5) Service until successor takes office.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, an
appointive member of the Museum and Library Services Board
shall serve after the expiration of the term of the member
until the successor to the member takes office.
``(d) Duties and Powers.--
``(1) In general.--The Museum and Library Services Board
shall advise the Director on general policies with respect to
the duties, powers, and authority of the Institute relating
to museum and library services, including financial
assistance awarded under this title.
``(2) National awards.--The Museum and Library Services
Board shall advise the Director in making awards under
section 209.
``(e) Chairperson.--The Director shall serve as Chairperson
of the Museum and Library Services Board.
``(f) Meetings.--
``(1) In general.--The Museum and Library Services Board
shall meet not less than 2 times each year and at the call of
the Director.
``(2) Vote.--All decisions by the Museum and Library
Services Board with respect to the exercise of its duties and
powers shall be made by a majority vote of the members of the
Board who are present and authorized to vote.
``(g) Quorum.--A majority of the voting members of the
Museum and Library Services Board shall constitute a quorum
for the conduct of business at official meetings, but a
lesser number of members may hold hearings.
``(h) Compensation and Travel Expenses.--
``(1) Compensation.--Each member of the Museum and Library
Services Board who is not an officer or employee of the
Federal Government may be compensated at a rate to be fixed
by the President, but not to exceed the daily equivalent of
the maximum annual rate of pay authorized for a position
above grade GS-15 of the General Schedule under section 5108
of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including
travel time) during which such member is engaged in the
performance of the duties of the Museum and Library Services
Board. Members of the Museum and Libraries Services Board who
are full-time officers or employees of the Federal Government
may not receive additional pay, allowances, or benefits by
reason of their service on the Museum and Library Services
Board.
``(2) Travel expenses.--Each member of the Museum and
Library Services Board shall receive travel expenses,
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with
applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57 of
title 5, United States Code.
``(i) Coordination.--The Director, with the advice of the
Museum and Library Services Board, shall take steps to ensure
that the policies and activities of the Institute are
coordinated with other activities of the Federal
Government.''.
SEC. 105. AWARDS; ANALYSIS OF IMPACT OF SERVICES.
The Museum and Library Services Act (20 U.S.C. 9101 et
seq.) is amended by inserting after section 208 (as
redesignated by section 104 of this Act) the following:
``SEC. 209. AWARDS.
``The Director, with the advice of the Museum and Library
Services Board, may annually award National Awards for
Library Service and National Awards for Museum Service to
outstanding libraries and outstanding museums, respectively,
that have made significant contributions in service to their
communities.
``SEC. 210. ANALYSIS OF IMPACT OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY
SERVICES.
``From amounts described in sections 214(c) and 275(b), the
Director shall carry out and publish analyses of the impact
of museum and library services. Such analyses--
``(1) shall be conducted in ongoing consultation with--
``(A) State library administrative agencies;
``(B) State, regional, and national library and museum
organizations; and
``(C) other relevant agencies and organizations;
``(2) shall identify national needs for, and trends of,
museum and library services provided with funds made
available under subtitles B and C;
``(3) shall report on the impact and effectiveness of
programs conducted with funds made available by the Institute
in addressing such needs; and
``(4) shall identify, and disseminate information on, the
best practices of such programs to the agencies and entities
described in paragraph (1).
``SEC. 210A. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION.
``No funds appropriated to carry out the Museum and Library
Services Act, the Library Services and Technology Act, or the
Museum Services Act may be used for construction expenses.''.
TITLE II--LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY
SEC. 201. PURPOSE.
Section 212 of the Library Services and Technology Act (20
U.S.C. 9121) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) through
(5) and inserting the following:
``(2) to promote improvement in library services in all
types of libraries in order to better serve the people of the
United States;
``(3) to facilitate access to resources in all types of
libraries for the purpose of cultivating an educated and
informed citizenry; and
``(4) to encourage resource sharing among all types of
libraries for the purpose of achieving economical and
efficient delivery of library services to the public.''.
SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.
Section 213 of the Library Services and Technology Act (20
U.S.C. 9122) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1); and
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6)
as paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5), respectively.
SEC. 203. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 214 of the Library Services and Technology Act (20
U.S.C. 9123) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to carry out this subtitle $232,000,000 for fiscal year 2004
and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2005
through 2009.''; and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``3 percent'' and
inserting ``3.5 percent''.
SEC. 204. RESERVATIONS AND ALLOTMENTS.
Section 221(b)(3) of the Library Services and Technology
Act (20 U.S.C. 9131(b)(3)) is amended to read as follows:
``(3) Minimum allotments.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of this subsection, the
minimum allotment for each State shall be $340,000, except
that the minimum allotment shall be $40,000 in the case of
the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of
the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and
the Republic of Palau.
``(B) Ratable reductions.--Notwithstanding subparagraph
(A), if the sum appropriated under the authority of section
214 and not reserved under subsection (a) for any fiscal year
is insufficient to fully satisfy the requirement of
subparagraph (A), each of the minimum allotments under such
subparagraph shall be reduced ratably.
``(C) Exception.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), if the
sum appropriated under the authority of section 214 and not
reserved under subsection (a) for any fiscal year exceeds the
aggregate of the allotments for all States under this
subsection for fiscal year 2003--
``(I) the minimum allotment for each State otherwise
receiving a minimum allotment of $340,000 under subparagraph
(A) shall be increased to $680,000; and
``(II) the minimum allotment for each State otherwise
receiving a minimum allotment of $40,000 under subparagraph
(A) shall be increased to $60,000.
``(ii) Insufficient funds to award alternative minimum.--If
the sum appropriated under the authority of section 214 and
not reserved under subsection (a) for any fiscal year exceeds
the aggregate of the allotments for all States under this
subsection for fiscal year 2003 yet is insufficient to fully
satisfy the requirement of clause (i), such excess amount
shall first be allotted among the States described in clause
(i)(I) so as to increase equally the minimum allotment for
each such State above $340,000. After the requirement of
clause (i)(I) is fully satisfied for any fiscal year, any
remainder of such excess amount shall be allotted among the
States described in clause (i)(II) so as to increase equally
the minimum allotment for each such State above $40,000.
``(D) Special rule.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this subsection and using funds allotted for the Republic of
the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and
the Republic of Palau under this subsection, the Director
shall award grants to the United States Virgin Islands, Guam,
American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated
States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau to carry out
activities described in this subtitle in accordance with the
provisions of this subtitle that the Director determines are
not inconsistent with this subparagraph.
``(ii) Award basis.--The Director shall award grants
pursuant to clause (i) on a competitive
[[Page H8250]]
basis and after taking into consideration available
recommendations from the Pacific Region Educational
Laboratory in Honolulu, Hawaii.
``(iii) Administrative costs.--The Director may provide not
more than 5 percent of the funds made available for grants
under this subparagraph to pay the administrative costs of
the Pacific Region Educational Laboratory regarding
activities assisted under this subparagraph.''.
SEC. 205. STATE PLANS.
Section 224 of the Library Services and Technology Act (20
U.S.C. 9134) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``not later than
April 1, 1997.'' and inserting ``once every 5 years, as
determined by the Director.''; and
(2) in subsection (f)--
(A) by striking ``this Act'' each place such term appears
and inserting ``this subtitle'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``section 213(2)(A) or (B)'' and inserting
``section 213(1)(A) or (B)''; and
(ii) by striking ``1934,'' and all that follows through
``Act, may'' and inserting ``1934 (47 U.S.C. 254(h)(6))
may''; and
(C) in paragraph (7)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking
``section:'' and inserting ``subsection:''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``given'' and
inserting ``applicable to''.
SEC. 206. GRANTS TO STATES.
Section 231 of the Library Services and Technology Act (20
U.S.C. 9141) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraphs (1) and (2)
and inserting the following:
``(1) expanding services for learning and access to
information and educational resources in a variety of
formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all
ages;
``(2) developing library services that provide all users
access to information through local, State, regional,
national, and international electronic networks;
``(3) providing electronic and other linkages among and
between all types of libraries;
``(4) developing public and private partnerships with other
agencies and community-based organizations;
``(5) targeting library services to individuals of diverse
geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, to
individuals with disabilities, and to individuals with
limited functional literacy or information skills; and
``(6) targeting library and information services to persons
having difficulty using a library and to underserved urban
and rural communities, including children (from birth through
age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty line (as
defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised
annually in accordance with section 673(2) of the Community
Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2))) applicable to a
family of the size involved.''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``between the two
purposes described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of such
subsection,'' and inserting ``among such purposes,''.
SEC. 207. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP GRANTS, CONTRACTS, OR
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.
Section 262(a)(1) of the Library Services and Technology
Act (20 U.S.C. 9162(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``education
and training'' and inserting ``education, recruitment, and
training''.
TITLE III--MUSEUM SERVICES
SEC. 301. PURPOSE.
Section 271 of the Museum and Library Services Act (20
U.S.C. 9171) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 271. PURPOSE.
``It is the purpose of this subtitle--
``(1) to encourage and support museums in carrying out
their public service role of connecting the whole of society
to the cultural, artistic, historical, natural, and
scientific understandings that constitute our heritage;
``(2) to encourage and support museums in carrying out
their educational role, as core providers of learning and in
conjunction with schools, families, and communities;
``(3) to encourage leadership, innovation, and applications
of the most current technologies and practices to enhance
museum services;
``(4) to assist, encourage, and support museums in carrying
out their stewardship responsibilities to achieve the highest
standards in conservation and care of the cultural, historic,
natural, and scientific heritage of the United States to
benefit future generations;
``(5) to assist, encourage, and support museums in
achieving the highest standards of management and service to
the public, and to ease the financial burden borne by museums
as a result of their increasing use by the public; and
``(6) to support resource sharing and partnerships among
museums, libraries, schools, and other community
organizations.''.
SEC. 302. DEFINITIONS.
Section 272(1) of the Museum and Library Services Act (20
U.S.C. 9172(1)) is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``Such term includes aquariums, arboretums,
botanical gardens, art museums, children's museums, general
museums, historic houses and sites, history museums, nature
centers, natural history and anthropology museums,
planetariums, science and technology centers, specialized
museums, and zoological parks.''.
SEC. 303. MUSEUM SERVICES ACTIVITIES.
Section 273 of the Museum and Library Services Act (20
U.S.C. 9173) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 273. MUSEUM SERVICES ACTIVITIES.
``(a) In General.--The Director, subject to the policy
advice of the Museum and Library Services Board, may enter
into arrangements, including grants, contracts, cooperative
agreements, and other forms of assistance, with museums and
other entities as the Director considers appropriate, to pay
the Federal share of the cost of--
``(1) supporting museums in providing learning and access
to collections, information, and educational resources in a
variety of formats (including exhibitions, programs,
publications, and websites) for individuals of all ages;
``(2) supporting museums in building learning partnerships
with the Nation's schools and developing museum resources and
programs in support of State and local school curricula;
``(3) supporting museums in assessing, conserving,
researching, maintaining, and exhibiting their collections,
and in providing educational programs to the public through
the use of their collections;
``(4) stimulating greater collaboration among museums,
libraries, schools, and other community organizations in
order to share resources and strengthen communities;
``(5) encouraging the use of new technologies and broadcast
media to enhance access to museum collections, programs, and
services;
``(6) supporting museums in providing services to people of
diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
and to individuals with disabilities;
``(7) supporting museums in developing and carrying out
specialized programs for specific segments of the public,
such as programs for urban neighborhoods, rural areas, Indian
reservations, and State institutions;
``(8) supporting professional development and technical
assistance programs to enhance museum operations at all
levels, in order to ensure the highest standards in all
aspects of museum operations;
``(9) supporting museums in research, program evaluation,
and the collection and dissemination of information to museum
professionals and the public; and
``(10) encouraging, supporting, and disseminating model
programs of museum and library collaboration.
``(b) Federal Share.--
``(1) 50 percent.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
Federal share described in subsection (a) shall be not more
than 50 percent.
``(2) Greater than 50 percent.--The Director may use not
more than 20 percent of the funds made available under this
subtitle for a fiscal year to enter into arrangements under
subsection (a) for which the Federal share may be greater
than 50 percent.
``(3) Operational expenses.--No funds for operational
expenses may be provided under this section to any entity
that is not a museum.
``(c) Review and Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall establish procedures
for reviewing and evaluating arrangements described in
subsection (a) entered into under this subtitle.
``(2) Applications for technical assistance.--
``(A) In general.--The Director may use not more than 10
percent of the funds appropriated to carry out this subtitle
for technical assistance awards.
``(B) Individual museums.--Individual museums may receive
not more than 3 technical assistance awards under
subparagraph (A), but subsequent awards for technical
assistance shall be subject to review outside the Institute.
``(d) Services for Native Americans.--From amounts
appropriated under section 275, the Director shall reserve
1.75 percent to award grants to, or enter into contracts or
cooperative agreements with, Indian tribes and organizations
that primarily serve and represent Native Hawaiians (as
defined in section 7207 of the Native Hawaiian Education Act
(20 U.S.C. 7517)), to enable such tribes and organizations to
carry out the activities described in subsection (a).''.
SEC. 304. REPEALS.
Sections 274 and 275 of the Museum and Library Services Act
(20 U.S.C. 9174 and 9175) are repealed.
SEC. 305. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 276 of the Museum and Library Services Act (20
U.S.C. 9176) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``$28,700,000 for the
fiscal year 1997, and such sums as may be necessary for each
of the fiscal years 1998 through 2002.'' and inserting
``$38,600,000 for fiscal year 2004 and such sums as may be
necessary for fiscal years 2005 through 2009.''; and
(2) by redesignating such section as section 275 of such
Act.
SEC. 306. SHORT TITLE.
Subtitle C of the Museum and Library Services Act (20
U.S.C. 9171 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating sections 271, 272, and 273 as sections
272, 273, and 274, respectively; and
(2) by inserting after the subtitle heading the following:
``SEC. 271. SHORT TITLE.
``This subtitle may be cited as the `Museum Services
Act'.''.
TITLE IV--NATIONAL COMMISSION ON LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION SCIENCE ACT
SEC. 401. AMENDMENT TO CONTRIBUTIONS.
Section 4 of the National Commission on Libraries and
Information Science Act (20 U.S.C. 1503) is amended by
striking ``accept, hold, administer, and utilize gifts,
bequests, and devises of property,'' and inserting ``solicit,
accept, hold, administer, invest in the name of the United
States, and utilize gifts, bequests, and devises of services
or property,''.
SEC. 402. AMENDMENT TO MEMBERSHIP.
Section 6(a) of the National Commission on Libraries and
Information Science Act (20 U.S.C. 1505(a)) is amended--
(1) in the second sentence, by striking ``and at least one
other of whom shall be knowledgeable with respect to the
library and information service and science needs of the
elderly'';
(2) by striking the fourth sentence and inserting the
following: ``A majority of members of the
[[Page H8251]]
Commission who have taken office and are serving on the
Commission shall constitute a quorum for conduct of business
at official meetings of the Commission''; and
(3) in the fifth sentence, by striking ``five years, except
that'' and all that follows through the period and inserting
``five years, except that--
``(1) a member of the Commission appointed to fill a
vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for
which the member's predecessor was appointed, shall be
appointed only for the remainder of such term; and
``(2) any member of the Commission may continue to serve
after an expiration of the member's term of office until such
member's successor is appointed, has taken office, and is
serving on the Commission.''.
TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 501. AMENDMENTS TO ARTS AND ARTIFACTS INDEMNITY ACT.
Section 5 of the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act (20
U.S.C. 974) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ``$5,000,000,000'' and
inserting ``$8,000,000,000'';
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``$500,000,000'' and
inserting ``$600,000,000''; and
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (6), by striking ``or'' after the
semicolon;
(B) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
``(7) not less than $400,000,000 but less than
$500,000,000, then coverage under this chapter shall extend
only to loss or damage in excess of the first $400,000 of
loss or damage to items covered; or
``(8) $500,000,000 or more, then coverage under this
chapter shall extend only to loss or damage in excess of the
first $500,000 of loss or damage to items covered.''.
SEC. 502. NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MUSEUM.
(a) Designation.--The Capital Children's Museum located at
800 Third Street, NE, Washington, D.C. (or any successor
location), organized under the laws of the District of
Columbia, is designated as the ``National Children's
Museum''.
(b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation,
document, paper, or other record of the United States to the
Capital Children's Museum referred to in subsection (a) shall
be deemed to be a reference to the National Children's
Museum.
SEC. 503. CONFORMING AMENDMENT.
Section 170(e)(6)(B)(i)(III) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 (relating to the special rule for contributions of
computer technology and equipment for educational purposes)
is amended by striking ``section 213(2)(A) of the Library
Services and Technology Act (20 U.S.C. 9122(2)(A)'' and
inserting ``section 213(1)(A) of the Library Services and
Technology Act (20 U.S.C. 9122(1)(A))''.
SEC. 504. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.
(a) Title Heading.--The title heading for the Museum and
Library Services Act (20 U.S.C. 9101 et seq.) is amended to
read as follows:
``TITLE II--MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES''.
(b) Subtitle A Heading.--The subtitle heading for subtitle
A of the Museum and Library Services Act (20 U.S.C. 9101 et
seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``Subtitle A--General Provisions''.
(c) Subtitle B Heading.--The subtitle heading for subtitle
B of the Museum and Library Services Act (20 U.S.C. 9121 et
seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``Subtitle B--Library Services and Technology''.
(d) Subtitle C Heading.--The subtitle heading for subtitle
C of the Museum and Library Services Act (20 U.S.C. 9171 et
seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``Subtitle C--Museum Services''.
(e) Contributions.--Section 208 of the Museum and Library
Services Act (20 U.S.C. 9106) (as redesignated by section 104
of this Act) is amended by striking ``property of services''
and inserting ``property or services''.
(f) State Plan Contents.--Section 224(b)(5) of the Library
Services and Technology Act (20 U.S.C. 9134(b)(5)) is amended
by striking ``and'' at the end.
(g) National Leadership Grants, Contracts, or Cooperative
Agreements.--Section 262(b)(1) of the Library Services and
Technology Act (20 U.S.C. 9162(b)(1)) is amended by striking
``cooperative agreements, with,'' and inserting ``cooperative
agreements with,''.
SEC. 505. REPEALS.
(a) National Commission on Libraries and Information
Science Act.--Section 5 of the National Commission on
Libraries and Information Science Act (20 U.S.C. 1504) is
amended--
(1) by striking subsections (b) and (c); and
(2) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as
subsections (b), (c), and (d), respectively.
(b) Museum and Library Services Act of 1996.--Sections 704
through 707 of the Museum and Library Services Act of 1996
(20 U.S.C. 9102 note, 9103 note, and 9105 note) are repealed.
SEC. 506. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the
date of enactment of this Act, except that the amendments
made by sections 203, 204, and 305 of this Act shall take
effect on October 1, 2003.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra).
General Leave
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks on H.R. 13.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Michigan?
There was no objection.
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 13, the Museum and Library Services Act of 2003,
authorizes Federal assistance to museums and libraries through fiscal
year 2009. The bill before the House today maintains the modest, but
essential, Federal support for museums and libraries; encourages model
cooperation between museums and libraries; and authorizes funds for the
one Federal agency, the Institute of Museum and Library Services,
devoted exclusively to museums and libraries.
Last Congress, the Committee on Education and the Workforce reported
a bipartisan authorization bill that had 94 cosponsors. It was
supported by the administration, and it was endorsed by the American
Library Association, the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, and
the American Association of Museums. To complete our work from last
Congress, at the start of this year I introduced H.R. 13, the Museum
and Library Services Act of 2003. This year's bill has 126 cosponsors
and makes several modifications to current law to streamline and
strengthen museum and library services and builds on the bipartisan
progress made by the committee during the 107th Congress.
In March, the House overwhelmingly passed H.R. 13 by a vote of 416 to
2. Since then, we have been working with the Senate to reach agreement
on a consensus reauthorization bill that we could get to the President
as quickly as possible. Today, the House will consider that consensus
bill, which passed the Senate by unanimous consent on August 1, 2003.
Generally, this legislation authorizes the Federal Library and
Museums program under the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
More specifically, the bipartisan, bicameral version of the Museum and
Library Services Act prohibits projects that are determined to be
obscene from receiving funding; ensures that library activities are
coordinated with activities under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001;
consolidates museum and library advisory board activities under a
single statute; and ensures that administrative funds are also used to
conduct annual analyses of the impact of museum and library services to
identify needs and trends of services provided under funded programs.
In addition, H.R. 13 contains provisions to increase indemnity caps
under the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act. These changes to the Arts
and Artifacts Indemnity Act are designed to better facilitate the
international exchange between museum exhibitions in light of increased
commercial insurance costs for international museum exhibitions since
September 11, 2001.
The Library and Services and Technology subtitle of this legislation
is the only Federal program solely devoted to supporting libraries and
will assist libraries in providing crucial services to the communities
they serve. Throughout our Nation, libraries are at the forefront of
reading and family literacy programs. Additionally, libraries serve as
essential links to the business community, assisting with job creation,
training programs, and business development initiatives. They are also
critical for many people with disabilities, providing them with
specialized materials and resources that are obtainable in a single
location. For older Americans, libraries provide a place to interact
with others, use the Internet, and receive services. For those persons
of limited resources or who live in remote areas, libraries provide
access to books and reference materials, computers and the Internet and
community-based social services that are often available nowhere else.
The Museum Services subtitle of this legislation supports museums and
their educational role and assists museums in modernizing their methods
and facilities so that they are better able to conserve the cultural,
historic, and scientific heritage of the United States. Museums play an
important role in the education of people of all ages. Many American
museums provide K through
[[Page H8252]]
12 educational programming, with most using local and State curriculum
standards to shape their programs. Additionally, museums increasingly
partner with libraries to offer joint educational opportunities for
adults as well as children.
The Museum and Library Services Act of 2003 makes commonsense reforms
to authorize museum and library activities. This consensus bill
includes provisions important to Republicans and Democrats in both the
House and the Senate.
We have worked hard to ensure that views from all interested parties
were considered as we crafted our compromise. I would like to thank all
of those who participated in this process, which actually began in the
last Congress, including the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee, the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa). I thank him again for his support
in getting us to the point where we are today. The Institute of Museum
and Library Services, the American Library Association, and the Chief
Officers of State Library Agencies and the American Association of
Museums, they deserve a great deal of credit for the bipartisan bill
that is before us today.
I would also like to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. George
Miller), the ranking member of the full committee, and the gentleman
from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the chairman of the full committee, for their
support of this legislation, and also to the committee staff on both
the minority and majority side in both the House and the Senate that
did a tremendous amount of work to get this bill to the floor today.
Today will complete the work on the Museum and Library Services Act.
This bill will go to the President; and once it is signed into law, we
can ensure that our Nation's museums and libraries are getting the best
assistance we are able to provide from the Federal level.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 13, the Museum and
Library Services Act of 2003.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 13, the Museum and
Library Services Act of 2003. I would like to say to the over 117,000
libraries and to more than 16,000 museums nationwide, you have a real
friend and champion in the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra), the
chairman of the Subcommittee on Select Education. I also commend the
chairman and the ranking member of the Committee on Education and the
Workforce, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) and the gentleman from
California (Mr. George Miller) for their leadership in producing this
bipartisan legislation. This bill not only has strong bipartisan
support, it also has broad support from the library and the museum
community throughout the country.
I am proud that with this bill we are reaffirming our national
commitment to the institutions that provide access to information and
technology for many in our community who would not otherwise have
access to this wealth of information. Through this legislation, we are
demonstrating to the Nation that we value the key institutions that
preserve and promote our cultural heritage.
The Museum and Library Services Act strengthens the Federal support
for museum and library programs. It reauthorizes the Library Services
and Technology Act, raising the authorization level to $232 million and
increasing the minimum State allotment to $680,000.
{time} 1630
These grants can be used for expanding services, for learning and
access to informational and educational resources in a variety of
formats, for providing electronic and other linkages among and between
all types of libraries and for targeting services to people of diverse
geographic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
This legislation also reauthorizes the Museum Services Act to
encourage and support museums in carrying out their public service,
educational and leadership roles as stewards of the cultural, historic,
natural and scientific heritage of the United States of America. This
part of the legislation increased the authorization of this important
program to $38.6 million for fiscal year 2004.
Mr. Speaker, in my congressional district this program has provided
invaluable support to the International Museum of Art and Sciences in
my McAllen, as well as to the Donna Hooks Fletcher Historical Museum in
Donna; and there are many others that have benefitted as well. As a
result of this program these museums will strengthen their conservation
programs and increase their base of support in their community.
Also, H.R. 13 incorporates the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Act
introduced by my good friend and colleague, the gentlewoman from
Minnesota (Ms. McCollum). This act increases the indemnity coverage to
$600 million per exhibition. I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota for
her work on this important issue.
Finally, I would like to commend the committee staff for their
excellent work on this bill. In particular, I commend Rich Stombres and
Rebecca Hunt of the majority staff for their efforts on this bill. I
also wish to applaud the hard work of our Democratic committee staff,
Ricardo Martinez and Cheryl Johnson. This was a job well done.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Michigan (Mrs. Miller), the former Official State Historian of the
State of Michigan.
Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support today of H.R.
13, the Museum and Library Services Act. I would like to thank my
distinguished colleague and friend, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr.
Hoekstra) for introducing this legislation. His leadership on education
issues has been instrumental, quite frankly, in preparing our Nation's
youth for their future and for ensuring a high quality of life in our
communities.
As a cosponsor of H.R. 13, I urge my colleagues to pass this very
important legislation. The Museum and Library Services Act does more
than simply authorize funds. It improves the efficiency and delivery of
the services that libraries and museums supply to facilitate access to
important resources such as reference materials, classical literature
and the Internet also.
In addition, this legislation coordinates services offered by
libraries and museums so they can match these goals outlined in No
Child Left Behind. By giving these great institutions the tools they
need to maximize their impact on schools and communities, this House
can confirm its commitment to ensure that, indeed, no child is left
behind.
The effect of libraries and museums on education cannot be
overlooked, but we must also examine the role these institutions play
in improving the quality of life of the communities that they serve.
Libraries and museums are cultural centers and meeting places for
friends and for families. They are foundations of learning and of
entertainment. We must support these institutions so that they can
continue to support our community.
Mr. Speaker, I found it imperative that I speak today on H.R. 13. As
my distinguished colleague had mentioned, as Michigan's former
Secretary of State, actually part of my responsibilities for 7 years
was serving as Official Historian of the great State of Michigan and
the department I oversaw had jurisdiction, of course, over the Michigan
Historical Center. This center is truly one of the greatest cultural
assets in our State, and so I have firsthand knowledge of the great
work of our State's libraries and of our museums, and with the passage
of H.R. 13, these institutions will be able to continue their great
work.
In October of this year, the Clinton-Macomb Public Library will be
dedicating its new main library back in my home County of Macomb. This
facility will be the largest library in Macomb County and actually will
be the seventh largest library building in our great State of Michigan.
The services of this new state-of-the-art library, some that they
will provide, are simply remarkable. Not only will it have the newest
technology that is available, but the library will enact a 24-hour
delivery system. This will actually be the first of its kind in the
world. Additionally, its automated sorting will be only one of 10 in
the United States.
[[Page H8253]]
The Clinton-Macomb Public Library will be more than a collection of
books or microfilm, its children services have been designed to meet
the literacy needs of our children with a strong focus on pre-
schoolers. The new library will include learning centers for children
and there will be computers with educational software designed to
inspire learning in young children.
In addition, new technology will be available to all library users
regardless of age. The construction of this library is truly a great
thing. With the advent of the Internet many believed that libraries
would be a thing of the past. The Clinton-Macomb Public Library is
proof positive that this is not true. Instead, the demands for services
provided by libraries has absolutely exploded. It has expanded. The
libraries and museums are often on the cutting edge in utilization of
technology as a tool for customer service.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation is good government. It supports the
institutions that positively affect the lives of our citizens, and in a
time when our children are exposed to so many things that are negative,
libraries and museums offer services and resources that help our
children grow and learn.
I was proud to cosponsor this bill. I was proud to vote in favor of
this bill in March of this year, and I am certainly proud to speak in
favor of the bill today.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, as we approach the end of this debate on H.R. 13, I wish
to commend my friend and colleague, the chairman of our Subcommittee on
Select Education of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra), for the work that we have been
able to do in our committee in a bipartisan manner. I look forward to
working on many other bills that he and I have discussed as we move
along this year and go into the second half on the 108th Congress.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance
of my time.
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the chairman of the full committee.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Members on both sides of the
aisle for the good work that has been done on this bill.
This year millions of Americans will visit a museum in America and
millions more will visit their local library for books and other
community services.
Libraries and museums play a vital role in educating our children and
in promoting our communities. Throughout our Nation libraries are at
the forefront of reading and family literacy programs. Libraries are
critical to many people with disabilities, providing them with
specialized materials and resources that are obtainable in a single
accessible location.
For those of limited financial resources or who live in remote areas,
libraries provide access available nowhere else to books and reference
materials, computer services and other community-based services.
Museums across the country work with our local schools to provide K
through 12 educational programming. They are an important source of
cultural and historical knowledge, helping to promote learning about
the history and traditions of our country and other nations around the
world. In addition, museums serve as places where people of different
backgrounds come together to share information about history, culture,
and civilization.
In the last Congress, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra)
worked in a bipartisan manner to report the Museum and Library Services
Act of 2002 and he worked very closely with the gentleman from Texas
(Mr. Hinojosa). In this Congress, these gentlemen continued to author
H.R. 13, the Museum and Library Services Act of 2003, that passed the
House by a vote of 416 to 2, and that happened earlier this year.
Since then the two gentlemen have been working with the Senate on a
bipartisan compromise bill that has the support of the Bush
administration and has been endorsed by the American Library
Association, the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, and the
American Association of Museums. The Senate passed that compromise bill
by unanimous consent on August 1 of this year.
I just want to commend both the gentleman from Michigan (Mr.
Hoekstra) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) and the staff on
both sides of the aisle for all of the work that they have put into
this very important piece of legislation.
This legislation before us today funds the Institute of Museum and
Library Services, a Federal agency devoted exclusively to museums and
libraries which partner with our Nation's schools. It consolidates the
Museum and Library Board activities to reduce unnecessary paperwork and
duplication and prohibits projects that are determined to be obscene
from receiving funding.
In addition, the reauthorization of the Museum and Library Services
Act is an important next step in ensuring that the President's
education reforms signed into law last year are properly implemented.
The bill requires that all library activities are coordinated with
activities under the No Child Left Behind Act, President Bush's
landmark education reform legislation.
Let me also thank my good friend and colleague, the ranking Democrat
on our committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller), for his
support of this bill as we moved it through committee and as we have
gotten agreement with our colleagues in the other body. I think all of
the Members on both sides of the aisle under the leadership of the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) have an done an outstanding job
in bringing us to this point. I want to congratulate them on their
efforts.
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his kind words. We have had a
very successful year in the full committee. We are glad to contribute a
bill that also has now made it through the committee.
I would like to recognize one of our colleagues on the minority side
who is not here but who is the only librarian in Congress, the
gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens), for the assistance that he has
provided in putting this bill together. I know he has been very
interested in what we have been doing and has helped craft this final
bill based on the background and the experience that he has had.
I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) for his help, and I
look forward to working together with him on other pieces of
legislation.
Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my great support
for H.R. 13, the Museum and Library Services Act of 2003. This
compromise bill will provide libraries, throughout our nation with an
additional $232 million in funding.
Libraries are at the forefront of promoting our reading and family
literacy efforts. This additional funding will allow libraries to
maintain their traditional commitment to educating all Americans, young
and old, while also furthering their work to keep pace with the
development of technology by adding electronic media and new computers.
This bill will also greatly benefit our museums, which showcase our
heritage, art, and accomplishments. This year, more than 865 million
people will visit a museum in America. Similarly, millions of students
will check out their first book from their local library, and millions
of families will gather for community literacy and learning programs.
The role of libraries and museums in American society is critical.
I personally remember my hometown library and my hometown librarian,
Marther Gould, who now serves on the National Commission on Libraries
and Information Science. She stands as a stalwart supporter of our
library system and works diligently to ensure that they keep up with
21st century technology.
I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 13, so it can be signed
into law to ensure that our libraries and museums can continue to serve
our nation and future generations of Americans.
Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support
for H.R. 13, legislation to reauthorize the Museum and Library Services
Act.
I want to thank my colleagues, Mr. Hoekstra, from Michigan, and Mr.
Hinojosa, from Texas, for their efforts on behalf of our nation's
museums and libraries.
As a former teacher, I have witnessed firsthand the power of
libraries.
Libraries in my district and across the Nation offer citizens the
tools they need to stay informed, keep in touch with people far and
wide, and be an active part of this community
[[Page H8254]]
and world. They are critical to our efforts to educate our citizens.
In my own district, thanks to the help of thousands of volunteers and
donors, the main branch of the Kansas City library will soon open a
state of the art facility in the newly renovated First National Bank
Building located in downtown Kansas City. When it opens in the spring
of 2004, the new library will feature expanded community meeting
spaces, 107 more networked public computers, and 110 network ports for
public use. In addition to its historical preservation, what is
especially exciting about this project is the amount of public-private
collaboration that has gone into the process. And that is what this
bill today is all about.
The Institute for Museum and Library Services has been a model for
collaboration between the Federal government and local communities and
libraries. Since its inception in 1996, IMLS has provided more than
$16.7 million to support library and museum activities in Missouri. The
Kansas City Public Library has received considerable support, and the
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has also benefited from IMLS funding. The
Museum and Library Services Act has made a difference in libraries and
communities all over America and this reauthorization will help us
continue that legacy.
Since this legislation was first passed in 1996, our nation has
continued to lead the digital revolution. The Internet, e-mail, and
wireless technologies have transformed the way we work and communicate.
Unfortunately, many Americans are cut off from the jobs and economic
benefits that these amazing technological advances offer.
Libraries are an important part of our efforts to bridge this divide.
They offer networked public computers, access to the Internet, and
personalized assistance. Today's legislation will provide funding for
local communities to improve and expand these efforts.
Mr. Speaker, all of us agree that our libraries and museums are an
integral part of our communities. Unfortunately, in these tough
economic times, these vital community resources are often slated for
funding cuts. The legislation we approve today offers a helping hand. I
urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 13, the Museum and
Library Services Act, which will reauthorize the library and museums
program under the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The role
our libraries and museums play in educating our students, adults and
families is incomparable. The lifetime learning encouraged by libraries
and museums across the country is something we should all support.
I am particularly pleased that H.R. 13 raises the minimum State
allotment. For smaller States like Delaware, this makes a huge impact.
For example, with assistance from The Institute of Museum and Library
Services, Delaware was able to set the model for evolving with growing
technologies. Since 1996, DelAWARE, the Digital Library of the First
State, has provided online information and services to all citizens
with a library card. Delaware was also the first state to provide
access for all its citizens to thousands of newspapers and periodicals
in public libraries and remote access.
The support for libraries in Delaware is seen across the country.
There are more than 117,000 libraries in the United States, including
public libraries and libraries in schools, colleges and universities,
hospitals, law firms, businesses, the armed forces and more. In fact, a
recent study found that the majority of Americans felt libraries play a
unique role because they provide access to everything on the Web or in
print, as well as personal service and assistance in finding it.
The Institute for Museum and Library Services offers unique and vital
educational services to all Americans. By funding libraries and
museums, we improve access to information, improve care of collections
and enhance community service.
With the growing momentum and implementation of No Child Left Behind,
I encourage my colleagues to recognize museums and libraries as
supporting players in helping our young students and engaging their
families.
Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Simpson). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) that the House
suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill, H.R.
13.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the Senate amendment was
concurred in.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________