[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

[[Page H8249]]

     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.

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