[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 136 (Tuesday, September 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                H.R. 13--MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES ACT

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2003

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 13, to 
reauthorize the Museum and Library Services Act.
  H.R. 13 contains a provision that will amend the Arts and Artifacts 
Indemnity Act to increase maximum limits on liability amounts.
  It is important to pass this provision that would raise the cap so 
that museums are able to obtain valued exhibitions from overseas.
  The current cap is preventing museums from receiving the total amount 
of indemnity coverage that they need, forcing them to buy commercial 
insurance. Many museums simply cannot afford commercial insurance.
  This provision will allow museums to continue benefiting from the 
Arts and Indemnity Program, which has benefited millions of Americans 
by allowing valuable works of art to travel to U.S. Museums.
  Several museums in Minnesota, including the Walker Art Center and the 
Minneapolis Institute of Art will be able to continue borrowing 
exhibitions from all over the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this very important bill.

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