[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006

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                               speech of

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 19, 2005

        The House in Committee of the Whole House in the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2361) making 
     appropriations for the Department of the Interior, 
     environment and related agencies for the fiscal year ending 
     September 30, 2006, and for other purposes:

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment to the 
Interior Appropriations bill submitted by Representatives Slaughter, 
Shays, Dicks, Leach, and Price to increase funds for the National 
Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
  As a member of the Congressional Arts and Humanities Caucuses, and 
former chair of the California Legislature's Joint Committee on the 
Arts, I have had the opportunity to see first hand the tremendous role 
that the arts play in the education and development of our children. 
Several academic studies have demonstrated the connection between 
music, dance, visual arts, and the development of the human brain. It 
is a fact that arts education cultivates critical thinking skills that 
are so important in this information-age economy. Children who learn to 
read music or to play an instrument show improved proficiency in 
mathematics and sciences.
  Today, I am proud to support an increase of $10 million for the 
National Endowment for the Arts and a $5 million increase in funds for 
the National Endowment for the Humanities.
  One of the initiatives under the NEA, Challenge America, expands the 
National Endowment for the Arts reach to connect families and 
communities to local arts programs and educational components. 
Meanwhile, funds to support the National Endowment for the Humanities 
will continue to assist ``We the People'' to strengthen the teaching, 
study, and understanding of American History and culture.
  The arts are not only about appreciation and enjoyment, they are also 
a strong component of our economy. A recent study from Americans for 
the Arts found that the nonprofit art industry alone generated $134 
billion in economic activity, including full time jobs, household 
income and tax revenues. More than $80 billion of this is spent by 
audiences who enthusiastically attend events in their local 
communities.
  In my own district, there are more than 2,700 arts-related businesses 
and more than 37,000 jobs including those in visual arts, design, and 
the performing arts. In addition, the film, television, and radio 
industry generates more than 26,000 jobs in the district I represent.
  I am proud to host an annual Congressional Arts Competition in my 
district that allows high school students to showcase their artistic 
talents in painting, drawing, and photography to the community. I have 
constantly been impressed with the artistic vision and creativity of 
our young people. This vision and creativity should be fostered, not 
discouraged.
  By supporting the arts and humanities, the federal government can 
partner with state and local efforts to bolster the quality of life as 
well as economic and educational opportunities in our communities.




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