[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 148 (Monday, November 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SMITHSONIAN CONSERVATION BIOLOGY INSTITUTE ENHANCEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5717 would upgrade the 
Smithsonian Institution's scientific and educational activities at its 
unique animal conservation facility, the Smithsonian Conservation 
Biology Institute at Front Royal, Virginia. The SCBI, a part of the 
National Zoo, is renowned worldwide for its work preserving and 
breeding endangered species, and is a magnet for prominent researchers 
and students starting careers in related fields. The bill will provide 
additional modern facilities to conduct programs and house students at 
the site, and relocate animal holding facilities for endangered red 
pandas and clouded leopards.
  H.R. 5717 contains three elements. First, the bill would authorize $1 
million in Federal funds in fiscal 2010 which has already been 
appropriated; $1 million in fiscal 2011; and $3 million in later fiscal 
years, to plan, design, and construct a facility which would include 
laboratories and offices to conduct research and educational programs. 
This aggregate authorization of $5 million constitutes the only Federal 
funds provided in the bill. The Smithsonian would supply an additional 
$5 million out of its own privately-raised trust funds to complete the 
project.
  The bill would also authorize the Smithsonian Board of Regents to 
enter into agreements for the provision of housing and dining services 
to participants in the programs, at no cost to the Smithsonian. George 
Mason University, located in northern Virginia, plans to use $20 
million in state revenue bonds to construct a dormitory and cafeteria 
facility at the site. There would not be any cost to the Federal 
government or to the Smithsonian. In October, 2008, the Smithsonian and 
GMU signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the 
``Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program'', and GMU will 
give course credit to participants.
  The Smithsonian Institution has frequently entered into cooperative 
agreements with other institutions, including universities, though this 
is the first time that it would allow an outside entity to construct a 
building on property it controls. After 30 years, ownership of the GMU-
constructed facilities will pass to the Smithsonian. This no-cost 
feature makes the project an especially attractive addition to the 
Smithsonian's infrastructure.
  Finally, the bill would authorize the Smithsonian to plan, design and 
construct animal holding and related program facilities at Front Royal, 
but without any Federal funding. The cost, estimated to be between $1 
to 2 million, would be paid for entirely by the Smithsonian's 
privately-raised trust funds.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation was introduced by the three House 
Members who serve on the Smithsonian Board of Regents--Representatives 
Becerra, Matsui and Sam Johnson--and by Rep. Wolf of Virginia, in whose 
district the facility is located. It was considered and reported by 
voice vote both by the primary committee of jurisdiction, the Committee 
on House Administration, and by the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure. I know of no controversy and I urge Members to support 
H.R. 5717.

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