[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             FULL-YEAR CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2011

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                               speech of

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 16, 2011

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1) making 
     appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other 
     departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes:

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to the CR put 
forward by my Republican colleagues, and specifically to the amendment 
offered by Mr. Garrett of New Jersey and Mr. Mack of Florida, and a 
separate amendment by Mr. Walberg of Michigan, which would either 
eliminate or drastically reduce funding for the National Endowment for 
the Arts.
  In tough economic times, funding for the arts may appear to be an 
easy area to cut. But we cannot forget that the arts industry is an 
active and crucial part of the American economy.
  The non-profit arts industry generates $166.2 billion annually, and 
supports 5.7 million full-time jobs across the United States. Spending 
in the arts stimulates local economies, creates attractive communities, 
and supports tourism. Cultural tourism alone contributes $192 billion 
annually to our country's economy.
  And the federal government is not the lone supporter of these 
projects, but the federal funding is critical to leveraging local, 
state and private dollars. The direct grants from the National 
Endowment for the Arts that reach each and every congressional district 
around the country are often matched by other resources.
  In my hometown of Sacramento, California, NEA funding is helping to 
support a thriving arts scene that is putting our city on the map. In 
addition to bringing intellectual diversity to the region, it is 
helping to support young artists, smaller museums, and cultural 
programs. NEA funding supports galleries and exhibits that are part an 
extended classroom for our students.
  As a former docent of the Crocker Art Museum, I can tell you 
firsthand the effect that an individual piece of art, or a trip to a 
museum, can have on a child. Many children would never have the 
opportunity otherwise to participate in these inspiring experiences.
  And the commitment of federal funding for our local artists and art 
venues sends a strong signal that we are a nation that thinks art is 
important, and that symbol's influence cannot be overstated.
  We must make tough choices. But the question is where. I do not 
believe gutting our nation's cultural institutions is the place to do 
so. We cannot afford to stifle the creativity of our students and our 
citizens.
  I urge my colleagues to vote against these harmful amendments and 
against this CR.

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