[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 144 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6040-S6043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

      By Mr. PETERS:
  S. 3381. A bill to establish a program to accurately document 
vehicles that were significant in the history of the United States, and 
for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, few American innovations have changed the 
modern world like the automobile. Cars and trucks are now woven into 
the very fabric of American life and culture. As a Senator from the 
State of Michigan, as well as a car and motorcycle enthusiast, I am 
especially proud of our State's leading role in the American auto 
industry.
  The history of the automobile is really a history of American 
workers, innovators, and entrepreneurs, and it must be preserved. Right 
before me are two pictures of two really iconic vehicles, vehicles such 
as the 1964 Shelby Cobra at the top and a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro. These 
two cars helped spark a lifelong love of cars for millions of 
Americans. Fifty years later, these vehicles still inspire today's 
innovators and engineers as they work to develop cars and trucks of the 
future to be smarter, safer, more reliable, and more efficient than 
ever before. However, there is currently no dedicated Federal register 
to document historically significant automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, 
and commercial vehicles for future generations of Americans to 
appreciate and to enjoy.
  Today I am introducing the National Historic Vehicle Register Act, 
which will establish a Federal register of historic vehicles and 
document and preserve records of these vehicles for our Nation's 
history. This legislation will ensure that the engineering drawings, 
photos, and stories of historically important vehicles will be 
available to inspire Americans and celebrate the accomplishments of the 
American auto industry.
  The National Historic Vehicle Register Act would build on efforts of 
the Historic Vehicle Association to help document and preserve the 
legacy of some of our most historic vehicles. I recently had the 
opportunity to see two of the autos that have already been documented 
by the Historic Vehicle Association. I saw this vehicle right here at 
the bottom. This is President Taft's 1909 White Steam Car. It was the 
very first Presidential limousine. It is a beautiful and fascinating 
example of steam car technology from the early days of the automobile 
and could reach astonishing speeds up to 60 miles an hour. In addition 
to being a pleasant way to get around, President Taft's use of 
automobiles helped encourage other Americans to adopt the new 
technology as their favorite mode of transportation.
  I also had the honor to see the Jeep up on the top photo, which is 
President Reagan's 1962 Willys Jeep CJ-6. It was a Christmas gift from 
his wife Nancy. Standing next to the Jeep, I could not help but have a 
vivid picture of President Reagan driving it on his ranch in 
California, often accompanied by his dogs Lucky, Freebo, and Victory. 
The register would work to preserve these memories, with members of the 
historic vehicles community selecting automobiles and motorcycles to 
include in the register and establishing collaborative partnerships to 
carry out the register's activities.
  Our Nation's rich automotive history belongs to the American people, 
and it is worthy of its own dedicated register. I look forward to 
working with my Senate colleagues, the historic vehicle community, and 
car enthusiasts across the country to preserve our motor heritage.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. DURBIN (for himself and Mr. Wicker):
  S. 3390. A bill to ensure that significantly more students graduate 
college with the international knowledge and experience essential for 
success in today's global economy through the establishment of the 
Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program in the Department of Education; 
to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, throughout his life, the late Senator Paul 
Simon believed that for the United States to be a true world leader, 
our country and its citizens needed to strengthen our international 
understanding. In a 1995 floor speech, he posed the question ``Can 
someone really be considered educated if, upon graduation as an 
engineer or physician or teacher or journalist or accountant or 
architect, he or she does not have the most minimal understanding of 
the rest of the world?'' At the heart of this question was his 
aspiration for our country to become more internationally aware.
  Following the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001--an event that 
is now 15 years in our past, Senator Simon shared his vision of a world 
in which peace and security is fostered through mutual understanding 
and global awareness. He believed the best way to develop this 
understanding and awareness was through fulling submerse oneself in 
another culture. Senator Simon saw that the opportunity for this 
already existed on college campuses through study abroad programs. 
Study abroad helps students make a connection with another part of the 
world and begin to develop insight into the perspectives of other 
nations. By exposing young adults to study abroad, today's students 
will become more globally aware future leaders.

[[Page S6041]]

  Unfortunately, as a country, we are falling short of achieving the 
great vision set forth by Senator Simon. Currently, less than 2 percent 
of enrolled post-secondary students in the United States study abroad. 
Furthermore, the students who do study abroad are not reflective of 
post-secondary enrollment in the United States. Minority students, 
first generation college students, and community college students are 
significantly underrepresented among those who do study abroad. These 
groups of students disproportionately lose out on the remarkable 
educational opportunities that come along with studying abroad--
engaging with other cultures, enhancing foreign language skills, and 
expanding international knowledge through firsthand experience.
  Further, the students who study abroad do so overwhelmingly in just 
one part of the world. Of all students who study abroad, 40 percent 
study in just four countries: the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and 
France. An additional 13 percent study in other European countries, 
meaning that over half of all U.S. students who study abroad do so in 
Europe. Europe has many valuable and important educational experiences 
to offer American students. But, increasing the diversity of study 
abroad destinations allows students to expand their horizons and make 
connections that will help them develop a global perspective and deeper 
understanding of the challenges we face in the 21st Century.
  In 2004, Congress took the first step towards expanding study abroad 
when it authorized the Commission on Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad 
Fellowship Program to provide recommendations to Congress and the 
President on expanding study abroad programs.
  Today, I am honored to carry on the vision laid out by Senator Simon 
as Senator Wicker and I introduce the Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad 
Program Act. This legislation takes an important step towards making 
the vision of Senator Simon a reality based on the recommendations made 
by the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Commission.
  It establishes a competitive grant program for institutions of higher 
education to encourage the sustainable expansion of study abroad 
opportunities for students in the United States. Over the next 10 
years, this grant program aims to increase the overall number of 
undergraduate students studying abroad each year to one million 
students. It will place a special emphasis on increasing opportunities 
for nontraditional and minority students, so that the demographics of 
students who study abroad more closely reflect the population of 
current undergraduate students.
  This bill will also emphasize getting students to study abroad in 
nontraditional destinations particularly in developing countries. We 
need to send more students to developing nations because these are the 
places that America needs to better understand--countries in Africa, 
Asia, Latin America, South America, and the Middle East. This 
legislation takes important steps toward expanding and diversifying 
participation in study abroad.
  I am pleased that several organizations have endorsed this bill 
including the American Public and Land-grant Universities, Association 
of International Educators, Partners of the Americas, American Council 
on Education, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Forum 
on Education Abroad, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and 
Universities, and the Association of American Universities.
  In today's global society, an undergraduate education that includes a 
meaningful study abroad experience is more important than ever. 
Expanded participation in study abroad is necessary to prepare the next 
generation of Americans with the global knowledge and skills needed for 
success in an increasingly interconnected world. I thank Senator Wicker 
for standing with me in this effort and I hope my colleagues will join 
us.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 3390

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Senator Paul Simon Study 
     Abroad Program Act of 2016''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) To prepare students for success in the modern global 
     economy, opportunities for study abroad should be included as 
     part of a well-rounded education.
       (2) Study abroad programs provide students with 
     unparalleled access to international knowledge, an unmatched 
     opportunity to learn foreign languages, and a unique 
     environment for developing cultural understanding, all of 
     which are knowledge and skills needed in today's global 
     economy.
       (3) Less than 2 percent of all enrolled postsecondary 
     students in the United States study abroad for credit in any 
     given year, and minority students, first generation college 
     students, and community college students are significantly 
     underrepresented in study abroad participation.
       (4) Congress authorized the establishment of the Commission 
     on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program 
     pursuant to section 104 of the Miscellaneous Appropriations 
     and Offsets Act, 2004 (division H of Public Law 108-199). 
     Pursuant to its mandate, the Lincoln Commission submitted to 
     Congress and the President a report of its recommendations 
     for greatly expanding the opportunity for students at 
     institutions of higher education in the United States to 
     study abroad, with special emphasis on studying in developing 
     nations.
       (5) According to the Lincoln Commission, ``[e]xperience 
     shows that leadership from administrators and faculty will 
     drive the number of study abroad participants higher and 
     improve the quality of programs. Such leadership is the only 
     way that study abroad will become an integral part of the 
     undergraduate experience.''. A competitive grant program is 
     necessary to encourage and support such leadership.

     SEC. 3. PURPOSES.

       The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to ensure that significantly more students have access 
     to quality study abroad opportunities;
       (2) to ensure that the diversity of students studying 
     abroad reflects the diversity of students and institutions of 
     higher education in the United States;
       (3) to encourage greater diversity in study abroad 
     destinations by increasing the portion of study abroad that 
     takes place in nontraditional study abroad destinations, 
     especially in developing countries; and
       (4) to encourage a greater commitment by institutions of 
     higher education to expand study abroad opportunities.

     SEC. 4. SENATOR PAUL SIMON STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM.

       Section 741 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1138) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (12) and (13) as paragraphs 
     (13) and (14), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (11) the following:
       ``(12) awarding grants under the Senator Paul Simon Study 
     Abroad Program described in subsection (g);''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(g) Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Program.--
       ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
       ``(A) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     `institution of higher education' has the meaning given the 
     term in section 101(a).
       ``(B) National of the united states.--The term `national of 
     the United States' means a national of the United States or 
     an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence (as those 
     terms are defined in section 101 of the Immigration and 
     Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101)).
       ``(C) Nontraditional study abroad destination.--The term 
     `nontraditional study abroad destination' means a location 
     that is determined by the Secretary to be a less common 
     destination for students who study abroad.
       ``(D) Student.--The term `student' means a national of the 
     United States who is enrolled at an institution of higher 
     education located within the United States.
       ``(E) Study abroad.--The term `study abroad' means an 
     educational program of study, work, research, internship, or 
     combination thereof that is conducted outside the United 
     States and that carries academic credit.
       ``(2) Senator paul simon study abroad program.--
       ``(A) Establishment.--There is established in the 
     Department a program to be called the `Senator Paul Simon 
     Study Abroad Program'.
       ``(B) Objectives.--The objectives of the program 
     established under subparagraph (A) are, that not later than 
     10 years after the date of enactment of the Senator Paul 
     Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2016--
       ``(i) not less than 1,000,000 undergraduate students will 
     study abroad annually;
       ``(ii) the demographics of study abroad participation will 
     reflect the demographics of the United States undergraduate 
     population; and
       ``(iii) an increasing portion of study abroad will take 
     place in nontraditional study

[[Page S6042]]

     abroad destinations, with a substantial portion of such 
     increases in developing countries.
       ``(C) Competitive grants to institutions of higher 
     education.--In order to accomplish the objectives set forth 
     in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall award grants on a 
     competitive basis to institutions of higher education, 
     individually or in a consortium, based on applications by the 
     institutions that--
       ``(i) set forth detailed plans for using grant funds to 
     further such objectives;
       ``(ii) include an institutional commitment to expanding 
     access to study abroad;
       ``(iii) include plans for evaluating progress made in 
     increasing access to study abroad;
       ``(iv) describe how increases in study abroad participation 
     achieved through the grant will be sustained in subsequent 
     years; and
       ``(v) demonstrate that the programs have established health 
     and safety guidelines and procedures.
       ``(D) Nongovernmental institutions.--Consortia of 
     institutions of higher education applying for grants 
     described in subparagraph (C) may include nongovernmental 
     institutions that provide and promote study abroad 
     opportunities for students.
       ``(E) Commission on the abraham lincoln study abroad 
     fellowship program.--In administering the program, the 
     Secretary shall take fully into account the recommendations 
     of the Commission on the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad 
     Fellowship Program, established pursuant to section 104 of 
     the Miscellaneous Appropriations and Offsets Act, 2004 
     (division H of Public Law 108-199).
       ``(F) Consultation.--In carrying out this paragraph, the 
     Secretary shall consult with representatives of diverse 
     institutions of higher education, educational policy 
     organizations, and others with appropriate expertise.
       ``(3) Annual report.--Not later than December 31 of each 
     year following the date of enactment of the Senator Paul 
     Simon Study Abroad Program Act of 2016, the Secretary shall 
     submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
     Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the 
     Workforce of the House of Representatives a report on the 
     implementation of this subsection during the prior fiscal 
     year.
       ``(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection 
     such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2017 and each 
     subsequent fiscal year.''.
                                 ______
                                 
      By Mr. REED (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Cochran, and Mrs. 
        Gillibrand):
  S. 3391. A bill to reauthorize the Museum and Library Services Act; 
to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I am pleased to be joined by Senators 
Collins, Cochran, and Gillibrand in introducing legislation to renew 
the law that expands the reach of libraries and museums and enables 
them to better serve their communities. These vital institutions 
educate, inform, engage, and connect people from all walks of life.
  This year marks several milestones for library and museum programs at 
the Federal level. Sixty years ago, in 1956, Congress passed 
legislation to establish the first Federal program of direct support to 
public libraries, with the goal of expanding access. Forty years ago, 
in 1976, Congress established the Institute of Museum Services to 
provide assistance to museums, including for exhibits and conservation, 
educational programs, and professional curatorial training. In the 
following years, the programs were updated and renewed many times to 
addressing evolving needs for library and museum services. Twenty years 
ago, in 1996, Congress passed the Museum and Library Services Act, 
establishing the Institute of Museum and Library Services, IMLS, to 
house the library and museum programs together for the first time. My 
predecessor, the late Senator Claiborne Pell, a great champion for 
expanding educational and cultural opportunities to all communities, 
was instrumental in passage of this law. The Senate Committee report 
for this bill noted the ``great potential in an Institute that is 
focused on the combined roles that libraries and museums play in our 
community life, in support of research, learning, and entertainment, 
and in support of American culture and history.''
  We have seen this borne out over the last 20 years. Through a 
relatively modest Federal investment, IMLS has helped build capacity to 
support and expand access to library and museum services at the State 
and local levels. IMLS has been the source of major Federal support for 
the full range of libraries, including public, academic, research, 
special, and tribal libraries--123,000 across the country--and the full 
range of museums, including art, history, science and technology, 
children's, historical societies, tribal, planetariums, botanic 
gardens, and zoos--35,000 across the country. We have seen access to 
libraries and museums increase all the while these institutions have 
striven to meet the ever-evolving needs of their communities.
  In Rhode Island, IMLS funding for the grants to States program under 
the Library Services and Technology Act, LSTA, has supported improved 
online resources; literacy initiatives, including a summer reading 
program; and the provision of talking books to residents with visual 
impairments and disabilities. This year, Providence Public Library was 
awarded a nearly $530,000 National Leadership Grant to provide 
underserved teens with learning opportunities, leading to digital 
credentials, academic credit, exposure to work, and entry into 
education and career pathways. IMLS has also supported and elevated the 
work of Rhode Island museums. I was so pleased that the Tomaquag Museum 
in Exeter was one of ten recipients nationally to be recognized with a 
2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The Providence 
Children's Museum and the Preservation Society of Newport County also 
received grants to support their work this year.
  I have been proud to continue the work of Senator Pell in supporting 
robust funding for libraries and museums and authoring the last two 
renewals of the Museum and Library Services Act. I have seen firsthand 
the impact libraries and museums have had on our communities in Rhode 
Island and the residents and visitors they serve, making our State 
stronger because of the services and experiences that these 
institutions provide.
  The museum and library communities have provided invaluable input in 
helping us craft this bipartisan legislation. I would especially like 
to thank the Rhode Island library community for hosting me at libraries 
across the state and convening a roundtable discussion in June to delve 
deeper into the programs libraries are providing and ways to improve 
how they serve their communities.
  In response to the input and insight offered by the library and 
museum communities, the bill we are introducing today, the Museum and 
Library Services Act of 2016, requires the use of data-driven tools to 
measure the impact and maximize the effectiveness of library and museum 
services and better tailor services to address and meet community 
needs. The legislation provides for technical support and assistance to 
help the library and museum fields with their data collection 
responsibilities. It also enhances IMLS's collaborative efforts with an 
expanded number of Federal agencies in order to fully leverage the 
benefits libraries and museums provide to Americans.
  This legislation also amends LSTA to highlight the role of libraries 
as community hubs, through services and programming in such areas as 
literacy, education, lifelong learning, workforce development, economic 
and business development, digital literacy skills, critical thinking, 
financial literacy skills, and new and emerging technology. The bill 
provides greater emphasis on recruiting and training of the next 
generation of library and information science professionals from 
diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Additionally, it seeks to 
focus leadership grant funds on activities that serve a range of 
library types and geographically diverse areas; have evaluation, 
analysis, and dissemination components; and involve, impact, or have 
future applicability in libraries.
  In 1964, when signing an expansion of library programs into law, 
President Lyndon Baines Johnson remarked, ``Libraries are not just for 
the young and the curious about an exciting world. They are not just 
for our youth preparing for their careers. They are not just for busy 
people looking for information to do their jobs. Libraries are for 
everyone and therein lies their real value.'' The changes we are 
contemplating in this reauthorization bill are designed to continue 
fulfilling this promise and update the law not only to account for 
activities that are currently underway but also to look ahead and 
provide flexibility for libraries to constantly respond to changing 
demands and missions.
  The Museum and Library Services Act of 2016 also builds on the 40-
year

[[Page S6043]]

legacy of Federal support for improving and expanding access to museum 
services. It addresses the critical need for professional development 
and recruiting and preparing the next generation of museum 
professionals, emphasizing diversity so that museums better reflect the 
communities they serve. The legislation also highlights the educational 
role of museums and the diverse ways that museums engage their 
communities, and it encourages partnerships with other agencies, 
professional networks, and community-based organizations to expand and 
enhance access to museum services.
  At this year's National Medal for Museum and Library Service 
ceremony, First Lady Michelle Obama captured why it is so vital that we 
continue to support libraries and museums on a national level: ``Day 
after day, year after year, our nation's libraries and museums are here 
for our communities. And at the end of the day, you all don't measure 
your impact by the number of books on your shelves or pieces in your 
exhibits, but by the young people you inspire, the lives you transform, 
and the impact you have every single day on your communities.''
  The Museum and Library Services Act of 2016 will continue our 
tradition of supporting our communities through their museums and 
libraries. It has the support of the American Library Association and 
the American Alliance of Museums and many of their affiliated 
associations. I thank my colleagues for supporting this endeavor and 
look forward to more joining us as we work together to urge swift 
action to adopt this important legislation.

                          ____________________