Adam Schiff: “I rise in support today for this modest bipartisan amendment offered by Representatives Slaughter, Dicks, Horn, Johnson…”

“I rise in support today for this modest bipartisan amendment offered by Representatives Slaughter, Dicks, Horn, Johnson and Morella to increase funds for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. As a Member of the Congressional Arts Caucus, I value the tremendous role arts funding and arts education programs play in the lives of our citizens. Several academic studies demonstrate the connection between music, dance, visual arts, and the development of the human brain. It is well known among researchers that arts education cultivates critical thinking skills so important in our information age economy. Let me tell you about some of the programs in my community that received NEA and NEH funds this past year. Artist-in-residence programs in elementary schools to encourage student and teacher involvement. A program in my district that incorporates traditional music and dance from diverse cultures to improve student relations, coordination and memory. An amateur chamber orchestra. A fellowship program at a library and museum for art instructors who will, in turn, teach our artists of tomorrow. But this debate is not simply about the arts alone. Children who learn to read music or play an instrument show improved proficiency in math. This increase of $15 million under the Interior Appropriations for the NEA and NEH will go to fund so many rich programs offered and so many opportunities for us all.”