Barbara Lee: “This amendment would eliminate funding for the Art in Embassies program. This program, established by President Kennedy…”

“This amendment would eliminate funding for the Art in Embassies program. This program, established by President Kennedy 60 years ago, recognizes that art is a powerful tool of diplomacy. It offers ambassadors the opportunity to engage other nations in a different type of dialogue and connection. Many of the artists featured in this program are homegrown American artists. The bill already includes restrictions and reporting on the Art in Embassies program to maintain oversight and accountability. This program is a public-private partnership, and eliminating its funding is just ridiculous. Let me just mention the shutdown because we are waiting. Democrats aren't causing this shutdown. To use waiting for a shutdown or about to have a shutdown as an excuse for eliminating funding for the Art in Embassies program is just downright disingenuous. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”