Doris Matsui: “I rise in support of H.R. 5214, offered by my good friend and colleague on the Smithsonian Board of Regents, Mr. Regula.…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 5214, offered by my good friend and colleague on the Smithsonian Board of Regents, Mr. Regula. H.R. 5214 simply redesignates the current National Museum of American Art as the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This name change has been unanimously approved by the Smithsonian Board of Regents, but requires legislative approval to become official. The renaming directed in this legislation has become necessary to alleviate confusion that has arisen between the current National Museum of American Art, which is a Smithsonian museum, and the many other museums titled 'National Museum' most of which are not Smithsonian museums. This will be the third name change for this museum, which was first established in 1908 as the 'National Gallery of Art.' When Congress founded the current National Art Gallery, in 1937, the Smithsonian changed its gallery's name to 'National Collection of Fine Arts.' Most recently, in 1980, Congress renamed it to its current title to more accurately reflect its collections. Mr. Speaker, this legislation, while non-controversial, is an important formality for the Smithsonian Institution. The name 'Smithsonian' is instantly recognized worldwide, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum will be the beneficiary of that international reputation.”