Jerry Nadler: “I rise in support of the Slaughter amendment to increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, the National…”

“I rise in support of the Slaughter amendment to increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Museum Services. Frankly, this amendment is just a drop in the bucket compared to the increase these cultural agencies need and deserve. But it is finally a step in the right direction. I hope that the senseless battles over Federal funding for the arts is finally behind us. We have debated the proper role of government in supporting the arts time and again, and the facts are clear, the NEA is a good investment for our country. I will not rehash all the arguments in favor of Federal funding, from the economic stimulus it provides, to the private and local public money it leverages. We know about the broad geographic reach of the NEA, with grants to all 50 States. The Challenge America initiative is touching hundreds of rural communities across the country. We know that NEA supports numerous educational projects for young children and lifelong learners alike. And then there are the intangible benefits of the arts, their ability to lift our spirits and forge a sense of community. We need only think of the stirring presentation by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary at the Republican and Democratic Caucuses this week to understand the power that music has to bring people together. So the debate is over. The question is no longer should the government subsidize the arts; the question is how much.”