Louise Slaughter: “Mr. Speaker, since the Arts Caucus could not present its amendment this evening, we will give Members one chance this…”

“Mr. Speaker, since the Arts Caucus could not present its amendment this evening, we will give Members one chance this evening to vote for or against art and humanities. This is the very same proposal that passed today. It is a vote on art. It passed today by 207 to 204 with bipartisan support. If Members supported it today, they should support it this morning. Mr. Speaker, these funds do not support a $9 billion industry, as stated earlier this evening, but exist to bring beauty, truth, history, and hope to those who might have no other exposure to them. This includes the NEA programs that are presently on Indian reservations. It is also money in the bank. The $98 million spent last year will bring back to the Federal Treasury $4 billion to $5 billion this year. An investment with a return like that deserves to be increased. I urge a yes vote on the motion to recommit.”