Rick Lazio: “I rise today to support the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The Wilson Center is the nation's official…”

“I rise today to support the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The Wilson Center is the nation's official memorial to Woodrow Wilson, our 28th President. It was established by the 90th Congress, on the recommendation of a bipartisan Commission. The Wilson Center conducts activities that strengthen relations between the academic world and the world of public affairs. Using the words of the Appropriations Committee, the Wilson Center's role as "an international institute for advanced study, as well as a facilitator for discussions among scholars, public officials, journalists and business leaders on major long-term issues facing America and the world" is a fitting tribute to President Wilson's lifelong commitment to this type of exchange. Unlike any other advanced study center or think tank, the Wilson Center is both non-partisan, and focused on topics that cross national boundaries and academic disciplines. It is also unique in its extensive outreach to the public. Accordingly, it has enjoyed the support of every President since Lyndon Johnson. The Wilson Center has already received a 40% cut from the President's fiscal year 1996 request. We must cut no further. Congress chose to create the Wilson Center, rather than a more traditional memorial to the 28th President. We must honor that choice by continuing to support this important institute. I urge my colleagues to oppose the Smith amendment and preserve this vital center.”