Joe Cunningham: “I rise in support of H.R. 1720. I would like to bring attention to four important parts of this legislation: the…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1720. I would like to bring attention to four important parts of this legislation: the creation of the Institute for Museum and Library Services, the renewal of certain adult education and literacy programs, the privatization of Sallie Mae, and the resolution of the so-called 85-15 issue. The institute of museum and library services With the close help of America's museum and library communities, this legislation creates an Institute of Museum and Library Services. It merges the Institute of Museum Services and our Federal Library Services and Construction Act programs into one organization. We do this for three reasons. First, museums and libraries are first and foremost delivers of information. Through books and exhibits, microfiche, video, and the Internet, they can and do work together for the benefit of citizens and communities. Second, the advance of the Information Age is transforming how people obtain information. So we have placed a new focus on the Federal role in these programs--toward electronically linking libraries and museums to one another, to other agencies and services, and to communities, schools, and citizens.”