Sheila Jackson Lee: “Thank you for this opportunity to speak in support of my amendment to Division A of H.R. 3354, the ``Interior and…”

“Thank you for this opportunity to speak in support of my amendment to Division A of H.R. 3354, the ``Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2018.'' Let me also thank Chairman Calvert and Ranking Member McCollum for their leadership in shepherding this bill to the floor. Among other agencies, this legislation funds the Smithsonian Institution, which operates our national museums, including the Air and Space Museum; the Museum of African Art; the Museum of the American Indian; and the National Portrait Gallery. The Smithsonian also operates another national treasure: the National Zoo. Mr. Chair, my amendment is simple but it sends a very important message from the Congress of the United States. The Jackson Lee Amendment simply provides that: ``Sec.___. None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to limit outreach programs administered by the Smithsonian Institution.'' This amendment is identical to an amendment I offered to the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for FY2008 (H.R. 2822) that was approved by voice vote on July 7, 2016. Mr. Chair, the Smithsonian's outreach programs bring Smithsonian scholars in art, history and science out of ``the nation's attic'' and into their own backyard. Each year, millions of Americans visit the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.…”