Sheila Jackson Lee: “Again, let me offer my appreciation to the gentlewoman from Minnesota, the gentleman from California, and their staff…”

“Again, let me offer my appreciation to the gentlewoman from Minnesota, the gentleman from California, and their staff who have worked with us. Let me remind my colleagues that just a few days ago, I offered this amendment dealing with museums and dealing with my concern for the funding and the Smithsonian, to provide for the Nation's museum. Let me also say to my colleagues that I have offered this amendment in the past because I have a particular interest in the museums of America and their ability to do outreach. I imagine I am not alone standing here amongst appropriators to again say and call for the end of sequestration to be able to provide the appropriators and to provide the people of America the full funding to address these quality of life issues from the various lands and Federal parks and, as well, the historic trails, of which I will talk about, but museums, urban reforestation, all elements of the beauty of this Nation. And I frankly believe that museums, likewise, are that form of beauty. My amendment specifically says: ``None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to limit outreach programs administered by the Smithsonian Institution.'' In order to fulfill the Smithsonian's mission, the increase and diffusion of knowledge, the Smithsonian seeks to serve an even greater audience by bringing the Smithsonian to enclaves of communities who otherwise would be deprived of the vast amounts of cultural history offered by the Smithsonian.…”