Sheila Jackson Lee: “Let me just say, in concluding, there are many things that this bill does. I am hoping that we will rid ourselves of…”

“Let me just say, in concluding, there are many things that this bill does. I am hoping that we will rid ourselves of sequester to let it do more, and one of the things would be this outreach that brings us together as a Nation in a positive way. I cannot say good accolades about Houston museums in general, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, the Houston African American Museum that has a great purpose, and other museums that I hope we can address the Smithsonian's outreach capability. Mr. Chair, thank you for this opportunity to speak in support of my amendment to H.R. 2822, the ``Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2016.'' 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 provides that increases funding for the Smithsonian Institution by $1.5 million to fund outreach programs administered by the Smithsonian Institution. Mr.…”