Thomas E. Petri: “I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 3567. This legislation will allow the Kennedy Center Board of Directors to have…”

“I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 3567. This legislation will allow the Kennedy Center Board of Directors to have direct control of the financial resources necessary to maintain the Center. My support for this legislation has been generated by the outstanding leadership which the chairman of the board of the Kennedy Center, Mr. James Wolfensohn, has brought to the Center's activities. Mr. Wolfensohn is a shining example of a highly successful businessman who has combined tax dollars with private dollars to fund a Federal program. In fact, thanks to the respect with which Mr. Wolfensohn is held by his many friends in the United States and overseas, he has been able to raise $71,265,000 from private sources to support the programs of the Kennedy Center. I appreciate Mr. Wolfensohn's willingness to not only seek direct control of the funding to maintain the Kennedy Center, but his willingness to be accountable for maximizing the use of the funds. The Kennedy Center has established an outstanding education program thanks to the efforts of Mr. Wolfensohn. This program serves thousands of children, their parents, and teachers in every State.”