Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2006 -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 24, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2005

The House in Committee of the Whole House in the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2361) making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2006, and for other purposes:

* Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment to the Interior Appropriations bill submitted by Representatives SLAUGHTER, SHAYS, DICKS, LEACH, and PRICE to increase funds for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

* As a member of the Congressional Arts and Humanities Caucuses, and former chair of the California Legislature's Joint Committee on the Arts, I have had the opportunity to see first hand the tremendous role that the arts play in the education and development of our children. Several academic studies have demonstrated the connection between music, dance, visual arts, and the development of the human brain. It is a fact that arts education cultivates critical thinking skills that are so important in this information-age economy. Children who learn to read music or to play an instrument show improved proficiency in mathematics and sciences.

* Today, I am proud to support an increase of $10 million for the National Endowment for the Arts and a $5 million increase in funds for the National Endowment for the Humanities.

* One of the initiatives under the NEA, Challenge America, expands the National Endowment for the Arts reach to connect families and communities to local arts programs and educational components. Meanwhile, funds to support the National Endowment for the Humanities will continue to assist ``We the People'' to strengthen the teaching, study, and understanding of American History and culture.

* The arts are not only about appreciation and enjoyment, they are also a strong component of our economy. A recent study from Americans for the Arts found that the nonprofit art industry alone generated $134 billion in economic activity, including full time jobs, household income and tax revenues. More than $80 billion of this is spent by audiences who enthusiastically attend events in their local communities.

* In my own district, there are more than 2,700 arts-related businesses and more than 37,000 jobs including those in visual arts, design, and the performing arts. In addition, the film, television, and radio industry generates more than 26,000 jobs in the district I represent.

* I am proud to host an annual Congressional Arts Competition in my district that allows high school students to showcase their artistic talents in painting, drawing, and photography to the community. I have constantly been impressed with the artistic vision and creativity of our young people. This vision and creativity should be fostered, not discouraged.

* By supporting the arts and humanities, the federal government can partner with state and local efforts to bolster the quality of life as well as economic and educational opportunities in our communities.

http://thomas.loc.gov