Museum and Library Services Act of 2018

Floor Speech

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Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3530) to reauthorize the Museum and Library Services Act.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: S. 3530

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Mr. BANKS of Indiana. 3530.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3530, the Museum and Library Services Act of 2018.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services was first established through the Museum and Library Services Act of 1996 to coordinate our Federal museum and library programs.

The majority of the funding that the IMLS receives supports the Library Grants to States Program. This specific program provides population-based formula grants to improve library services according to each State's 5-year plan. It also provides funding for library and museum services and professional development for library and museum professionals and aspiring professionals through competitive grants.

The Museum and Library Services Act of 2018 reauthorizes the IMLS and the programs under the law through fiscal year 2025 and authorizes level funding for 6 years equal to the amounts in current law.

The legislation also provides key reforms to the IMLS and its programs. S. 3530 updates provisions of the law to reflect the evolving role of libraries and museums in our society. It recognizes libraries as community hubs equipped to serve community needs, and the legislation highlights the unique educational role that museums play.

The bill increases the set-asides for services for Native Americans and codifies a museum professional development program in a way that mirrors the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.

Lastly, the legislation puts an emphasis on the needs of rural communities and funds activities that will serve geographically diverse areas.

This is commonsense reauthorization legislation that affirms the important role that libraries and museums play in our communities.

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Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Foxx).

Mr. Speaker, this bill is commonsense reauthorization legislation. I urge my colleagues to support S. 3530 and affirm the important role that libraries and museums play in our communities.

I yield back the balance of my time
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