Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025
Floor Speech
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Mrs. BICE. Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of my amendment, which would prohibit the use of any Federal funds or resources from being used to host drag shows at the Smithsonian. I have had several interactions with Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch on this very issue.
In a House Administration Committee hearing in December of last year, I questioned Secretary Bunch on whether or not taxpayer funds were used for drag shows and if the Smithsonian had plans to continue to promote drag shows for children.
During the hearing, Secretary Bunch said, ``I think it's not appropriate to expose children to drag shows. I'm surprised and I will look into that.''
I was pleased to hear this answer as I also believe it is inappropriate to expose children to these types of events. Only a few weeks later, I was shocked to see that Secretary Bunch had begun pulling back on his answers to me. I believe this is in large part due to the blowback from staff who worked at the Smithsonian.
A few months later, the Secretary followed up with answers to additional questions I had. While a response from the Smithsonian stated taxpayer funds were not used for drag shows directly, official time and Smithsonian resources, such as websites and staff as well as building space were being used. To me, this is completely unacceptable.
The Smithsonian then hosted an event titled: Neurodiverse Drag Story Hour, utilizing a taxpayer-funded Smithsonian building, advertised on taxpayer-funded websites, and using taxpayer-funded staff.
Madam Chair, the Smithsonian should focus on education and research, not inappropriate entertainment. Instead of diffusing knowledge, which is the mission statement of the Smithsonian, we are diffusing the intent and the mission of the institution.
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Mrs. BICE. Madam Chair, I hear the words from my colleague from Maine, but I will note a few instances of what we are seeing at the Smithsonian because I believe that to be incorrect.
Drag events at Smithsonian Institution Museums include: June 22, the Neurodiverse Drag Story Hour; June 23, 2023, Native Pride Extravaganza, the American Indian Museum; June 3, 2023, Drag Story Hour; June 4, 2022, Pride Family Day with two lip-syncing drag shows; June 2021, Virtual Drag Queen Art Bingo; June 2021, Virtual Drag Queen Story Time; and June 2020, Drag Queen Story Time.
These are not appropriate things to be hosting in taxpayer-funded buildings, using taxpayer resources targeted at children. These are adult events, and they should be kept away from children. I strongly support the amendment. Children should not be exposed to adult cabaret performances.
In what world, Madam Chair, is that okay?
They receive Federal funding to ensure their buildings are maintained and the staff are paid. I do not believe it is appropriate for staff to be paid to expose children to inappropriate material. I do not believe it is appropriate for Federal buildings to be used. I do not believe it is appropriate for Federal agencies, such as the Smithsonian Institution to promote drag shows on their official channels.
Government funding should not be used to expose children to inappropriate material.
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Mrs. BICE. Madam Chair, I encourage support of this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
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