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John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act of 2014

Floor Speech

Date: Nov. 20, 2014
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Arts, Entertainment, and History

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Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Mr. CARSON of Indiana asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank my very esteemed colleague from Florida, Chairman Mica.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 5448, which reauthorizes the Kennedy Center through fiscal year 2019 for operations, repairs, and capital projects. The authorization levels in this bill are derived from the Kennedy Center's 2014 comprehensive building plan and are supported by the Kennedy Center.

The Kennedy Center is, first and foremost, a Presidential memorial. We have a responsibility to fund its maintenance, consistent with the dignity of a memorial to the 35th President of the United States of America.

Now, I strongly believe, Mr. Speaker, that allocating funding for proactive maintenance and repairs is in the best interest of our taxpayers. The Kennedy Center is one of the Nation's busiest arts facilities. It presents more than 2,000 performances annually and hosts thousands of theatergoers, visitors, and tourists.

To Chairman Mica's point, the Kennedy Center also provides educational programs for teachers and students from prekindergarten through college across the U.S. This includes a variety of events and activities across the great Hoosier State of Indiana.

These programs are supported by performance fees and donations and include professional development for arts, teachers, specially-designed concerts, phenomenal training programs for talented young musicians, and other outreach projects.

The Kennedy Center is providing tremendous value to taxpayers through educational opportunities and performances, promoting their mission of being a national cultural center.

President Kennedy once said, ``After the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we will be remembered not for our victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contributions to the human spirit.''

In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting the John F. Kennedy Reauthorization Act of 2014, so we can continue this phenomenal work.

I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

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