Transcripts For CSPAN2 Senate Rules Committee Holds Hearing On Proposed New Smithsonian Museums 20240711

The committee on rules and Administration Come to order. I thank my colleagues for attending todays hearing, some virtually, some in person, same for our witnesses, we are going to be welcoming them as well. The secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, miss jane abraham, former chairman of the Congressional Commission to study the potential for a National Womens History Museum. Miss cc rojas of the Latino Coalition and mister danny vargas, of the National Museum of the american latino. I want to thank all of them for joining us. We will hear from a number of senators who have spent time on this had been sponsors of this bill. Senator collins, senator cornyn, senator menendez joining us for remarks following the remarks of the three of us. This is secretary bunchs second appearance before the senate rules committee. We are grateful to have him with us today. He was appointed secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in june of 2019, what a first year you have had. Obviously covid19 forced closure of all 19 museums for the first time ever. It happened the middle of march of this year. That created an opportunity and requirement for secretary bunch and the staff of the smithsonian to even further turn to their substantial digital efforts launched smithsonian cares, with many online resources in addition to the smithsonian cares, smithsonian offers, learning lab, an online tool created specifically to work with teachers and students, Distance Learning. No shock the learning lab had a 500 increase from march of 2019, to march of 2020 and that increase only continued to grow, established in 1846 the smithsonian, now 170 years encompasses 19 museums and galleries, Numerous Research and educational facility, 159 million objects and specimens of various kinds. We are here to discuss whether congress should authorize edition of two new museums for vast portfolios specifically a Smithsonian Museum of womens history. And National Museum of the latino, we truly have an Expert Witness on the whole idea of new museums and expanding museums. Secretary bunch was the founder of the African American history and Culture Museum and led the entire 11 year process of planning and constructing the 400,000 squarefoot museum and story and other powerful stories to be told. That is what we are talking about, vibrant stories of american women and american latinos and how important we are. I just mentioned 11 years, that secretary bunch was so involved in. What we decide to do in todays critically important stories that need to be told in better and more substantial ways than they have been in the past during along period of time that we are talking about today assuming we set that goal. In 2021 the smithsonian is set to open a permanent 4500 squarefoot latino gallery named the molina gallery thanks to a 10 million gift from the molina family and the smithsonians Latino Center continues to be a showcase for that experience at the direction of the Congressional Commission on the study of the creation of a National Womens museum. Miss abraham is here to talk about that. The smithsonian launched its womens History Initiative in 2018. That raise 10 million for exhibition programs, educational materials and Digital Content across the smithsonian space. I look forward to hearing secretary bunchs update on this important work which we need to encourage and figure out how to tell the story. And and and we recognize federal senator feinstein and the 3 senators who joined us and been sponsors of this legislation. Glad we are holding this important hearing today. We have much to do including ndemic relief, during the depression, back to e 30s one of frankn roosevelts main problems, the wpa project, one is hanging in my office that i ve on loan for the minnesota museum. These museums willake years to build but i think now is a good time to get this arted and get this past. Im excited to hear from senator collins and feinstein whare heres well as senator menendez and senator cornyn. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of both of these bills, critical to expanding our understanding of remarkable contributions throughout the history of our country and the Smithsonian Institution was founded on the noble principle, to spread that widely. 175 years later the smithsonian continues to fulfill its mission having grown to become the Worlds Largest Museum Education complex. Each year is different with the pandemic, and the National Mall, and and in the history of our nation. Unfortunately that is not always the case. The fact that museums did not adequately portray the contributions of women and Latino Americans have been well documented. President clinton signedn executive order to establish a commison to identify the accomplishments of women iour nations history and to consider whher we should establish a Womens Museum. In 1994 the smithsonian issued a report regarding lack of her presentation of Latino Americans and contribution to our nation. There have been recommendations for both of these museums for several commissions and that has to. The path to getting it done is not always clear. These projects can take a long time, as the chairman pointed out, they will require a tremendous level of resources an lets get this, moment them. The success of the newest Smithsonian Museum of africanAmerican History and culture sets a High Standard for any Museum Moving forward but as sectary bunch discusses in his testimony it didnt happen overnight. It got 13 years from the passage of congressman lewiss billntil the Museum Opened in september of 2016. Under that timeline even if the leslation we are discussing today was signed into law tomorrow the museum would be open to the public until 2034. That is why i would make the case we shld pass legislation as sn as possible so the hard work to crea these museums can truly begin. When i arrived in the senate there were only 16 women senators led by our dean at the time, Barbara Mikulski from maryland who during her time in the senate was a key leader of the legislation to establish a womes History Museum and as we know, this year mar an important mileone in our democracy, the centennial of the nineteenth amendment guaranteeing women in america the right to ve. We now have 26 women senators which is an all time high. Women continue to break barriers. Earlier this month, our lleague senator Kamala Harris became the first woman elected to be Vice President of the United States. Ioved one of the graphics send online after the election and it said, quote, ladies, make sure to wear shoes because theres glass everywhere. My witness today is a latino womanho knows about breaking barriers. Eva longoria is a trailblazer for latinos in the film industry, she is known for her work both in front of and behind the camera and continues to lead the charge of diverse and female representation in the industry and beyond. In addition to speaking abt the need for a womens History Museum, she could provide a werful voice in support of american Latino Museums. American latinos have been a part of the country since its founding and it is past time for their contribution and experiences to be honod with the museum on the National Mall. It is significant that our colleagues are here today that both these bills have paed the house and have stron bipartisan leadership, democrats and publicans coming together. It is my hope that wcan add both of these bills to our final executive business meeting for the 100 xteenth congress and work to get the bills passed this year, not next year orhe year after. Roosevelt did this in the middle of the depression, he saw the future, someing that wouldnt get done now but would help us to plan ahead for a decade from now. Think about the kids that are watching, the kids that wants to go to that museum and see the women are honored, latinos are honored, this is our moment to do something great by the end of the year. Thank you, senator klobuchar. Senator feinstein. Ranking member klobuchar and fellow members of the committee, thank you for including the smithsonian american womens History Museum act in todays hearing. It has been a wild coming and ivery grateful. I am pleased to in my friend and colleague senar collins in introducing this bipartisan bill to establish a National Womens History Museum. It is a long time coming. In the senate, our3 cosponsors include every woman who sits on this committee, mister chairman. I think Ranking Member klobuchar, senators capito, fisher, hyde smith and cortez mastoh further support. In february the house overwhelmingly passea companion to our bill by a vote of 37437 and it is my hope that this legislation can get done by the end of the yeaand we can celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the nineteenth amendment giving women the right to vote with this commission. From the earliest days of the nation women have made substantial and laing contributions. I dont know why the recognition process has been so difficult but it has been and i think the election of women to places of power like politic bodies has made a difference but the fact is american women have transformed the fields of science, government, literature, medicine and so much more so it is well past time to establish a museum that specifically pays tribute to this history. It would honor and recogze tremendous collective achiement of american women and help to tell a more complete storyf our past. Just a bit of history. In 2014 congress established an independent bipaisan commission to study the tential for creating a National Womens History Museum. Mrs. Jane abham, chair of that commission is here with us today and will be testifying. The commission smitted its report to congress in november of 2016 with the unanimous recommendation to establish comprehensive womens History Museum the report further recommends at this museum be in a prominent locati on or near the National Mall. Run by the smithsonian to be part of the smithsonian, create a process to determine a location for it on the National Mall and appoint leadership to carry out its conruction and operation. I just want to say that im very proud to be here. I welcome senator collins support and leadership. Its been fantastic, and it ao thank y, senator klobuchar. As women have gained in this body i think we have gained our ability to achieve this legislation. So thank you very much, mr. Chairman. Thank you, senator feinsteins. Senator collins. Good morning. Good morning, chairman blunt, Ranking Member klobuchar, senator feinstein, and other members of this committee. Let me begin by thanking you for holding this hearing on leslation to establish new museums, including the bill that senator feinstein and i introduced cled the smithsonian american womens History Museum act. Mr. Chairn, Ranking Member klobuchar, this cause to establish a womens History Museum has always been a bipartisan one. The very first bill that i introduced to create such a museum was in 2003. And at that time senator mikulski, my Dear Colleague senator feinstein were cosponsors of that bill. This year as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of womens suffrage and the decades long fight for womens equality at the ballot box, it is fitting that we at long last establish an institution in our Nations Capital to honor americas women. Women have made invaluable contributions to our country in every field government, business, medicine, law, literature, sports, entertainment, the arts, in the military. As senator klobuchar mentioned, here in the senate we had a Record Number of women, 26 in all, serving. When i first became a senator there were only nine of us. Telling the history of american women matters. It inspires girls to know that there are no boundaries to their potential. A museum recognizing the achievements and experiences of american women is long overdue. In 1999 a president ial commission on commemorating women in our history concluded that, quote, and appropriate celebration of womens history in the next millennium should include the designation of a focal point for womens history in our Nations Capital. In 2014 Congress Took the important steps toward realizing this goal when it passed legislation creating an independent Bipartisan Commission to study establishing such a museum right here in washington, d. C. After 18 months the Bipartisan Commission unanimously concluded that America Needs and deserves a physical National Museum dedicated to showcasing the historical experiences and the impact of women in this country. I agree wholeheartedly with the commissions conclusion, and i want to thank jane abraham for her leadership in having the commission. Following the commissions recommendations, senator feinstein and i introduced legislation to create an american womens History Museum act that would collect, study, and create programs incorporating and exhibiting a wide spectrum of womens experiences, contributions, and history. It would be part of the Smithsonian Institution, ensuring that it is free and open to all who visit washington, and would be representative of the diverse viewpoints held by american women. Its important to emphasize to women that this museum would put tray all aspects of womens contributions to our history without partisanship or bias. It would share the stories of pioneering women such as abolitionist harriet tubman, the founder of theirl scouts, julite gordon low. Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day Oconnor and ruth bader ginsburg, leaving suffrages like maineswn Florence Brooks white house, and so many others. The Commission Also recommended a smithsonian wide american mens History Initiative, and since 2010 congress has provided nearly 10 milon in federal funding towards this important step toward creating the museum. Building on these successes, our bill calls for funding commitment from both the private sector andhe federal gornment, following the successful model used by t National Museum of africanAmerican History and culture. Mr. Chairman, ranking memr klobuchar, our bill enjoys broad bipartisan support, and i want to thank the women senators who serve on this committee as well as others for cosponsoring it. It also supported by several organizations, and i would add that their letters of support be entered into the record. Without objection. I also want to acknowledge the steadfast leadership of congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and congressman Brian Fitzpatrick who have led the effort on the house side. In february the house passed its built by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 37437. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member klobuchar, as our womens Suffrage Centennial year draws to a close, i can think of no better way to honor those women and that momentous achievement than by passing the smithsonian american womens History Museum act. I would note, enclosing, mr. Chairman, that in washington we all enjoy the many museums along the National Mall that commemorate various aspects of our history and our culture. We even have a museum that celebrates buildings. Surely, if we can have a musem that celebrates buildings, we ought to have one and are long overdue in establishing one that celebrates the many contributions of american women to our nation. Thank you very much, mr. Chairman. Thank you, senator collins. Senator cornyn. Good morning, chairn blunt, Ranking Member klobuchar. Its been great to be here with all of you, including our good friend senator collins, and the rest of the members of this committee. As a proud texan and the senator from a border state i have been fortunate to experience firsthand the tremendous influence of latinos on our country and culture throughout my life. From learning the stories of the great soldiers who fought in the texas revolution, to experiencing the vast influence of the hispanic culture on my home town of san antonio, im incredibly proud and appreciative of the latino influence on texas and american life. Unfortunately for Many Americans the contributions generations of latinos are largely unknown, and i hope this committee will soon take action to right this wrong by advancing legislation to establish a National Museum of the american latino. This effort has been underway for both in 25 years. I note senator collins talk about the long journey of Womens Museum. These are not hastily, these museums on a hastily established, and i think a lot of thought is going to both, but in particular the Latino Museum has been an idea whose time has now come for more than 25 years. In the 1990s the Smithsonian Institution commission a report to examine the relationship between the museum and latinos. It was titled notably willful neglect, and those two words adequately some of the findings. For everything from a lack of exhibits to curators to staff, latinas were excluded at virtually every level of the world Largest Museum complex. According to a 2018 report by ucla, not much progress has been made. Latino representation within the smithsonian is still far from where it should be even as the latino population in america has doubled. One of the recommendations in the initial making 94 report to improve representation of latinos was through the establishment of the Museum Dedicated to the contributions of Latino Americans. As i i said that was more than5 years ago, and congress has not yet authorized is critical museum. With the support of this committee and this congress i hope that will change. Every year millions of americans visit the smithsonian to learn about our nations complex and fascinating story and the many women who helped write it. These museums teach us about american president s, soldiers, artists, astronauts, innovators, icons, and heroes and every breed. They house priceless artifacts of American History, on the starspangled banner which inspired the national anthem, to the hat that president lincoln war tonight he was assassinated. For too long these museums have told the whole story of the rich diversity of our country. Thats slowly changing due to the recent addition to the National Museum of the American Indian at the National Museum of African American history and culture but we still have a ways to go. The process of creating a National Museum of the american latino began in 2008 in earnest when president george w. Bush established a commission to study the feasibility of such a museum, and again when the report was released in 2011. Now that its been nearly a decade since the commission formally recommended dismissing the bill, its time to act. The National Museum of the american latino act authorizes the Smithsonian Institution to create a museum honoring american latinos here in washington and i am proud to have with our colleagues senator menendez in bipartisan fashion. This congress, nearly 300 members of the house, have cosponsored this legislation and it unanimously passed the house earlier this year. The bill has 46 cosponsors here in the United States senate and i hope the committee will soon favorably report this bill to the floor so we can send it to the president s desk before the end of this congress. Its been more than 25 years since this effort began. Its time to honor the contributions of generations of latinos by providing a brickandmortar home for their stories right here in our Nations Capital. So thank you again, mr. Chairman, and Ranking Member klobuchar for allowing me to join you here today to talk about this important step. Im happy to answer any questions you might have. Or failing that i will go back to the judiciary committee. Thank you, senator cornyn. I dont know if you have question for the senators. We certainly appreciate the fact that you have been here, senator collins, cosponsored of the Womens Museum bill. You and senator menendez, the sponsors of the museum representing and recognizing latino contributions, but thank you for being here. Now we will turn to senator menendez for his remarks. Thank you, mr. Chairman, to you and to Ranking Member klobuchar and members of the committee, thank you for holding this important hearing to review as 1267, the National Museum of the american latino act, a bill that would fill the most glaring gap in our National History and on our National Mall by authorizing the construction of a new Museum Dedicated to telling the latino story. As the lead sponsor of as 1267 i firmly believe firmly believe its time at hispanic americans get their own worldclass museum on the National Mall come built and administered to the standards that only the Smithsonian Institute can uphold. This effort has been decades in the making. As a former colleagues congresswoman Ileana Roslehtinen and senator ken salazar of colorado in the New York Times this sunday, cool, in 1994 task force outlined the ways in which the smithsonian quote almost entirely excludes and ignores latinos in nearly every aspect of its operations. Its report, willful neglect, offered ten recommendations for improvement, including that it should support the development of a museum on the National Mall dedicated to honoring and preserving over 500 years of american Latino History and culture. Mr. Chairman, i would like to summit the entirety of the oped for the record. Without objection. Thank you. This is not a partisan issue. There is strong support from both sides of the aisle as senator cornyn suggested to establish a museum devoted to hispanic American History. Our bill s. 1267 has nearly unanimous support from Senate Democrats and six republican cosponsors, and a cop schmidt this barely achievable in todays hyper partisan environment. And the companion bill in the house, h. R. 2420 past the Lower Chamber by voice vote with overwhelming bipartisan sponsorship. President s from both parties have supported the creation of a National Museum of the american latino. In fact, the first bill to create a commission to study the potential creation of the National Museum of the american latino act was first introduced in the senate back in 2004 by senator orrin hatch, a republican from utah. Now was the time for congress to finish what it started almost two decades ago. No one can deny that the 60 million Latino Americans living in this country will continue to shape americas future, just as we have shaped americas past. From day one has been exception to this nation in countless ways, as military leaders, as pioneers in business and arts, as activist and elected officials. Yet the history and contributions of hispanic americans of the United States since its inception have been at best overlooked and at worst, erased. When our nations children read the assigned American History textbooks, the presence of latinos in the United States is missing. They are not taught that half a century before englishspeaking colonies were settled in jamestown, virginia, spanish was already being spoken in the settlement established in st. Augustine florida. Or that bernardo day galvez, a spanish colonel of the louisiana regiment in new orleans, thwarted every British Advance in the air at helping the army of general George Washington when the American Revolutionary war. Night our children taught that the origins of latino presence in the United States have little to do with economic migration as many would believe today, and more to do with american expansion with integrated hispanic occupied territories. These are but a fraction of the numerous examples of galleries and exhibitions a smithsonian National Museum for the american latino could house millions of visitors from all over the world to learn about. And if theres anything this recent election has taught us, it is that both democrats and republicans have lots to learn about who the latinos and latinas living in this country are. We are not a monolithic community. Some of us have ancestors who have lived on a console before the was an american. Some of us have immigrated into the United States from any of 20 Different Countries around the western hemisphere searching for the promise of opportunity. We all have unique cultural identities that make us different and yet all of us living in the United States share a common bond, the continues strive to make this country the best version of itself it can be. Thats the story that only the Smithsonian Institution can tell, that the history of the National Museum of the american latino act will bring to life. It will inspire families, taurus, students and people from all backgrounds to celebrate the diverse threads that bind the United States of america together as one nation. Representation matters, when it comes to her history. Imagine what it would make a latino children coming to visit our Nations Capital and sink their ancestors contribution to our country. What with me for children of different ethnic background to learn about the history of the people that look like their neighbors and the friends at school. These of the Building Blocks of acceptance and inclusion. Its hard to believe that the month and half from 2021 a museum devoted to Latino History does not already exist in the Nations Capital. And today im sure some may argue that now is not the time to build newbie seems, that the smithsonian as a maintenance backlog in the millions of dollars in order to bring every older museum up to standards and that we must first address that backlog for begetting discuss the new museum. What we have heard that excuse before, and im sure secretar bunch for that excuse many times before turning the dreams of the smithsonian National Museum of African American history into a reality. We must also forget as 20 as 12627 has a 5050 public and private kaushik caution model. Pass the bill now and there is to harness the economic power of the cutest of the teams in the United States and i guarantee you that our community would meet the challenge. Its long past time for congress to pass legislation to authorize the construction of this museum, to celebrate the indelible history and contribution of Latino Americans to make america great. I thank the committee for discussing the boards of this bill and and i sincerely hope u will move forward to passage so we can finally make this dream a reality. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, senator menendez. We have one of the cosponsor of the bill was also a member of the committee who has a comment to mak before we go to witnesses before that you have unanimous consent request . I have a letter from the Minnesota Council of Latino Affairs and a list of names of prominent leaders in the twin cities, Latino Community in support of the National Museum of the american latino act and a lett of support from 3m,ajor company in my state, that supports the establishing of this museum and a letter fm the sponsors of the house legislation that would eablish the National Museum of the american latino. I asked unanimous consentach of these items be included in the record. Without objection, and senator capito who is also member of this committee and the cosponsor of the bill, did you have some comments you would like to make . I do. Thank you, mr. Chairman for i would like to thank you and Ranking Member klobuchar for the opportunity. Ill be relatively brief. We have heard a the wonderful contributions smithson has made and know that in 202013 even in this year 3. 3 million visits free of charge f people to explore our great history and to learn more about the world around us. These bills before the cmittee today will expand that the building of the smithsonian to provide a highquality education and reserve a heritage. Passage of the smithsonian american womens htory museum act and the National Museum of the american lino act will enable visitors to learn more about the impact the first fruits of that in shaping our shared history. As you mention i am the proud cosponsor of both of these bills. I would like to thank my frid former representativ Ileana Roslehtinen for prevailing upon me to be a cosponsor of the National Museum and the american latino act she in an ever so could be an exhibit i believe the ipad to cosponsor both bls as i said i wanto recognize the leadersp of all the cosponsors and the main sponsors of these bills. We know we are marking the 101st an first the 19th amendment which gives us the perfect time to say to the american women and women around the world that we want to enshrine our history and me it available to all ofhe women around, men and women around the world. We know we have a recor number of women, senatorlobuchar mentioned that in congres now and im proud to be the first women to represent West Virginia in the united stes senate. I can think of no betterime. In westridge and i could West Virginia girls rise of which aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders asked the girls i travel to fifthgre girls to encourage them to set goals for themselveswork to achieve them. I have brought it to elementary and middle schls, i had fantastic gas, library of congress carla hayden, astronaut peggy wtson, a former ambassador to the united nations, nikki haley, and others. I think of those girls faces that ac when i do my West Virginia girls rise of visit and how cited they will be to be inspired by the contributions of past generations and to be able to give them the confidence to be a part of seizing that mantle of leadership for the next generation. Similarly the National Museum of the american latino i way overdue. For how majors it iseen in the making, im very, vy excited about future generations viewing the contribution of latinas all throughout this country and remind us of our diversity has allowed our democracy to flourish. So for these is hopefully can pass the bills. I think you canor letting the add my voi. I mistral cosponsor both bills and look for to the passage. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Senator udall. Thank you to chairman blunt and a pleasure to be here with everyone today. I am pleased to hear this morning to discuss these bills authorizing new museums that celebrate our history, the Latino Community, and american womens history. Im also proud to of had the chance to oversee the institution as both a member of this committee and as Ranking Member of the Senate Interior appropriations and subcommittee. And both roles ive worked to make sure congress is active partner with the Smithsonian Institution and provides the resources that it needs to meet its obligations to advance the civic, educational, scientific and artistic life of this nation. Nation. We all know that the smithsonian requires Real Investment to keep the existing museums operating, to expand its collections to tell the story of all americans, and to support the reach of its research and Educational Programs across the country. I suspect will this morning about the importance of gathering resources needed to take the next step to bring inclusivity into the narrative of our American History through these museums to illuminate an american story for all. And i look for to and from my colleague, secretary bunch, and advocates here today. Secretary bunch busy answeringuestions, mr. Chairman, at this point . We are not asking questions yet. We wan to have his testimony first. Thank you. Thank y, mr. Chairman. Senator cortez masto. Thank you, mr. Chairman, rank member thank you to all my colleagues for the statements into the witnesses today. Let me just say as the first female senator ever from the great state of nevada and the first lata ever elected to the united state senate, i am so excited to be able to support thes two museums. One of the things i so important to emphasize when we are discussing the future of theseuseums is that theyre not just museums for one group of people. A womans History Museum wont just benefit women and latino muse is n just for latinos to visit. Instead, these museums are f all of us to help us expand our understanding of what it means to be an american and learn more about the contributions of all those who have come before us, and contributed to we are today. In may 2011 the Commission Just that the potential creation of a National Museum of american latino reached the finding that the National Museum focus on american Latino History, art and culture is n only viable but sential to americas interests. Silarly in november 2016 noveme commission to sdy the potential creation of National Womensistory museum came to the unimous conclusion that America Needs and deserves a physical National Museum dedicated to showcasing the historical experiences and impact of women in this country. I strong support passing this bills int law so we can start the pcessf building two essential museums that americans need and deserve. But that also needs may 20 to provide the Smithsonian Institution with support for staffing maintenance and security of our existing museums and collection. Its long past time to make these new museums of priority, so i hope we get serious today and in the futurebout making it happen. I am looking forwardo t discussion today both on the many reans we should build these museums and how to continue supporting the incredible Public Service who makes the smithsonian the treasure that is. Thank you so much, mr. Chairman. Thank you, senator cortez masto the will have testament enough from all of o witnesses before we have time for qutions. I would remind all of them that your wrien testimony is part of the record. You have five minutes and you can use that by going through your written testimony or summarizing at in whatever way you think is most effective. Again we will start with secretary bunch. Secretary bunch, glad to have you back before the committee today. Chairman blunt, Ranking Member klobuchar, members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. I am so grateful tt you are exploring the creation of new museums of the smithsonian. As the founding director of the National Museum of africanAmerican History and culture, im happy to share some insights i gained in building im using that began without a staff, without building, and without collections. And y the broad and diverse popularity of the museum has shown us that americans are excited about learning not only the culture of a community, how that story shapes and we all are. As Congress Considers museum legislation we continue to provide our visitors with a broader and more inclusive history. Weve integrated latino and womens history, its art, culture, scientific achvements throughout the smithsonian. In many ways weve launched things that provide the foundation for many new museums. For example, we launched the american womens History Initiative because ofer story. In the year 2000. Is my video now on . Im sorry. Mr. Secretary, i think we lost your media again but we have your audio. We are working on your video if you want to there you are. For instance, we lost the american womens launched the american womens history because of her suite 22. Its one of countries most ambitious undertakings to research, click, document a display and share womens compelling stories. It established the pool of funds, increase online engagement, allowed us to do something crucial, hired curators and develop internships to ensure the next generation. It is also does produce worldclass exhibitions including votes for women, the National Portrait gallery. Since 1996 weve also spearheaded with our Latino Center. The center administers and Latino Museum studies program. It helps attract latina curators and it is hoped that us build the largest collection of just latino art, any other nations major art museums. And the Latina Centers new exhibitions, baseball, will open next april and one of his cunning achievements is the family calvary when it opens in the spring 2020s its inaugural exhibition present they will give us an latina history of the United States which will be the First National latino gallery on the National Mall. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Latina Center and the womens History Initiative. Creating new museums is challenging but the smithsonian has the skill, experience and expertise to do it right. Obviously it is something i care passionately about. We can create museums that meet the needs of the nation and showcase the United States to the world. But to do so there are several things we must determine. With public expectations of amusing size, programs, new technology, collections and staffing issues went to think about and grapple with. And most importantly a suitable location. And yet irrespective of physical space we have seen how important it is to reach audiences digitally. Since march with our use of Digital Assets dramatically increased, we created a learning lab which is a free educational platform features millions of authentic digital resources and the smithsonian cares initiative is an extensive collection of online resources, that people can use them home including open access collections, Distance Learning resources, online defense, exhibitions and podcast. These considerations as well as the design, construction and operation of future museum costs must be part of any discussion. With the support of congress we continue to make headway addressing the backlog of maintenance costs to our major renovations at a targeted approach to maximizing our limited resources. Allocating resources between existing needs and new projects will always create tension. Appropriate resource levels can minimize that. Congressional support and help fund new museum and continue to help us address a significant maintenance requirements. It would be crucially important for both to be addressed because we want to make sure that we can create and continue to improve, divide highquality experiences for our visitors. I trust members of this committee will understand and will plan for the longterm obligations the new museums would incur. Thank you for holding history. Its important to me. Thank you for your ongoing support and for your commitment to sharing the experiences of all americans, and a happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you, secretary bunch. If you will stay with us we will go ahead and have all of our witnesses testify and then everybody will be available for questions for whatever time we have for questions. But again, thanks for your present today and your leadership at the missoni and. Jane abraham is a former chairman of the Congressional Commission to study the potential for a National Womens history museu also on a smithsonian effort looking at how that story is being currently told. Ms. Abraham, you are glad that were glad youre here with us and look for it to your testimony. Thank you. Do i need to push something . Okay. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member klobuchar, members of the committee, and committee staff, thank you for inviting me to join you here today. I probably stand in support of senate bill 959 to establish the first ever comprehensive womens History Museum as part of the smithsonian. I would like to play why i believe this is the best way to pay tribute to the remarkable role women have played in americas history. In december 202014 congress consider this question important enough to form a bipartisan National Commission consisting of eight women, all appointed by house and Senate Leaders and offer very different walks of life. I had the honor of sharing that commission. Over 18 months from july 2015 through november of 2016 we explored how to most effectively tell the story of womens phenomenal contributions to the history of america. Passenger each of you knows, in washington in recent years, finding Bipartisan Solutions to policy challenges can be nearly impossible. Indeed, any group of four democrats selected by Speaker Pelosi and former leader reid and four republicans picked by ben Speaker Boehner and leader mcconnell might be expected to reach an impasse on almost any policy solution. Trust me when i say a group of eight commissioners and outspoken, opinionated Group Representing the full spectrum of political viewpoint. And no one was shy about expressing her views. The good news is we did not end up with gridlock. Instead, this Bipartisan Commission found common ground. We found a way to stand together, work through differences, listen deeply to each other, respect and trust that we were committed to the same outcomes. Ultimately that is the spirit that devise a democratic government for american at its inception, and it is that spirit which this american womens History Museum will recognize, elevate and celebrate. We believe the unified, bipartisan plan we forged together deserves your support, and the support of the american people. Our overall conclusion was that America Needs and deserves an National Museum, one that is part of the Smithsonian Institution, that is dedicated to the often Untold Stories of exceptional women who changed the course of our nations history. We now believe this museum is more important than ever. Such a museum will reflect all the many different ideas, perspectives, and causes that were championed, incented, led by american women. It will remind us of our nations inspiring history and our limit is limitless future. Thats what we believe we can raise significant funds from the private sector to support the century. This museum reflects that the site of so many women and men to reflect on the uncommon achievements that contributed to americas place in the world, and their desired that the next generation know about those achievements as well. Now more than ever we believe americans are eager for such a museum, not just mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, but fathers, husbands, brothers and sons as well. We believe the new leadership of the Smithsonian Institution also recognizes that. The commission acknowledged that museums are not built overnight and the project would require at least a ten year timeline. But we wanted to get going immediately. During the commissions deliberations we had a series of conversations with smithsonian leadership. As a result the Commission Proposed that the first critical phase establish an entity called the american womens History Initiative within the smithsonian. We felt that this initiative would immediately make womens history a top priority across all of the Smithsonian Museums and would be the first essential step toward a permanent museum. Were delighted that as result of our recommendation the smithsonian in the launch this first step in when 17 and are commission was instrumental in securing the first 3 million to begin it. As your first from secretary bunch, initiative has been very successful over the past four years. We are very grateful to the smithsonian for taking the Womens Initiative to reality. My fellow commissioners and i unanimously sport senate bill 959. We ask each of you to join us, and we encourage unanimous support from the eire senate. I i especially like to thank senator collins for snsoring the smithsonian american womens History Museum a and senator feinstein are bei the original cosponsor along withhe many members of this committee who also cosponsors. I appreciate t opportunity to testify this morning and ask at the supporting documents and letters ofupport i have submitted and have bee received by the rules committee b read in the rord. Id be happy to answer any questions. We will accept those things into record without objecti. Danny vargas is the chairman of the friends ofhe National Museum ofhe american latino, and we are glad to have you with this year today good morning chairman blunt and Ranking Member klobuchar, members of the committee. Thank you for the opportuni to testify today. [inaudible] as a patriot [inaudible] [inaudible] including the military. But he does have but in every war weve ever had. From spanish general the galvez, to the first full admiral in the United States navy famously saying damn the torpedoes, ful speed ahead during the civil war. To the armies infantry regiment and the legendary exploits in korea and the thousands of hispanic surnames and shun the etnam Veterans Memorial wall. From young latinos serving and sacrificing battlefields of afghanistan a iraq. I can tl you latinos take a backseat to know in the defense of liberty. Argument has had a Lasting Impact impact in eve single aspect of socty. From arts to science to business, sports, politics and more. One of my first heroes roberta clemenceau excelled despi facing disgraced because both lookin up like. Linda carter change the face of strong women on tv here before brown v. The board of education there was mendez versus westminster which laid the groundwork for school desegregation. Weave been relying on with you to fight a worse and to mend our woun. To teach our kids come patrollers treats ensure t word of god. Contrary to what people may believe, we are an essential fountional thread woven into the fabric of america. Were a wonderfully complex commuter to come over 18 of the population. 2 trillion in purchasing power, we are aolid tumors, afro latino, lyin ted and blood, mulattos and everything in between. We are not a race, where culture. Where republicans docrats and independents. We have shared values my family and faith and freom and opportunity and optimism and pride and passion and tse of the qualities most needed in our country tod. We have responsible to inspire future generations. By 2016 latinos will make up 30 of the population so for help treatment of strong and vibrant nation that segment of the populationeeds to fill acknowledged and invested in our future. This initiative begin twice security to win the smithsonian Task Force Found willful neglect and portrayal of in 2008 present bush signed the bill cratg the commission to study the museum usability which i was a poor to buy john boehner. We delivered a report to congress and president obama saint three basic things. There was a clear and pressing need for the museum. It should be part of the Smithsonian Institution and it ought to be on the National Mall. That year w first introduced the authorizati bill and this year the house passed the american lino bci unanimous unopposed board with the unanimous voice vote. We urge the full senate to pass the house bill by unanimous consent. House bill includes language ensuring the diversity of politica viewpoints. This would be the first and only Smithsonian Museum in the winter sun for your history requiring representation affairs points of view including the conservative viewpoint. We stand on the shoulders of the list who created previous Ethnic Museum spit we have learned and im confident i our village to raise the funds needed to build a worldclass institution. Ive been involve with this initiative for the last 13 years. Its about family. One d got one ill be able to walk into this music with my family and my two sons daniel and david. Thank you so much for the opportunity to testify and a happy to answer any questions you might have. Thank you, mr. Vargas. Its great to see you again and another friend of this committee, cici rojas is a chairman of the Latino Coalition will be our next witness. Ms. Rojas. Good morning chairman blunt, and thank you, Ranking Member klobuchar, and members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. As a proud midwesterner from missouri, gate citizen whose work of many worthy projects, most importantly a mother, it is truly an honor to be before you to testify for such a meaningful project. I also served on the friends of the National Museum of the american latino with my board colleague danny vargas. However i come before you today as the chairman of the latino coaltion foundation, a National Organization dedicated to providing latino businesses a platform to thrive in shape public policy. We strive to accomplish our mission by advocating for pinnacle efforts such as this. Latinos have contributed positively to every aspect of American History. They have impacted the eighth of business, education, health, sports and most recently politics. Latino community has probably enriched our nations competitiveness, culture and prosperity throughout the generations. We are a Diverse Community with the right range of viewpoints can work environments and passion, yet we possess the commonality of valuing the importance of culture, family and patriotism. Therefore we find it vital we proudly share our incredible stories and celebrate a more complete telling of American History. Our community has been essential to our nations past and will be integral to our current and future history. Here is a summary of some impressive facts to make hispanic americans critical to america. Our population size and growth. At nearly 60 Million People making up 18 of the u. S. Population latinos are the largest diverse population segment and account for over 50 of total population growth from 20082018. Today one in four, or 25 , children under 18 is a hispanic to sing. Hispanics are projected 30 of the population by 2060. As a result with teams are becoming an economic force. In 2017 hispanic households earned more than 1 trillion. This allowed them to pay more than 252. 2 billion in federal and local taxes. Hispanic household help more than 781 billion in spending power. Latinos are a Thriving Business Community and job creators. We are opening more Small Businesses faster than anyone else in the u. S. With a a total of 4. 7 million making on businesses, one in four new businesses are latino out and provide 3 million jobs to workers in the u. S. With over 2. 3 trillion in 2018 gross domestic product, american latinos are the eighth largest economy in the world. From a a fun extent what is equally important to note the museum will be built utilizing a 5050 model. 50 of the costs of construction of the museum will be raised through private funds by the museums ordered regions. The remaining 50 will be appropriated by congress. Additionally house bill added links to ensure diversity of political views reflecting the diversity of our community as a whole. Although the wood in any important stories enshrined in museum which will highlight the struggles and resilience of this community as well as celebrate the achievements of latinos across all industries, the most Important Message is about the latino story is the american story, and as a nation we must honor the promise of what our country was built on and stands for. One such example of those Great American stories that made a positive impact in the Latino American committed is that of the late hector barreiro, and midwesterner. Hector was born in mexico city mexico in 1935. Has American Journey began in 1950 when he moved to west central missouri. After series of hard and backbreaking jobs he decided to do it Many Americans do, be his own boss ricky start his First Enterprise a Mexican Restaurant and that is something that grew into another and then another. After success in business you want to establish the u. S. Hispanic chamber of congress to this during two successive one of many latinos whose tales are woven into the American History and whose essence we captured within the walls of the national latino, National Museum of the american latino for generations to come. Thank you for this opportunity, and i welcome youruestions. Thank you, ms. Rojas. Our last witness today, eva longoria, is an actor, activist, member of the commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum of the american latino. Ms. Longoria, were glad to have you with us here today. Thank you, chairman blunt. Appreciate this opportunity hankey, Ranking Member klobuchar and committee members. It is my honor to be here alongside my fellow witnesses and community leaders, danny vargas, cici rojas, and jane abraham. As a woman, as a latina, and thats a very proud knife generation american i i come before you as a citizen who lives at the intersection of the opportunities that we have gathered here to discuss the establishment of the National Museum of the american latino and the National Womens History Museum. If you look at our history textbooks, look at our National Monument and our celebrated statues, they only reflect one kind of american hero, when it looks like our founding fathers, white and male. There are many other extraordinary americans who are responsible for scientific breakthroughs, military feats, civil rights accomplishments, artistic achievements, and landmark legislation. But when you dont have representation in the official record, these contributions are effectively erased. Tens of millions of people visit smithsonian use using teacher a person with an incomplete picture of our nations history. When we allow this to go unaddressed we maintain the status quo in which women and latinos are left out of our collective perception of American History, relegated as sidekicks to white male heroes. History is only shared as a footnote or in relation to someone elses story, like Dolores Huerta cesar chavez, or Eleanor Roosevelt to fdr. Thats why this legislation is presented to you today to correct the record. For women sister this 21 statute sums this up. In february 1921 the National Womens Party Presented congress with the statute of Elizabeth Cady stanton, susan b. Anthony and lucretia mott, three white pioneers of the Womens Suffrage Movement. The statues inscription included a quote that ask for justice, not paper. Then, the rights and nothing more. Women, the rights and nothing less. At Time Congress gained inscription blasphemous and removed from the statute and then build the statute to the basement of congress where it remained for 76 years out of public view in the eyes of three generations of american girls. Three generations of young women who could have benefited from the display of statute because of what it represented, women claiming the place in americas future. Thanks to decades of work by congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and of the dedicate a women on both sides of the aisle this monument now lives in the rotunda of the u. S. Capitol alongside statues of Martin Luther king, jr. And George Washington. This statue of three white women is just one part of the story. Its not the whole story which includes centuries of labor by black and white and latina and asian and indigenous activist. This struggle for recognition mirrors the battles we continue to fight today, two centuries after the Womens Suffrage Movement begin to come back representation of womens place in history prevents us from moving forward on gender equality issues today, from wage gap, to reproductive freedom, to representation boardrooms and government. If america cant recognize our past contributions, how can america respect our present significance . We wont achieve full gym equality until generations of girls and boys have the opportunity to see the complete picture of womens accomplishments, distort feats and innovations which represent half of our nations story. On metal here today as woman but as a latina. 80 of americans identify as american latinos, the largest Minority Ethnic Group in the country. As doctor rudy acuna wrote, history now supposed the ideological. It is truth to do some known facts. So for the lina committee, the facts are missing because theres n story in American History thats not include americanatinos. We have been here since before the mayflower, since before the colonies, since before the declaration of independence. We have a broad and diverse communy from indigous latinos t black and after latinos to. We have built country brick hybrid railroad by railroad, from seed to harvest and we did this alongside the folks w already have the place in history books and meums. Often this people with a very same people who are oppresseds yet its our story thatsnt told. But now we have the cnce. The chance to correct the recd to present a full, clear pictu of our diverse nation and the Smithsonian Institution, the official record of our history and culture has everythin to recognize the fact that latinos are a cinch to americas history as they are tomericas future. Our. Our institutions must be large enough to hold t truth and the panse of American History and large enoh to offer representation, insration and the promise of Bright Future all of our nations peoe. When i served on the National Museum at the american Latino Commission w traveled the country and held town hal in phoenix to philadelphia. Was the surprise there was very little representation of latinos in our gatest museums. But with each stop members of the community offered heartlt testimonies about the art and the artifacts and the stories thathould live in a National Museum of the americanatino. More than what it should contain they shared wt he would represent. Finally an acknowledgment that we, too, are heroes and an americanistory. We are patriots. We take pride in the country we have all built together. Without the museum is all too easy for some to write off the accomplishments of latin and a place in this natn. Its easy to vilify us to get and ld us back from claiming our ace in history and hold us back from full equality as american citizs. To estabsh this museum on the National Mall, the place were weak and i greet our president s, on fence route a ten veterans, exercise of freedom of speech and conduct the basis of our nation in congress, that wch the method we belong among our nations most important monuments. Because of offering each of the american deputy to fully undetand and appreciate women and latina contributions we can collectively work towards ice ideal of our nation, one out of many. Out of many, one. Thank you for the opportunity to testify. A given much of thanks to all of our witnesses for really outstanding and helpful testimony we are in the middle of a series of votes on the floor, and so were going to bring this to a conclusion in a minute. I hope everybody that wants to has time to ask two or three questions. Let me start with that. Secretary bunch, you said in interviews that the most important work you have ever done was the opportunity to build the museum you built. Whats the most important lesson you learned in the most important work you have ever done that might relate to these two questions were looking at today . In some ways its really two things. First is that the amecan public has the first to derstand itself come to understand itsf fully. And by looking at the africanamerican experience that was one of the ways we enrich the publi understanding of our identity. Secondly, what waseally clear to me is that this is something that the smithsonian is good at, crafting a museum that is full wonder, that is rife with scholarshi that inspires and education, that in essence as part of the glu that holds the country together. Oure in a perfect position to give advice on this as we move forward on this legislation. Do y believe it has everything it needs to have in it to launch the fund raing effort and the other effort that youre familiar with that needs to be made . I think there are a couple of things that can be sharpened. I think it crucially important to have a 5050 funding mechanism. Thats really key. But its also important to recognize there nee to be some significant resources upfront to allow a museum to move rward. To think about how its built a fund raising apparatus. How it begins to bring people together, scholars and others, to think about what this museum could really be. I ink its also essential to find a way to better rationalize the way the public money was mixed with the private money. Is it a onetoone ratio . Whats the way to really ensure that you can plan based on what yo know will be coming in the future . Bu i think that in many ways, this is an oortune time to change the country by helping it better understand through the creation of these museums. Good, i hope we have a chance to follow up on that in the near future before we finalize this bill and look at the two things you just mentioned. Mrs. Abraham, i think you said in your testimony you thought that currently the smithsonian was stepping up and telling this story in a better way in the likely decade we had even if we went forward. Am i right in characterizing your view of that . Yes, i do believe that the smithsonn has ilemented our first recommendation, which was to establish thenitiative within the smithsonian to do a better job of sharing the stories about womens history because we recognize as a commission that it would take at least 10 years to be able to build a permanent museum. And looking at the africanamerican example of their museum and cultural center, being an i believe to build that infrastructure and nucleus of the museum in existing smithsonian was critical. And so we felt it was the first important step. Were so proud that the smithsonian embraced that and do believe that they are doing a very nice job as we move forward with establishing a permanent museum. Ms. Rojas added that the house bill added language on the american Latino Museum in recognizing the importance of understanding the diversity of political views. Is there anything like that in the other bill or should there be . Well, there is on the house version, the wicker amendment did something very, have he similar to that and certainly, i would support if i the Senate Version there was a companion amenent. Let me just tl you, our eight commissiers could not have been more diverse politically and the topic of content was somethinghat we disssed many, many timesver the 18 months that we participated. And we felt very strongly, which resulted in our unanimous recommendation, that this museum needed to represent all ewpoints on all issues. And so, we would support, certainly, any strengthening amendment that the senate felt necessary. Thank you, ill have a couple of questions for the record for other three witnesses, but if were going to let her people ask questions, i need to stop at the end of my five minutes and so i will. Senator klobuchar. Thank you very much. Thank you, senator blunt. I moved over from the hearing room and i wanted to so director blunt that i have arts in the weisman art gallery on loan to my office and i appreciate your leadership, secretary blunt and i know the goal number for the Smithsonian Institution Strategic Plan discusses the need to impact the 21st century audiences and it reads exactly this, we will let the complete american story inperson and online in our museums and exhibits and programs and across focus on all americans, nationally and locally. To me, the american in the National American Latino Museum embody the spirit of that goal, do you agree . I do indeed agree. I think its importa that my career has been abo expanding the narrative and making sure that we have a diverse incluse history and i think thats really always been the goal of the smithsonian under my leadership. So these museums canelp us an i chief that goal. So, i understand that you have a backlog and youre prudent about how to mage the museums, we appreciate that, but when the africanamerican museum started of course, did you have this kind of pushback and you have advice for allf us as we move forward onhese two museums . I think its important to recognize that there ishe eat need to help the smithsonian improve its backlog. My notion has been with the right resources and creative leership, the smithsonian can do seval things at once. Its important to me to make sure that we maintain all that we have. Were also open to th possibilities new. Very good. I think thats really important to remember in my Opening Statement i talked about how even during the great depression, that the roosevelts and the wpa, one of the murals in my personal office here and to the mural that art was a big part of us not losing and thats what i wanted to remember. So, we look at doing this during the middle of this economic crisis. And i turn to miss longoria, thank you so much for being here. I gave you some nice words. Thank you. And would you talk about how we could take our world for generations to come. Latino kids and matter to little girls that they see theyre represented with their own museum. Yes, thank you, senator klobuchar, thank you for all of your work. Look, representation matters. If weve learned anything. An theres its a two fold benefit because its important for everyoneo see themselves reflected in our history and in our art, they can feel that their experiences are seen and understood so they n be inspired to similareats by people who look like them and sound like them so thats for young little girls and also for latinos everywhere. But the secon part is it educates others about us, okay, and quality representation teaches us about each other. For some folks who dont have a lati in their town, you know, learng about journalist, as a labor rigs leader, teaches about the values of our community and the values and strength of women and shares who we are and what we care about. So i think its more importantly allows us to betr understand and appreciate verse viewpoints and shared priorities as americans, thats what were missing right now, i think. O society so the mou seems are not for women and for latinos. Its gng to be foreverybody. And we do appreciate the work that secretary blunt has done in terms of bringing the exhibits in, but i think so much of many of us would be so excited to actually get these museums we have been talking about for so long, but i appreciate also you brought up the statue and youre somehow competing, ms. Longoria with Mark Zuckerberg and dorsey in a judiciary hearing i have going on at the same time, but i prioritized you. Thank you. I love that you brought up that statue because i dont know that everyone knows about this, that this was presented to congress in 1921 with t suffragettes, and its three women and put in the basement of the senate as an attempt to erase especially the words that were at the bottom of the statue that were considered blasphemous at the time. I want you to know that weve gotten the statue out of the basement, our first step. And restoring it where it belongs, but i want to let you know that and thank you for your work and thank you to all the witnesses. I know were not going to be able to do another round because of the vote scheduled. Thanks to all of you, im excited to get moving and look forward to working with the smithsonian, so thank you, senator klobuchar. Thank you. I dont believe any other member is waiting to ask questions, i have one other question if they dont. I think everybodys on the floor at this point or headed to the floor to vote. Thinking about the next 10 years, miss rojas and mr. Vargas, are you comfortable with the way the story is being moved in a new direction, as to how we tell it . Is there enough input in telling the story, the latino story as part of the current structure of the smithsonian . Miss rojas . And have you been asked for input on that would be another part of that question for both of you. Il turn to my colleague mr. Vargas as well. I believe that we have been to thisas been very weve been very active input in contentlong the way and with vocates like miss longoria, we have peopleho are also thking about this actively, how we can make how we can put the most robust story tellg that we can and obviously, trying to project out,ou know, who we should be talking to now or what, you know, because like you said, 2034 that we certaly have to be curating the content and i believe we have great resources and talent tnking about that. Danny, i would ask you to weigh in. Thank you, chairman. I would ask the following, we are we applaud strongly the efforts of the sthsonian Latino Center, theyve been can u feel work theyre incorporating into other Smithsonian Institutions, museums, the molina gallery coming up and we strongly support their efforts and applaud what they were able to do. Ill tell you as one of the former commissioners on the mmission, we travel around the country reaching out to audiences and from california toew york and puerto rico and everything in between. What we heard was that there was a strong need and desire to be able to tell this incredibly complex story. This is a story of not just t origin of the unid states of america, but also the ongoing evolution of the Latino Community in the country 23, 24 Different Countries of origin over time. Its a multidimensional journey thugh time and space. To tell tt well, is going to require a full museum, full complement of curators, its a significant first step, t until we have a full museum the next 10 years or so, i think it yet is to be told wl and completely. Thank you to thewitnesses. The record will remain open for one week fro today. The committee is adjourned. Thank you. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] inaudible conversations] [inaudible convsations] [inaudible conversations] coming up wednesday on cspan, the house is back at 10 a. M. Eastern for general speeches, legislative business at noon. Members take up several bills from the Foreign Affairs committee. They also vote on whether to go to conference with the senate to work out differences on legislation that since defense policies and for physical year 2021. And judicial nominationings, at the same time cspan 3, confirmati confirmation for those in the federal election commission. And the federal affairs subcommittee, how agencies are handling telework during the coronavirus pandemic. That gets underway at 3 p. M. Eastern. Bill gates joined the ceo of pfizer and the head of the Vaccine Confidence project for a discussion on the coronavirus pandemic and efforts to develop a vaccine. They talked about ongoing vaccine trials from pfizer and moderna. The Distribution Process once its ready and the publics Overall Trust in getting innoculated. This is just under an hour. Welcome back. Its a privilege to be with all of you and we have a