Transcripts For CSPAN2 Smithsonian 20240706

[inaudible conversations] the committee on House Administration will come to order. I note a quorum is present without objection c the chair my declare a racist at any time but also that objection the meeting record will remain open for five legislative days so members may submit any materials they wish to be included therein. Thank you Ranking Member, members of the committee and s secretary for joining us for todays hearing. The Smithsonian Institution are the largest educational complex comprised of museums Educational Resources and services. The sodium preserves our heritage and history while sharing its knowledge with the world for each year millions of americans visit the Smithsonian Museum of each joint each of the spaces and Educational Opportunities the smithsonian provides. Roughly 137s objects in its collection visitors have an abundance of history and heritage to explore paid the smithsonian receives 1. 14 billion to the federal government in the last fiscal year. Two thirds of its total budget employs over 4000 fulltime employees. Today the commitment House Administration of the Smithsonian Institution will discuss the institutions operations and longterm goals. It has been three years since a Committee Held a wide ranging oversight hearing of the smithsonian on a variety of issues have come up during that time. In t the last three years the institution has frequently been in the news hot button cultural topics from panda diplomacy to museum repatriation policies. We have seen the smithsonian and a handful of headlines. The committee will explore how the smithsonians materials reflect america diversity of opinions. As a taxpayerfunded institution the smithsonian must ensure that stop partisan or bias our job is to ensure the smithsonians acting as a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars of also export to museums congress has authorized in the Institutions Division t for these divisions n 2020 congress authorized the creation of the National Museum of latino and smithsonian American History museum. A final decision for placement of thesese museums looms the smithsonian Strategic Plan annual planset congressional budget plans outline a robust and complex enterprise but did not articulate a longterm strategy for the team used new museums without a clear longterm strategy the museum may find it hard to bounce longterm vision with a more mundane daily operation which are so critical for success. Todays hearing will examine both the daytoday operations of the smithsonian while also looking to his longterm goals. As chairman im committed to ensuring that institutions are working the best interest of the american people. Mr. Secretary appreciate you being with us today. I look forward to our discussion in particular i look forward to hearing more about what ive been told is the original cheese head after a loss of the Green Bay Packers last night to the new york giants it is a little tough to look at the cheese head this morning. But appreciate you being here. Look forward to our conversation on all recognize the Ranking Member to provide an Opening Statement. Thank you for committing this hearing. Take no sides which mean you are a new jersey they probably appreciate the giants are playing new jersey and the packers are playing wisconsin. But i appreciate you being here. We are really grateful to the chairman for convening it. In this hearing providing oversight over what is the crown jewels of america the Smithsonian Institution certainly welcome mr. Secretary for being here is our witness. As the chairman said since its founding more than 175 years ago, the smithsonian has become the most visited Museum Complex on the planet. It has grown to 21 museums, Numerous Research center the Library System network of hundreds ofs affiliates and the national zoo. It is one of the worlds most for most Research Entities the smithsonian is on the cutting edge of advances in science. In the arts and in the humanities purchased last month the smithsonian partnered with nassar to unveil a fragment of an asteroid currently in orbit around the sun. Truly remarkable. To provide insights in how water and organic molecules first reached earth billions of years ago. Now its and form our understanding of the solar system for generations to come. Getting a piece of this asteroid tfor free it is truly remarkabl. A bit closer to home while we are all sad to say goodbye to that national zunes giant pandas americans should take solace peknowing these smithsonian observations and research over the last decades have played a significant role in moving giant pandas off the endangered species list despite the smithsonians many successes it is not without challenges. These challenges must be addressed so the smithsonian can continue its Great Mission for the next 175 years and beyond. Earlier this year requested an update from you, mr. Secretary, on the smithsonians response to allegations of Sexual Misconduct for more than a dozen female scientists. The allegations are deeply unsettling theon conduct descrid is completelyac unacceptable. Im very grateful for the secretarys thoughtful response in the creation of the smithsonian Civil Program a centralized resource employees to report harassment or other inappropriate behavior and look forward to continued updates this morning. In addition while i am thrilled congress authorized the National Museum of the latino and american womans History Museum on the overwhelmingly bipartisan basis, i remain frustrated the original legislation was amended to make the law conflict with itself. After the house passed legislation declaring congress intense that the museums to be on the nationaln mall and even requiring certain locations be considered in the senate added language prohibiting the museum for being built on the National Mall. He obviously that makes no sense us but since the language expressing Congress Intent requiring ahsan on the mall stay in the bill im hopeful we can Work Together to fix the law to ensure the mute these take place in americas front yard. In the meantime im interested in learning about the progress made in developing exhibition of programs to these museums. Im especially interested house and senate maintains territorial independence at a time at many look to exploit cultural issues to score political points. I am also eager for an update on the smithsonian efforts to write a revolting historical wrong 19th and early 20 century practice of removing brains from deceased a black and Indigenous People for study without consent of them or their families. Theyre not words in the english language sufficient to capture just how repugnant and dehumanizing a practice this was. Earlier this years of the secretary bunch of letters asking for details on the smithsonians plan to repatriate return human remains to victims families. I again appreciate secretary response detailing the work of the smithsonians Human Remains Task force and public apology in behalf of the institution. Im looking forward to hearing more about the work of the task force and any headway that has made been made in the repatriation effort. Finally i am interested in learning more about efforts to strengthening smithsonian infrastructure and facilities i hope your updates on a renovation to the air and space museum my alltime favorite place in the world, the status of the deferred maintenance backlog to take collections against the effects of quite climate change. Okay mr. Secretary thank you for not only being here today we continue Public Service of the country with that mr. Charlie yelled back progress dermot yields back without objection all members Opening Statements will obey part of the hearing s record they are submitted to the city clerk by 5 00 p. M. Today pursuant to paragraph b of Committee Rule six though it is a police stand or break your. I do solemnly swear or affirm the testimony that you are about to give t us the truth, the whoe truth and nothing but the truth so help you god . But the r record showed the witness answered in the affirmative and they be seated. I will now introduce our witness secretary ronnie bunch assumed the role as the 14th secretary of the smithsonian on june 16, 2019 the secretary received 21 museums, 21 library scum at the national duke, Numerous Research center several educational units and centers. Previously mr. Bunch served as a founding director of the smithsonians National Museum of africanAmerican History and culture. Secretary bunch we appreciate you being here today look forward to your testimony. As a reminder weve rated a written statement it will appear in full in the hearingng record. Under Committee Rule nine a brief summary of your written statements. Please return on your microphone so members can hear you i now recognize you secretary bunch for five minutes. Thank you very much. Thank you for the opportunity to not to testify tonight hopee you take times to see these amazing artifacts the original cheeses, head, to be able to look at eight morning watch for Mary Todd Lincoln. To look at some the pins that were given to the Suffrage Movement. I want to make sure you spend time looking at that today but became since i became secretary in 2019 i have been impressed and gratified by congress, the administration and the American Public at the smithsonian to hep advance the , educational, scientific and artistic life of this nation. This support we receive enables us to engage with and educate people on importantic topics lie the essence of the american experience, the diversity of world cultures the sustainability of the planet on the nature of the universe. One of my goals as secretary is ton reach every home in every classroom in the country assuring our content to celebrate ourac achievements and help us grapple with contemporary issues. All of which helps us to come together to work towards a better shared future. Our Educational Programming is becoming more crystallized as we establish strategic collaboration with organizations like the 4h club, boys and girls clubs of america pbs we are hosting students to washington for facilitated learning experiences with educators centering around engagement. At the same time we are bringing our content to others to these partnerships for for example are currently developing a pilot programir into the boys and girs clubs focusing on civics and history which we hope to take nationwide in 2026. And as you have mentioned our worldclass scientific endeavors alsoif continue with efforts wih the capturing the first image of a black hole to running a century long reforestation project. Families are science provide incredible return on investment to the american people, its a work that can only happen at the smithsonian and it is work researchers around the world rely on. And as i look ahead to the future of this institution im excited about what lies ahead for the Worlds Largest museum, education and Research Complex the nations 2050th anniversary will be a launching point for the transformation of the smithsonian into an o institution that better reach the needs of the nation. That pivotal event will not only serve as a celebration of what we have been but will also give us a glimpse of a more nimble relevant and effective institution. Proving these smithsonian matters today, tomorrow, and every day and every part of the country. To coincide with that event we are programming celebrating as a nation and the smithsonian place in it. We will invite americans to explore all corners ofri her complex histories and find ways of moving Forward Together in our shared a future. The renovated air and space museum should be fully open to thepu public in time. Ive asked my team to work toward temporary opening to the public and explore and celebrate that as we look forward to the the world is rapidly changing and with that sore the needs and expectations of the american people. We look ahead to the next tune of 50 years the smithsonian will need to adapt. We want to be more digital institution we want to provide resources to helplp communities understand challengers like the challenge of climate change. We must help our citizens become more engaged and become better informed and have civil discourse on important topics that affect us all. Building the smithsonian American History museum will help us tell him opera most expensive version of the american story. As impressive as these museums will surely be when they rise in the National Mall, they will only represent a fraction of the Institution Transformation in the years to come. With your support we will build on our resources, our expertise in our trust we will restore our facilities while creating new ones will take advantage of technology and partnerships to reach more people than ever we will chart a bold new course for the smithsonian that strengthens our shared future but thank you for your and the opportunity to testify before you today and im now happy to answer any questions you might have a. Thank you very much thank you for being here today record dismissal for five minutes for the purpose of asking questions. I want to drill down a little but the broader spendingf requet of the smithsonian. In particular balancing the backlog of maintenance with the two new museums that are coming online in the nottoodistant future. As i understand it with the smithsonian is about 2 billion in backlog for maintenance of current facilities, is that accurate . Whats it iss correct. We have a new program that gives me more assessments but i believe its 2 billion progress inside of that is the smithsonian request for funding to congress it seems to only half of the broader recommended rate of two 4 of the aggregate current replacement value. Many are we falling further behind on deferred maintenance of fleet fulfill the smithsonian request . A plan to baby want to make sure we can utilize all the resources you give us. Part of what i am trying to do now is to be more strategic in terms of how we utilize our capitol budgets as wells or Building Maintenance budget. Therefore with dumb things like wheat redundant space museum it allowed us to reduce our current backlogs. I think reality is we need the support you will give us and any dollars you give us we do use towards building to make sure we handled the backlog. But in the funding request is the amount of funds requested sufficient to not fall for the hot or is that a sufficient amount . Quick so help us move forward but will ask for more in the future brickwork the reason i ask we have two new museums were looking to bring online you are uniquelyn qualified and the role of your previous work on african American History museum. We look at that the broader focus here on the Strategic Planning and your efforts to bring them forward whether or not we arere prepared to move tt forward. Could you give color t as to whe you are at in the broader Strategic Planning process for the two new museums in particular the location of the two museums . Whats a child with the two new museums are that we have to make sure that we get the Site Selection resolved. There is very little we can do without siteon selection. We have been very successful and raised over 60 million for each museum already. But that will only grow once we come point towards here is where the museums would be part of what we have done is a recognized we do not want to wait until he museums her up it may be 10 or 12 years away. We have already begun to do things like more offline work to get people that history about the Latino Community weve create a new latino exhibition gallery that will allow us to demonstrate to the public, here are the stories we can tell and get people excited. The bottom line is we are ready to move forward. We are going to need however more support to build the staffu of those museums. To be shoot able to get the ultimate decisions about sites and construction print what i will say though based on my experience is that we are able to as we build the new museums we are able to get funds that will pay for construction and a lot ofsk things we know we haveo ask congress for. So its really a crucial moment inhe the history of these museus to see what we are going to be over the next year regrets the time i have left on a shift topics of aiken might nieces and nephews came to d. C. They got to see the pandas before they departed. I can tell you for kids love the pandas. But, as we dive in and we talk about panda diplomacy if you will theres a policy sides of this as well. And it is, i understand the national zoo paid china at 10 million would loan the giant pandas for 10 years is that accurate . Whats it is correct free. That what was extended throughout that Time Beginning from 2000 all the weights of this year . Once we negotiate every year yes regards or consideration to extend that at the pandas came back and set an ongoing negotiation . Would like to have the pandas back would like to negotiate with the chinese to do just that. At any time has the smithsonian change or compromise any public content to appease or accommodate china or any of the Foreign Government . Definitely not. Ot you have policies in place to ensure what happens when the negotiation . We do and we make sure is aspart of the negotiation the staff recognizes this is really about the science and the pandas and not basically compromise our status and working with the chinese precooked thank you very much. I now recognize the Ranking Member for five minutes for the purpose of asking questions. Thank you, mr. Chairman and again thank you mr. Secretary for being here. In just a few minutes i have is it mentioned in my testimony focus for a moment or two of the smithsonian past practice that i mentioned taking human brains from deceased black and Indigenous People for study without their knowledge or consent. You mentioned the human remained task force which has been determined to repatriate human remains. I wonder if you could talk to so little about how the members of the task force were selected . Whether or not their representatives from most impacted communities that are part of the task force and if you can give us a timeline for what you think is a reasonable period when the remains will be repatriated in sort of how you measure the success of this effort given that time light in the task in front of you . Like you i was very upset when i learned about these human remains. My goal was very quickly to have a new policy that allows us to understand how we would return remains. What kind of research we should still do. And so therefore he put together a committee of people. The best scholars, some Community People both internal and external to the smithsonian to help us think these issues through to ask fundamental questions what is the role of human remains of the smithsonian question rick was a difference when human remains whether we have consent versus we did not have consent how do we return the human remains how do we work withmy communities . My goal is to get this report and use that report to reshape the smithsonian policies. My goal would be over the next year we will be able to frame the policies. Understand what resources are needed to be able to return material that also make clear that if we are doing any research on human remains or is the limit. Heres whats possible but we are not going to do. Thank you thats important. Consent will be a big part of that. And i am assuming that would be a mentoring a minimum people give consent prior to their demise in the family members be aware. They consents. Their efforts over the next year. How are you dealing with . I dont know how many remains you still have. I know some have been returned but a relatively small number. I think the number was 200 . Of brains and human remains i just wonder what the status of repatriation is . Assesses is probably over 20000 remains in the smithsonian. Most are native american we are now looking at other communities. What we are doing is with this task forces to help me understand what do we need to put in place to return, to reach out to communities. My goal would be materials we do not have consent for we should work towards returning or re burying this material. My goal is to get an understanding of what it is going to take to do all of that. This is a task force will help me do that and then i will make determinations on how we move forward. Your expectation. Expect to get a report the next week or two. I want to use the next six months to a year to figure exactly what we are going to do. But policies get changed what financial needs we need and to get forward and returning materials. Thank you hug forging update on that i want to switch topics with my remaining minute that i have it. Both the latino and Womens Museum on the National Mall. Building the africanAmerican History culture on the National Mallre wasnt transformative not just for that museum but for the country. The National Mall is where the world learns what it means to be an american but theres something powerful about having these museums on the mall so people can understand they are t of the american story. Also take on the mall ensures they a get the visitation they deserve. V millions of people come explore these questions because the great strength of the smithsonians people will come and wrestle with questions in their hometown. We want people to do this. I think it is really important we build these museums on our mall so they can be symbols of america for the world. A very good. Thank you mr. Cheerio back my time. The gentleman yields backup. Good to see you again. We appreciate you being here, appreciate some of what you said regarding the american story it is very important that we preserve the history and the heritage of our nation. One of those being who we are as a people as well as our government or the rights we have with the First Amendment rights comes up quite often these days. As i explained to people the First Amendment doesnt exist to only protect the speech were comfortable with but the things were uncomfortable with. It brings me too one of my favorite museums you have as an air force veteran as an aviator in aviation enthusiast. And its one of the most closest museums to capitol hill which is one i tend to visit frequently. Especially when you do movie nights at the imax. Theres a lot of great things and go on there. But earlier this year at the air and space museum you had to settle a lawsuit when students were kicked out for wearing prolife hats. It was a huge concern still a large concern or to specially talk about the american story these young people have their rights express their political beliefs as well. Now we have been assured this was a mistake on the part of the security guards being misinformed. Was this reflective of a broader bias or an isolate incident . Clearly an isolated incident. Think about that day the march for life going to different parts of the smithsonian were accepted no problem atpr all. I was a mistake we have a policy that says you cannot bring in posters and placards. Are there than that are entered in the security men made a mistake. And in essence what we do this as soon as we found out we corrected that day. I also then made sure we had new training and we have a policy that anytime there is a demonstration on the mall that morning all security are briefed on what the rules part to make sure peoples First Amendment right are not challenged by the smithsonian. So this was a mistake i think we have corrected it and not had any other problems since then. Are there any other changes other than the ones you just outline that you have made . Increase training . Better communication . What is really important to make sure that works for the test to get a briefing after every demonstration. We are on this as part of the process of improving the smithsonian progress even if there was a demonstration somebody shows up wearing a life matters shirt. Move on to another subject. Im 2022 smithsonian hosted an annual folk lifeit festival with United Arab Emirates culture as he had sponsor for this followed anan announcement in 2017 agreement between the ulsmithsonian, the uae to collaborative cultural content and Capacity Development programs. Itit opens the question why forr nation will be allowed to ivsponsor an american folk life festival in the first place or as you said the american story. And what, if any influence uae had on the territorial decisions for the folk life festival. The Washington Post reported u. S. Intelligence officials had compiled the classified report on uae attempts to influence domestic american politics. So my question is, does the smithsonian accept money from foreign nations to fund its exhibits and events . The folk life festival is one of those moments we do a Domestic Program and international program. The smithsonian has received support from nations being part of thehe festival. But we make clear that support has nothing to do with content they are not involved in the decisions about what is actually shown. There really is support to bring performers on the scholars over but we are very clear that money from anyone does not get to tell the smithsonian what the interpretations with the work we are trying to do. What policies you have in place are programs in place to ensure for investments and one way or another. What you display what goes into the museum or what you highlight. T. We have written policies to do that several opportunities to vet these things. When issues are brought forward at the festival its the responsibility to make sure his or her staff are following the rules we make sure were fending reshapes the kind of work we want to do. Thank you i yield back too. A gentleman yields back. Welcome secretary bunch. Pleasure to see you again. As the representative of alabama civil rights district the daughter of lifelong educators i am committed to doing the work to ensure that we preserve, protect and tell the complicated story of our nation. Every day visitors from across the globecr come to the nations capitol to explore exhibits that inform the events that shape the foundation of america. And your testimony you mentioned one of the goals you have in the 15 year Strategic Plan for the smithsonian is to increase their reach and education, scholarship and Scientific Research because i know you believe, as i do every calm and every classroom should have the advantage of understanding and knowing our great American History. I also believe knowledge should isaccessible forel everyone nott those who can afford to come to the nations capitol. This is why i am excited the alabama humanitarian Humanities Alliance and the Smithsonian Museum on main Street Program collaborated to host a traveling exhibit called crossroads, dschange in rural america. The exhibit explored ways Rural Communities have evolved over the 20th century. In fact when the five stops along the way was the montgomery trail which is been a project of mine from the moment i got into congress is exhibit how is a black belt of which sonic is considered the queen city. You had many chapters that have had an opportunity to really play a role rate since 1997 the alabama Humanities Alliance partnered with the Smithsonian Museum on main street to bring 11 national exhibits to alabama. And it covered 57 committees across our states. I want to encourage those collaborations and hope you will continue to make sure in your Strategic Plan that you carve out resources so these smithsonian exhibits can really travel to every classroom in every corner of america. In your testimony you mentioned several ways in which you have tried to expand the smithsonian reach both through hightech digitalization as wills lowtech with the Rural Initiative. Another way the smithsonian reaches more people as to the Smithsonian Affiliate Program the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and birmingham, ballot is a smithsonian affiliate and a phenomenal teaching experience for those of us to live and whod birmingham and frequent birmingham want to learn the civil rights history. How do you think affiliates of benefit from the smithsonian central and i also want to get to the importance of your curated independence when it comes to your cure ration. Guess to my friends concerned aboutei foreign influence i woud also suggest you step independence telling the story so we get the full story and not just part of the story can you start with the Affiliation Program and then talk about what your definition of curated independence . I am convinced the smithsonian has to really have relationships in Rural Communities throughout the United States. We are looking all the resources we have to do with that. Some is digital of course. The others are the inexpensive traveling exhibitions that can be in many parts of the country. We also want to bring more of our staff making presentations. Basically create a Rural Initiative to say the smithsonian needs to make sure it is paying attention and learning from Rural Communities. Making sure the smithsonian is beyond washington is one of my major commitments. But the other point youve touched on is important to me as a former curator. The smithsonians greatest strength is its scholarship its integrity is the opportunity to bring the best of thinking from around the world to shape with the smithsonian does. And there are always disagreements over subjects that we explore read the interpretations but these smithsonian is never aea place thats really from the left or the right. It is a place that says what is the best scholarship . What are the things we can explore . That means theres time are going to raise issue not everyones going to be excited about. Not everyone is going to understand. The great strength of theth smithsonian is at its job in some ways is to use our scholarship to define reality and give hope. I think that is what do we have the independence to do the work we try to do. Congratulations on your ltenure so far. We look forward to your continued success. Whats a gentlewoman yields a. Thank you very much mr. Chairman, thank you mr. Secretary. I truly appreciated your opening when you said you wanted to explore all corners of her complex history. I think thats were some can get dicey i will try think the affiliate quote is really good. I might district in bristol, virginia its a split city vestal we have the birthplace of Country Music which is also an affiliate getting another view of rural america. Just like that district there is a view of that history is important to study all these and i agree with that. Now you are already planning for our Nation Student 50th anniversary. Im excited about it. I appreciate you mentioning that in your opening. I assume the pillars of your strategic p plan digital, noble, trusted source,e, science and education be critical and chitinous efforts in my correct in that . That you are absolutelyol right. Is a part of the complex history and all corners there are certainly things we can highlight their not positive but i am hopeful for 250th anniversary you will be depicting things i think we can all be proud of as patriotic and proud depiction of our nations founding of the founders and their contributions. Not perfect. We need to focus on all of it and i need to agree on that as hawell but we do need to include the declaration of independence and the constitution as showcasing those under anniversary events because while not perfect, those documents laid the groundwork. Not just for the United States and our ability to create a more Perfect Union but as guideposts for the world as we move to a better world again not just here but worldwide. Can you share some your thoughts on that and where youre going with the tuna 50th anniversary we plan to highlight . Ask i believe its crucially important for the smithsonians report of the glue that helps h hold the country together. Part of that is really celebrating our history. It is exploring the fact that the Founding Fathers and mothers the founding documents shape knowledge is who we are but who the world is. We want to build to celebrate that we want to be able to talk about america is a work in progress. Llwhat you see are many of the challenging moments there are people who are really trying to say how does america live up to those ideals . How does america really build on the declaration and the constitution . We want people to understand were going to celebrate were also going to commemorate because we want to understand that by looking at the past, looking at the full past it does not mean we are running away from difficult things nor does it mean we are being critical of the country. What we are really saying is america its a place that is changed over time. Part of that change is trying to live up to those ideals. So we would to celebrate that by telling the full story of the country. I do believe what happened was exceptional. Not perfect but exceptional truly has changed theng world. And i think we should celebrate so appreciate hearing those thiscomments are going to switch gears a little bit. I am interested in all kinds of things particularly the Natural Sciences can you describe some of the biggest and most impactful Scientific Research projects that the smithsonian is currently working on . Oh my goodness. I know there are a lot. For me im excited about the work we are doing. Discovering the image of the black hole in the material in space. Its been amazing for us. We are really doing things that allow us to educate the public and challenge science to doy more. Im also really taken by thet work at the research institute. Reforestation. What a wonderful about the smithsonian science is that it really is science but its also science contextualize. We help people understand this means the Broader Society what it means for culture. So for me science has been one of the pillars of the smithsonian and im so proud that it is. I am glad. I really hope you will continue to do good work. What percentage of your budget is dedicated to pursuing Scientific Research . I was saying that exactly number but at least a third period. Just because im curious because i love the Natural Sciences do you use the creatures at the zoo to check into things like animal intelligence to do research there . We do a lot of different kind of research. For a lotot of our work with the zoo is about animal conservation we work with the pandas were trying to make sure they are no longer endangered we do a lot of good cheetahs in a variety of animals. I think we do a lot of conservation. And then our research is used by the scientists that are exploiting other aspects of animal intelligence. In some ways the smithsonian is foundational to what other scientists are alsoo doing. Thank you my time is up to yield back. Doctor murphys recognizer fiveac minutes. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you for coming and visiting with us today. I have always been a great lover of museums wherever i travel i always go to a museum because im a lover of history i am a lover of the human experience. You months ago i took my 26yearold son we went over to look at some the exhibits they are it is so wonderful to see such joy he had in a field he is now fully immersed in. I will tell how i love my experience but a couple things bothered mee there. You said earlier you do not believe it partisanship and everything. Let me ask you again about partisanship. Where does that belong in our smithsonian . Missoni is a place that should not be partisan it is a place thats driven by a scholarship that does not mean there are not interpretations people dont always agree with. But we are really driven by scholarship spray. What really actually stiffened me up because i did not understand it i did not expect from this institution is there is an exhibit on nixon it was not a cartoon put up it was something put up by smithsonian staff that described next nasty nixon boom boom boom and something about ronald reagan. From the written placard from smithsonian. And it took me back the stuff the smithsonian i remember. And so delving into this a little bit more trade to what you said a lot of partisanship. You guys have this wonderful exhibit praising the superstar dr. Fauci because with the advice of dr. Fauci with nations leading epidemiologist rang true. But we have found out since that time that dr. Fauci lied. Theres pointblank evidence that he covered up the fact the virus did comfortable cons lab. I dont think he is a superstar. I dont think he was praised he absolutely lied to the American Public and as a physician hes damaged the reputation of medicine across the country. This is something taken by the left of praising somebody who lied to the country. I am hopeful there will be some revision of whats gone back and truth be told that he was appraised but he was really shown he was lied to further his own interest. I want you to succeed i think when everyone talks about the smithsonian they talk about greatness. This is something when you make the visit to washington d. C. Its all about going to the smithsonian pretty on the air and space is emu marvel at things. I will tell you when i saw this exhibit in 2020 talk about whiteness here we are rather than having all of the silos and being told you are in privilege you are in this, you are and that in trying to pull things together partisan politics is now trying to divide us. Im going to go through this and its just baffling to me. In these smithsonian assumptions about white culture. It says a rugged individual, Family Structure emphasis on Scientific Method history, protestant work ethic. Religion, no tolerance or ofdeviation from a single god concept. This is absolute anti racial propaganda. Why would anything like this be in the Smithsonian Institute . It is my understanding why think youre saying i cant really see it. Is very wellversed in this you are the head of the smithsonian. Let me explain there is a document is the whiteness document put up online they took down immediately. I think the document itself was wrong and flawed i do think however it is important for the smithsonian to help the country grapple with questions of race im not going to run away from that. But i agree with you very much that document is not the kind of document that should be at the smithsonian of its what i think it is i pulled that down. How does this help us with the brace . This is divisive language saying that white people we dont tolerate any deviation except a single god concept. How is that helpful . Ii do not understand that. I wish someone could explain that to me. Is not white people is not black people is not latino people we are americans. It hurts my heart because i think instead of us coming together in the last several years we have more silos based on the up out of in our skin thats ever been seen in our history. It is pathetic the bastion of history internation Smithsonian Institution is reinforcing those things. I am just sad about that thank you, mr. Chairman ill yield back. The judge of it yields back. Correct thank you, mr. Chairman thank you secretary for being with us this morning. And your Opening Statement you wrote you believe the smithsonian should be in every home in every classroom in the country. You also stated in your testimony few minutes ago the smithsonian should never come from a place of left or right. Secretary, are you familiar do you know the number of drag shows 3 the smithsonian assisted in last three years . Six. Four of those were targeted at children. Going back to june 27 of 2020 and online event at the American Art Museum listed are the kids and families category of virtual drag Queen Storytime ruth brings a fund for the whole family as she reads classic Nursery Rhymes and for 21, june 1821 a virtual drag queen art bingo night. June the fourth of 22 another event targeted at children. My question is this, how does hosting drag shows for children help the smithsonian achieve their mission of catalyzing public in gauge meant sparking curiosity by learning the connection im sorry, learning by connecting the Knowledge Resources and expertise of the smithsonian with Vital Network cultural organizations, what culture is exposing children to overly sexual mattel your material appropriate . What is not appropriate to expose the children to drag shows. I am surprised and will look into that big. Think i will look into the most recent one was june 23 of 23. Ouster to not children at all is my understanding in new york city. T how is that relevant to the educational aspect question even if its not to children where we talk about that issue . I think therere many other things we should be looking at. T and we are doing so much more thats a small part of whatever we do. The reality is the smithsonian is trying to make sure that it embraces the totality of who we are as americans. But this is not a major part of what wepp do it all. I appreciate its up not a major part thankfully, i recognize certainly the targeting of children is completely inappropriate and i for sure your opportunity to look into that i look forward to hearing a followup from you on that. Let me also ask one last question whether a taxpayer funds used for the shows you are aware of . I would have to look into that i know smithsonian resources are used in a variety of ways but im not sure. Thank you for that. Now, how to seize missoni and plan to ensure the womens History Museum represents a wide diversity of thought and perspective among american women and avoiding engaging in progressive identity politics . What specific plans or initiatives you are looking forward to . The goal of the Womens Museum is to explore the history of the women by helping people recognize the names they know to find new storiesy they dont knw anything about. But to basically say we want to use womens history as a lens to understand what it means to be american to see it through the eyes of women. I think we are clear that as we move forward we will hire scholars and curators begin to develop what are the ideas you will explore. My goal is to recognize that we have to tell a broader story but my goal is this is a story shaped byhi scholarship that hes us understand women in this country. Do you believe you will have some of the particular initiatives included in the potential exhibits that also reflect the Christian Community in the conservative womens organizations that have shaped. Youve brought some items from the Suffrage Movement which i appreciate some of that was very much a christian based focus. Do you plan on including those question are. Up so the explore a diversity of opinions and in essence one of the things the smithsonian is done is make sure issues of religion are central to part of the interpretations were doing through out the smithsonian progress as a followup if i may mr. Chairman i wouldn. Say alice Mary Roberson was the first woman ever to serve in the state of oklahoma and units is congress she was also the first woman to preside over the nine states help the house off representatives i would hope she would be included in your museum in the future with that mr. Chairman i yield to piglets and gentlemen yields back mr. Kerrys record is for five minutes. Thank you chairman thank you the Ranking Member for havinggog ths in mr. Secretary is a pleasure to be here with you today. Appreciate your y testimony. A couple of go into things and of the Ranking Member and i have had the discussions. Youth fame or the arts and industry building . Yes i am too. What is the currently, what is the building currently being used for . The building is probably my second favorite building on the mall. The arts industry building is being used for activities and events right now. The challenge is that when it was created in 1881 it was state of the art museum. Unfortunately it is not now. Theres a millions of dollars to turn that into a more formal oumuseum. On the ask whether any concrete plans for the museum next three five years that you know of . At the station when he is the museum part of the celebration for the china 50th anniversary. We are developing with the plans can be. One of the things your staff whas been great to work with, i actually got a tour the facility. I have three children with big age difference a 22yearold and i have a 4yearold and a 2yearold. So they came to visit me here in d. C. With the two in the foyer of it been a while since ive been looking at museum, Childrens Museums to be honest with you. I notice we have a National Childrens museum. But right now its currently toccupying what was space for a federal building. I am the lead sponsor for the National Childrens museum act which is going to require gsa to pay the rent for the facility. But, afterer going through that building i truly believe that would be a perfect location for a National Childrens museum. And i understand because of the windows and there is been a remodel done and the 1940s that took some of the space. I know it will require a lot of work. The Childrens Museum is on a fantastic job right now but as you said in your point was well clear the National Mall is whert people come to learn about the american story. I truly believe like you thats one of my favorite buildings on the mall. It would be a great way for our children to have a place to go and to learn. And you dont have to worry about Historical Documents and make this more of a hands on top of museum. Not to mention it is located right in front of the carousel which i believe you guys just sent to my home state of ohio to be resurfaced i think of you wonderful location. Any thoughts on what it would take to remodel in terms of financing a facility of that nature to make it a Childrens Museum . And i know im hitting you out of the blue on this. But around about numbers . Whats a targeted exact number. For example we spent a must rean a Million Dollars just to stabilize the roof. I think its millions of dollars to do this to make sure that it can be used in anyny way for the public. I think if Congress Says to us explore that question we will. And i agree with you very much theres almost nothing more powerful than a good Childrens Museum. And i think while the smithsonian does a nice job with young people in various stages i think the Childrens Museum is a powerful and important thing to have and we would love to have you help us talk about what is possible. Appreciate that mr. Secretary. I will tell you i was very impressed and ive gone to a lot of Childrens Museum as you can imagine now. We have a wonderful facility in columbus its f a hands on facility in indianapolis is a wonderful job. I think the one we have here in d. C. With the limited funds they have they d do a remarkable job. But it was surprising to meet we dont have Something Like that on the mall and i truly believe just looking at the building the majesty of the building, the history of that building looking at some the pictures i do believe its a type of facility that could be utilized handson for children the learning of ouu country. Going to pivot real quick high note there are other questions and i only have 40 seconds. What is the smithsonian longterm plans to address deferred maintenance if you do that 30 seconds you will be a miracle worker. [laughter] oxley plan is to be much more strategic to have an understanding of exactly what we have. By putting the systems in place to do that then to look at how we can make the most impact based on the capitol money we have been given to do this. So i think this is one of my number one priorities. As you know anyone that has gotten aging the bill think theyre going to have problems with deferred maintenance. So we are working on this every day piglets mr. Section going to give you a passage and did some the carousel to ohio i will not give you a lot of pushback on the fact we got wisconsin cheddar sitting on the desk there. [laughter] is determined i yield back too. A gentleman reminded us Nothing Better than wisconsin cheddar. [laughter] he does yield back. Think it mr. Chairman secretary, good morning. So my mother and my grandparents traveled from puerto rico to the United States in pursuit of a better life. Something i am deeply proud of in my family story has been one of success. My mom came to states at the age of one with her Seven Brothers and sisters. The American Dream of hard work and the freedom to pursue Economic Opportunity has been filled for Many American latinos we want a museum that can probably reflect this point of view on this journey. With that in mind im a little concerned with what i have read in the news about the molina family latino g gallery and the exhibits it produces. Some say depict hispanics as a victims, his army deserters, as traders and people not fully invested in this great country and all that it has to offer. I have many constituents back home in new york and in the fourth Congressional District who are of latin america it dissents some of whom fled this country due to violence political and economic turmoil inflicted by communist governments and insurgents. As a National Museum of the american latino committed to telling the experience Latin Americans a face and their t contributions to our nation . There is no doubt that is our priority the best way i can explain that to you is that the melina gallery really ought to be a testing place. Should be a series of eight or nine or 10 exhibitions that happen for the building is up so we make sure we have made that midcourse corrections we need to tell the stories we want to do. I really think if you look at the example of the africanamerican museum which really tells both typical stories and stories of resiliency and hope you will find the same thing. And the authorization for the National Museum of the american latino it is written the board of trustees is responsible for ensuringes and i quote, this is the mission, the exhibits and programs of the museum reflect the diversity of the political viewpoints held by it latinos of the United States on the events and issues relating to the history of latinos in the United States of america. Does the smithsonian take this provision seriously . Is one of the most important things we do to find the diversity of opinions and stories and i can assure you the museum will do just that progress you mention the specific the exhibits is a test. So as a former Museum Director yourself, how will you address concerns about political bias and exhibits . Part of it is by putting together a Diverse Group of scholars that will help shape what the museum will do. Secondly ive create a process for read bets exhibitions traditional bee vet exhibitions early in the process conceptual. What ive done is at a second to allow us to more concretely at exhibits the artifacts use the words that are written. It will also help us ensure we are making sure the museum is telling the story from a nonpartisan point of view. I hope that continues and i really hope that t is the missin because i dont believe that exhibits should be used as tests we should vet them properly make sure when the smithsonian which is an institution people travel throughout the world to visit. We should not have exhibits that are test cases. This should be tried and true and vetted so you are living out the mission of what we are supposed to be doing there. What, i mean, its not that we are just trying anything willynilly. Its to see how the public engages around certain ways. So, for me that was the key to actually take examples over a period of eight or nine years and say heres where we can do this better and differently and where the public engages in we need we need to teach the public better. Its one of the tools to make sure thathe the museum will be what we wanted to be when it opens. Mr. Chairman i yield back. The gentleman yield back. We concluded our questions. But in consultation with the Ranking Member, we know that you brought five items out of a collection of 137 million items. One of them caught my attention because im called the original cheese head. I would love to yield you five you need juste ifou so you can walk through the five unique items that you brought before us. The history andth the richness that the Smithsonian Institute has in its collection is so incredibly unique. If you will i will give you a few minutes to describe the five items. The smithsonian has 555 million objects so we want to give you a few that you could look at. Obviously the wisconsin cheese head from 1990 crucially aportant because it really is symbol of wisconsin, it is a symbol of the Green Bay Packers which my giants defeated. But it is really an example. I did consider reclaiming my time at that moment. Continue on. Thats really important. The other thing here you have an m1 helmet that was used by a puerto rican brigade who really want of valor fighting in the korean war and we want to use that to tell that story. Also you have pins here that are jail for freedom pendants which was about womens suffrage, women demanding more from to have the right to vote and then arrested and these are pins to commemorate that. We also have Mary Todd Lincolns morning watch. When Abraham Lincoln was assassinated Mary Todd Lincoln was devastated and this watch was given to her as a way to always make sure that she kept able lincoln close. We have an array of things i give you a different story. The last piece is a piece of trench art from world war i. During the war there were moments of real terror and boredom in many of the soldiers created art, this is a piece that was created out of shells that was used to store material. Again it just demonstrates the array of things that are part of the smithsonian collection. I would say to you any time you want to come and have me give you a tour of the smithsonian collections please let me know. We thank you, maybe the Ranking Member and i can take you up onn that. Its a cherished institution and one noted by all of our members thatat we enjoy being able to visit and we appreciate your testimonyy here today and for yu joining us. Members of the committee may have additional questions that we ask that you please respond to those questions in writing. Without objection each member has five days to enter additional material into the record or to revise and extend the remarks, no further business i think the members for their participation and without objection to meeting stans stas adjourned. 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