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Source: HNN Staff summary of Lee White's reports at the website of the National Coalition for History (NCH)
Breaking News
March 12, 2009

Humanities score big wins in the appropriations bill signed by Obama

It's known for its billions in earmarks. But the appropriations bill just signed by President Obama will be remembered by people in the humanities for its generous expenditures.

These headlines from the National Coalition for History tell the story:

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) will receive its highest level of funding in recent years under the fiscal year (FY) 2009 omnibus spending package (HR 1105), that was enacted into law this week. NARA's budget would jump 12 percent from the current $411 million to $459 million.

In a major victory, the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) will receive its highest level of funding in five years under the fiscal year (FY) 2009 omnibus spending bill (HR 1105) that was enacted into law this week. The NHPRC received $9.25 million for grants (plus $2 million for administrative costs), $1.75 million more than in FY ’08.

The Smithsonian Institution will receive a $48.7 million increase under the fiscal year (FY) 2009 omnibus spending bill (HR 1105), enacted into law this week. The total budget for the Smithsonian would grow to $731.4 million from the current $682.6 million.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) will receive nearly a $10 million increase under the fiscal year (FY) 2009 omnibus spending bill (HR 1105), enacted into law this week. The total budget for the NEH would grow to $155 million from the current $144.7 million.

The Teaching American History (TAH) grants program at the U.S. Department of Education will receive a modest $1 million increase under the fiscal year (FY) 2009 omnibus spending bill (HR 1105), that was enacted into law this week. The total budget for the program would grow to $118.9 million from the current $117.9 million. The Congress rejected the Bush administration’s request that the program be cut to $50 million.

On March 3, 2009, the House of Representatives passed two battlefield protection bills that authorize federal grants for the preservation of significant sites associated with the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Similar bills passed the House last year, but were not considered by the Senate before it adjourned.

Read entire article at HNN Staff summary of Lee White's reports at the website of the National Coalition for History (NCH)