| | | | FY '17 Federal Budget Update
Before leaving to campaign, Congress passed a continuing budget resolution to keep the federal government funded and operating through December 9. Final action on the fiscal year 2017 budget will not occur until after the November elections. If there is a change of party in the White House and/or Senate majority it could be pushed back until next January after the inauguration. A chart summarizing the current status of the FY 17 appropriations bills of interest to the historical community is accessible here.
NCH Intervenes to Preserve History Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center
This summer, NCH became aware that the history office at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC) was likely to be defunded and closed at the end of the 2016 fiscal year on September 30. NCH working collaboratively with OAH, AHA and the Society for History in the Federal Government was able to convince NASA leadership to provide the funding necessary to keep the JSC office open with the resources it needs to be fully staffed and maintain the same excellent level of service to the historical community and the public. For more information, click here.
National Women's History Museum Commission Update:
The American Museum of Women's History Congressional Commission is in the process of wrapping up its work. Over the past year, the commission has received input from historians with expertise in women’s history and other stakeholders. A report to the President and Congress must be submitted by November 16, 2016. For more information, click here.
Congress Creates Commission to Prepare for USA's 250th Anniversary
In July 2016, Congress passed legislation (Public Law 114-196) establishing the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission to begin planning for the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. NCH will be working to ensure qualified historians with expertise in the field are included on the commission. The commission will be comprised of 8 members of congress, 16 private citizens, and 8 federal officials. For more information, click here.
IMLS Reauthorization Bill Introduced
A bill to reauthorize the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) was recently introduced in the US Senate. The “Museum and Library Services Act of 2016” contains a number of provisions supporting museums. It includes a new initiative, the "21st Century Museum Professional Program," which seeks to improve the preparation and training of museum professionals. For more information, click here.
First American History and Civics Academies Grants Awarded
The US Department of Education recently awarded grants to develop and manage a "Presidential Academy" to provide professional development to teachers of American History and Civics; and a "Congressional Academy" to provide high quality history and civic learning to students. The grant awardee is the Kentucky Educational Development Cooperative, with partners including the Rendell Center for Civics and Civic Engagement and the National Constitution Center. This is the first History/Civics funding awarded under the new "Every Student Succeeds Act," (ESSA) For more information, click here.
Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Rule Issued by NARA
On September 14, the National Archives issued a final rule, “Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI),” establishing consistent practices and procedures for safeguarding, disseminating, controlling, and marking CUI across Executive Branch departments and agencies. The rule would reduce the current system of over 100 different markings to four broad categories. It goes into effect November 13, 2016. For more information, click here.
Intelligence Spending Increased in 2016
U.S. intelligence appropriated funds increased 5% in fiscal year 2016 to $70.7 billion, from $66.8 billion in FY 15. These figures include appropriations for the National Intelligence Program and Military Intelligence Program. For more information read the full article prepared by Steven Aftergood of Secrecy News. |
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NEWS ROUNDUP President Obama Declares October National Arts and Humanities Month
President Obama has declared October 2016 National Arts and Humanities Month. You can visit #humanities2016 to see videos and tweets that have been posted about the important of humanities. Click here for more.
IMLS and COSLA Announce Project to Develop Public Library Data and Outcomes Action Plan
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) have begun a project to examine, evaluate, and map the landscape of public library data collection in the United States. The project's ultimate goal is to effect a framework within which outcomes, outputs, and indicators can be drawn upon to demonstrate the role, value, and impact of public libraries. Click here for more.
National Park Service Report Highlights $9.4 Billion in Private Investment in Historic Preservation in America
The National Park Service recently issued a report showing the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program generated the completion of over 830 projects and the creation of over 85,000 jobs in Fiscal Year 2015. Click here for more.
Honorary National Park Ranger Award Presented to Author and Historian David McCullough
The National Park Service (NPS) recently presented the Honorary National Park Ranger Award to Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian David McCullough. The Honorary National Park Ranger Award is the highest civilian honor awarded by the agency. Click here for more.
Librarian of Congress Makes Senior-Level Appointments
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden recently appointed Maria Pallante as senior advisor for digital strategy and Karyn Temple Claggett as acting register of copyrights. Click here for more. |
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