Bell Speaks on Capitol Hill
AAM President Ford W. Bell spoke during a Capitol Hill press conference June 16 where Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) announced the Nonprofit Sector and Community Solutions Act of 2010, a bill to strengthen and support nonprofits across the country.

AAM President Ford Bell Testifies on Capitol Hill!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - AAM President Ford Bell testified today before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education in support of significantly increased funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services Office of Museum Services, citing the jobs that museums create, the impact of museums on the economy, and the vital role museums play in our educational infrastructure.

Bell also highlighted IMLS grants that have been awarded to Chairman Obey’s Wisconsin district and Rep. Dennis Rehberg’s Montana district (Rehberg was the highest ranking Republican present at the hearing). The written testimony also includes lists of grants awarded in other districts represented by members of the Subcommittee.

The testimony also emphasized that zoos and aquariums, in particular, create green jobs and science jobs that are good investments in our communities.
Contact your members of Congress

Members of Congress Speak Up for Museums!
During Museums Advocacy Day several Members of Congress addressed advocates with messages about the value of museums in their communities. Clips of comments from Senators Durbin and Voinovich, and Congresswomen McCollum and Slaughter are now available.
Learn More About Museums Advocacy Day 2010
Participate in E-Advocacy

May 13, 2010 - AAM Submits Comments on NAGPRA Regulations
AAM submitted comments today responding to the new Rule released by the U.S. Department of the Interior on Culturally Unidentifiable Human Remains under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). In asking for this Final Rule to be re-evaluated and overturned, AAM President Ford W. Bell wrote, “At its core, NAGPRA calls for respect, collaboration and consultation between museums and tribal communities to resolve issues.  This balanced approach has been enormously fruitful and built beneficial relationships that extend beyond core NAGPRA issues to broader goals of increased education, exchange and understanding.  In light of its experience working with NAGPRA, the museum community has serious concerns about the final rule concerning the application of NAGPRA to culturally unidentifiable human remains and associated funerary objects.”
See AAM’s Full Comments