Hearing of the Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee - Opening Statement of Rep. Dina Titus, Hearing on "Review of Smithsonian Institution Current Facilities and Future Space Needs"

Hearing

Chair Titus:

The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest research, education, and museum complex in the world.

The twenty-one museums and galleries attracted more than 28.5 million visitors last year.

In addition, the Smithsonian Affiliates program connects this Washington-based institution to nearly every state in the Union as well as Puerto Rico.

My district in Las Vegas, for instance, is home to the Smithsonian-affiliated National Atomic Testing Museum, which tells the story of America's nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site, its contributions to our national defense, but also the impacts, good and bad, that this testing has had on our region and in downwind communities across the West.

These collections are critical to telling our nation's story and educating current and future generations.

As the Committee with the responsibility of overseeing public buildings, including the facilities of the Smithsonian, it is important to the American taxpayer that we conduct rigorous oversight and ensure that taxpayer resources are being utilized appropriately.

Today's hearing will examine the Smithsonian Institution's current real estate portfolio as well as expansion, renovation, and acquisition plans; the maintenance budget and backlog; the purchase of a new headquarters building, and the Smithsonian Institution's building naming policies.

I would like to welcome today's witness - the Smithsonian Institution's recently appointed 14th Secretary - Mr. Lonnie Bunch III.

Secretary Bunch, congratulations on your stewardship of the successful effort to establish the National Museum of African American History and Culture and on your appointment to lead the Smithsonian Institution.

Secretary Bunch, as a cosponsor of H.R. 1980, the Smithsonian Women's History Museum Act and H.R. 2420, National Museum of the American Latino Act, I am interested to hear your thoughts on the future expansion of the Smithsonian Museum family as support for these two endeavors continues to grow.

Secretary Bunch, I am relatively new to this Chairmanship, but over the course of the last year I have observed a disconnect between the Smithsonian Institution and its authorizers.

The Smithsonian seems to work closely with its appropriators while keeping the authorizers minimally informed and at arm's length.

Given the fact that this Subcommittee has not held a Smithsonian oversight hearing since 2007, perhaps that distance is understandable.

But I can assure you, that will not be the case moving forward.

The Smithsonian must do a better job of collaborating with its Congressional authorizers.

No more securing authorization via the appropriations bills.

No more major real estate acquisitions without transparency.

When contemplating major transactions, the Smithsonian should inform Congress at the outset and utilize expertise from other relevant federal agencies.

The Smithsonian cannot take 70% of its annual budget from Congress and then claim that the Trust structure makes the Smithsonian completely independent of Congressional oversight.

Again, you have a great story to tell and to share with the American people and with visitors from around the world and I thank you for being here today as we examine these important issues.

I look forward to a fruitful discussion. I now recognize the Ranking Member, Mr. Meadows for five minutes for an opening statement.

Chair Titus's remarks as delivered can be found here.

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