| Sponsor | Reed (Rhode Island) |
| Date | December 13, 2010 (111th Congress, 2nd Session) |
| Staff Contact | Brian McManus |
S. 3984 is expected to be considered on the House floor on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, under a suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass. Sen. Reed (D-RI) introduced S. 3984 on November 29, 2010, and the Senate passed it by unanimous consent on December 7, 2010.
S. 3984 would give the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services responsibility to develop and implement a policy for ensuring the availability of museum, library, and information services that are adequate in meeting the essential information, education, research, economic, cultural, and civic needs of the nation. S. 3984 would authorize the appointment and compensation of a number of new government employees (not more than 20 percent of the regular employees of the Institute of Museum and Library Services) and pay up to the GS-15 level. Three newly authorized employees would be permitted to exceed the GS-15 level. The legislation would require the Director to annually conduct policy research, analysis, and data collection in order to extend and improve the nation's museum, library, and information services.
S. 3984 would expand coordination among Federal programs that relate to library services and technology and museum.
S. 3984 would establish the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program to develop a diverse workforce of librarians.
In addition, the bill would attempt to encourage and support museums as a part of economic development and revitalization in communities.
Lastly, S. 3984 would repeal the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act. However the bill would not eliminate any programs or reduce the number of federal employees. The bill would transfer the functions and allocation of personnel and appropriations to the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
As of publication, the Congressional Budget Office had not released a score of S. 3984, but the bill would authorize the appropriation of $298.6 million to fund the programs in the bill and such sums as necessary for fiscal years 2012 to 2016.
Member Concern:
Some members may concerned that S. 3984 would authorize the appropriation of $298.6 million in new spending for fiscal year 2011 and “such sums as necessary” for fiscal y ears 2012 to 2016.