Sea History 170 - Spring 2020

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Rep. Brian Higgins: “This effort began following a conversation I had with Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park leadership at a veteran event this summer discussing the needs of our floating museums here on Buffalo’s waterfront and across the country. Based on their advocacy, I put forward an amendment to the NDAA, which was included in the House bill approved in July and led by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand in the final conference report. While just a first step in establishing continuous funding for this competitive grant program, we are hopeful this will provide a pool of resources to help maintain our historic vessels here in Western New York, and preserve the stories of these ships and their missions for the visitors of today and tomorrow.” the $5M was included in the authorization bill. That required major support within the House and Senate, and my recent meetings with congressional staff were encouraging. They have told me they anticipate that the $5M will be authorized and appropriated in the FY2021 bills. I am also pleased to report an outburst of bipartisanship! Rep. Brian Higgins (DNY) and Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC) cosigned a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees requesting them to include the $5M in the Defense bill during the conference of House and Senate. This issue has never been partisan. Many members of Congress supported funding the maritime heritage provision. We thank all members for their encouragement and support. I extend my special thanks to all of you who responded to my pleas to contact your representatives and senators. It worked! But the fight continues as we work through the process of authorization, appropriation, and allocation in the coming months. Stay the course. Be informed. Keep the letters to your Congressional representatives coming.

OLYMPIA 125

mark your calendar! Kicking off in February 2020, Independence Seaport Museum will begin observing Cruiser Olympia’s 125th anniversary through commemorative programming, temporary exhibits, and family activities. Launched in 1892, Cruiser Olympia is the oldest remaining steel ship afloat. phillyseaport.org/olympia125

SEA HISTORY 170, SPRING 2020 19


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Sea History 170 - Spring 2020 by National Maritime Historical Society & Sea History Magazine - Issuu