91´«Ã½

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate passed the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) Reauthorization (S. 3984) late Tuesday night under unanimous consent, bringing the bill one step closer to reauthorization before the end of the congressional session.

Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) Washington Office, said the passage of this bill in the final days of the 111th Congress is the result of strong Senate leadership and persistent lobbying and grassroots efforts by the 91´«Ã½ as well as the library community and the public they serve.

“Since the start of this Congress, the 91´«Ã½ has pressed Congress to take up this bill so that Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds are secured and the Institute of Museum and Library Services is equipped to provide resources to America’s libraries,” Sheketoff said.

“We want to thank the cosponsors of this bipartisan bill, especially Sen. Jack Reed, who continues to be a champion for libraries, and we now call on the House demonstrate that same commitment to our nation’s libraries and take up a vote on this bill before the end of the year. The funds provided through this bill are truly a lifeline in this time of increased library use and reduced funding, and Congress can’t put off this critical legislation any longer.”

Cosponsors of this bill are Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Burr (R-NC), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Susan Collins (R-ME), Michael Enzi (R-WY), and Tom Harkin (D-IA).

The House has not yet announced when a vote on this bill will take place.

###