Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Enhancement Act

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5717 would upgrade the Smithsonian Institution's scientific and educational activities at its unique animal conservation facility, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute at Front Royal, Virginia. The SCBI, a part of the National Zoo, is renowned worldwide for its work preserving and breeding endangered species, and is a magnet for prominent researchers and students starting careers in related fields. The bill will provide additional modern facilities to conduct programs and house students at the site, and relocate animal holding facilities for endangered red pandas and clouded leopards.

H.R. 5717 contains three elements. First, the bill would authorize $1 million in Federal funds in fiscal 2010 which has already been appropriated; $1 million in fiscal 2011; and $3 million in later fiscal years, to plan, design, and construct a facility which would include laboratories and offices to conduct research and educational programs. This aggregate authorization of $5 million constitutes the only Federal funds provided in the bill. The Smithsonian would supply an additional $5 million out of its own privately-raised trust funds to complete the project.

The bill would also authorize the Smithsonian Board of Regents to enter into agreements for the provision of housing and dining services to participants in the programs, at no cost to the Smithsonian. George Mason University, located in northern Virginia, plans to use $20 million in state revenue bonds to construct a dormitory and cafeteria facility at the site. There would not be any cost to the Federal government or to the Smithsonian. In October, 2008, the Smithsonian and GMU signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the ``Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program'', and GMU will give course credit to participants.

The Smithsonian Institution has frequently entered into cooperative agreements with other institutions, including universities, though this is the first time that it would allow an outside entity to construct a building on property it controls. After 30 years, ownership of the GMU- constructed facilities will pass to the Smithsonian. This no-cost feature makes the project an especially attractive addition to the Smithsonian's infrastructure.

Finally, the bill would authorize the Smithsonian to plan, design and construct animal holding and related program facilities at Front Royal, but without any Federal funding. The cost, estimated to be between $1 to 2 million, would be paid for entirely by the Smithsonian's privately-raised trust funds.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation was introduced by the three House Members who serve on the Smithsonian Board of Regents--Representatives Becerra, Matsui and Sam Johnson--and by Rep. Wolf of Virginia, in whose district the facility is located. It was considered and reported by voice vote both by the primary committee of jurisdiction, the Committee on House Administration, and by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. I know of no controversy and I urge Members to support

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5717, the ``Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Enhancement Act''.

H.R. 5717, as amended, authorizes the Smithsonian Institution to expand the National Zoological Park facility in Front Royal, Virginia, in furtherance of conservation biology research, education and training.

Specifically, this legislation will authorize the Smithsonian to: renovate a building to be used primarily for classroom and laboratory space; enter into agreements that will enable third party strategic partners to construct and operate housing and food service facilities on Smithsonian property; and plan, design, and construct animal holding facilities--all at the Front Royal property.

The building renovation project is to be funded equally by Federal appropriation, in the amount of $5 million, and by Smithsonian trust sources. The housing and food service facilities are to be funded entirely by third-party financing. The animal holding facility is to be funded entirely from Smithsonian trust sources (i.e., non-Federal sources).

The plans and cost estimates for the building renovation project, for which Federal funding is sought, have been carefully reviewed by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The Committee finds the plans and estimates to be reasonable and in consonance with the Smithsonian mission to increase the diffusion of knowledge. Further, the Smithsonian's plans to partner with a third party, in this particular case, George Mason University, to shoulder the capital and operating costs of the residential and food service facilities, is a sensible and business-savvy way to further the Smithsonian's scientific and educational reach.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 5717.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise in support of H.R. 5717. Once again, we are back in a bipartisan state supporting this bill.

Mr. Speaker, the Smithsonian Institution is an invaluable part of our national heritage and our ongoing commitment to historical preservation and scientific advancement. I am pleased to support this legislation sponsored by our friend and colleague, Congressman Sam Johnson, and the congressional members of the Smithsonian Board of Regents. This legislation will help further the institution's founding mission, which is to support and increase the diffusion of knowledge.

This authorizing legislation supports the Smithsonian's important biological conservation work conducted at the National Zoological Park located in Front Royal, Virginia, and strengthens their collaborative partnership with George Mason University in these efforts. The planned renovation and construction, which leverages a very modest Federal investment with significant non-Federal funds, will enhance the education and professional training programs currently underway.

The Smithsonian is truly a unique part of our American culture. I am pleased to support this authorization which helps the Smithsonian maintain its well-deserved international reputation for excellence in scientific discovery and advancement and its continued commitment to the environment that we must steward.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5717.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5717) to authorize the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution to plan, design, and construct a facility and to enter into agreements relating to education programs at the National Zoological Park facility in Front Royal, Virginia, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks in the Record and to include extraneous matter on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5717 would upgrade the Smithsonian Institution's scientific and educational activities at its unique animal conservation facility, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute at Front Royal, Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, in the interest of time, I understand that there is a consensus on this legislation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I certainly support the Smithsonian in this effort, and I look forward to passage of this important legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. President, I, Senator Chuck Grassley, intend to object to proceeding to H.R. 5717, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute Enhancement Act, for the following reasons. The Smithsonian has had well documented problems keeping up with the maintenance needs of current structures and facilities. Additionally, I have investigated Smithsonian officials in the past few years regarding inappropriate use of taxpayer funds. I would like to examine whether the Smithsonian is able to meet its current operational requirements before legislation allowing for the construction of a new facility moves through the Senate without debate or even committee consideration.