July 28, 2010 – This summer, Congress began work on reauthorization of the National Historical Publications & Records Commission (NHPRC). The NHPRC is a statutory body affiliated with the National Archives & Records Administration. Established by Congress in 1934, and awarding grants since 1964, the Commission supports activities to preserve, publish, and encourage the use of documentary sources.
The Information Policy, Census, and National Archives Subcommittee of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a hearing June 9 on “Strengthening the National Historical Publications & Records Commission” and marked up the reauthorization legislation on July 1 (HR 5616). The current House version (not yet marked up by the full House Committee) authorizes the Commission at a $20 million level for fiscal years 2011-2015.
On July 12, the Senate passed reauthorization legislation (S 2872). The Senate version authorizes the Commission at a $10 million level for fiscal years 2010-2014.
The Commission’s current authorization level, set at $10 million, has not been increased or even adjusted for inflation since 1991. If adjusted for inflation, that level would equal more than $16 million in 2010 dollars.
Congress is currently scheduled to recess August 9-September 10.
The National Humanities Alliance’s Statement on “Strengthening the National Historical Publications & Records Commission” is available here.
