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Foundation's agreement with the Smithsonian, action may need to be taken by the Executive Committee on behalf of the Regents prior to their January meeting.

In discussion it was noted that the Heye Foundation collections are of such transcendent significance for the settlement of the entire Western Hemisphere, not simply North America, that consideration should be given to the selection of truly outstanding representatives of indigenous cultures to reflect that quality. Requirements of the legislation notwithstanding, the involvement of those other than Federally-recognized tribes should be encouraged. In addition, the increasing importance of Latin American interests was noted and it was suggested that special attention be paid to their representation in the Museum.

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[[underlined]] Legislative Initiatives [[/underlined]]

On May 11 Senator Inouye introduced S. 978 to establish the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) within the Smithsonian Institution. The following day a joint hearing was held before the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and the Select Committee on Indian Affairs. After mark-up on May 16 an amendment in the nature of a substitute was ordered reported; however, a report on the measure has not yet been filed.

H.H. 2668 was introduced on June 15 by Ben Nighthorse Campbell (D-Colorado) and referred to the committees on House Administration, Public Works and Transportation, and Interior and Insular Affairs which held a joint hearing on July 20. No further action has been taken.

Both bills are more complex than the draft legislation endorsed by the Regents at the May meeting. Among the additional issues covered are the repatriation of skeletal remains and funerary objects; relationships with museums beyond the Smithsonian; and the future of Audubon Terrace. Intensive negotiations are being pursued in order to resolve differences over these and other issues so that action on the bills can be completed in September.

The Interior appropriations bill approved by the House includes $6 million for initial operating expenses of the new museum and $2.9 in facilities planning funds. The Senate version of the same bill includes a million dollars for each account. An appeal to sustain the House amount has been forwarded to the conference Committee which is expected to convene shortly after the August recess.