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basis with non-Federal resources to assist with land acquisition is required. Staff was recently alerted that Public Law 101-455, the authorization of appropriations for the design and construction of the East Court facility of the Natural History Building, was mistakenly limited to fiscal year 1991; an amendment P.L. 101-455 to extend that authorization is needed to complete this project as originally proposed. A draft bill for these purposes is provided at the end of this report.

The following motion is suggested:

VOTED that the Board of Regents requests its Congressional members to introduce and support legislation authorizing appropriations to acquire land at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and clarifying the availability of funding for the East Court construction project in fiscal years after 1991.

Smithsonian-related Legislation

National Afro-American Memorial Museum - On February 28 Senator Simon (D-IL) introduced S.523 establishing the Museum within the Smithsonian; providing for its governance; creating within the Museum the National Trust for African-American Museums to develop programs to enhance the collection, conservation, and training practices for professionals within the African-American museum community; and establishing an affiliate program with museums and institutions to promote the exchange and coordination of activities and personnel. 

The measure also authorizes the Board of Regents to provide for the Museum's design and construction on available Federal land in close proximity to the Mall; for the appropriation of $10 million for fiscal year 1991; and for necessary funds for succeeding fiscal years. The bill was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. A companion measure, H.R.1246, was introduced by John Lewis (D-GA) on March 5 and referred to the Committee on House Administration.

Issues relating to these bills and the planning of an African American institution at the Smithsonian are discussed elsewhere in this agenda. 

National Museum of the American Indian Amendments Act - Senator Inouye (D-HI) introduced S.235 on January 17 to authorize additional positions for the American Indian Museum and to extend to the Smithsonian the same standards regarding the treatment and return of Native American human remains, funerary and sacred objects, and cultural patrimony provided for in the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act approved by the President in November, 1990 (Public Law 101-601). The bill was referred to the Select Committee on Indian Affairs.

National Biological Diversity Conservation and Environmental Research Act - On January 14 Senator Moynihan introduced S.58 establishing a National Center for Biological Diversity and Conservation Research within the Smithsonian, in cooperation with the Environmental Protection Act, to serve as the focal point for research, data compilation, and dissemination of biodiversity information. The bill also would create an interagency working