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Committee, ought not to be simultaneously serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the American Indian, which is a recipient of appropriated funds. As the Regents recall, it was Senator Inouye's great enthusiasm, and indeed his almost single-handed persistence, which may be credited for realizing this significant new museum. At a recent meeting, the Museum's Trustees indicated that they preferred to have Senator Inouye continue to serve on their Board. 

After discussion, the Regents suggested that the Senate Ethics Committee's determination was inconsistent with the original nature of the Smithsonian and the appointment of members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to its Board of Regents. The Regents suggested, and the Secretary agreed, that the Smithsonian's General Counsel should discuss the matter with the Senate Regents and the staff of the Senate Ethics Committee and seek reconsideration of the ruling.

REGENT DECORATION

The Secretary noted that Senator Moynihan has inquired whether the Institution could be a bit more creative about its advertising by equipping each Regent with a robe or hood that carried on the back Smithsonian colors or its sunburst symbol for display when Regents march in academic processions to receive honorary degrees or whatever. As the staff was considering the possibilities, their attention was drawn to a decidedly simpler plan involving an elegant, black and gold fabric badge which would bear the Smithsonian sunburst with surrounding lettering. "SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION" and "REGENT." Passing around a sample badge, the Secretary added that he would pursue this possibility with Senator Moynihan, because it is at once an elegant, yet practical and economical, means of bringing attention to this Board and its Institution at the most distinguished occasions.