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structuring of this program is being requested for FY 1977 and the amount asked for that year includes $1 million for the Philae Monuments Salvage Archaeological Project on the assumption that Smithsonian can find a substitute for UNESCO as the funding vehicle.

As may be seen from the above table, a major portion of the requested increases in appropriations relates to relatively uncontrollable pay increases (including regular in-grade step increases), and higher utility charges. It is worth noting that the increased annual cost to the Smithsonian of salary and wage raises voted between May 1, 1974, and October 1, 1975, plus regular federal in-grade step increases of the past two years is estimated at $9,000,000, or more than 20% of the total federal salaries and wages paid in FY 1974 and over 15% of the total regular S&E appropriation for that year.

Placing the National Air and Space Museum on an operating basis is the second most important cause of our increased appropriations. The new Museum is virtually complete and will be officially opened on July 4, 1976. However, beginning February 2, 1976, the public will be welcome in the Independence Avenue Lobby, where visitors will be able to view Eric Sloane's mural depicting the earth-flight environment, and that painted by Robert McCall expressing his vision of space. Although the entire building will not open until the scheduled July date, "sidewalk superintendents" should enjoy the view from the Lobby across the width of the building at the Milestones of Flight Gallery, which already contains such significant artifacts as the Wright Brothers' Kitty Hawk Flyer, the "Spirit of St. Louis," the Apollo 11 Command Module, and the X-15.