Reauthorization Bill Would Double NHPRC Funding

A bill (H.R. 5582) to reauthorize the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) was recently introduced in the House by Representative Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO). The bill would reauthorize the NHPRC at an annual level of $20 million for fiscal years (FY) 2010–2014. The current reauthorization expires in FY ’09 and authorized spending at an annual level of $10 million, so if enacted this would be a significant funding increase.

NHPRC member Representative John B. Larson (D-CT) co-sponsored the bill. A companion bill has yet to be introduced in the Senate.

The Bush administration once again requested zero funding for the NHPRC in FY ’09. Last year the NHPRC received $9.5 million in funding with $7.5 million for grants and $2 million for administrative expenses.