WASHINGTON – Today, the Committee on House Administration unanimously passed the Library of Congress Modernization Act of 2016 (H.R.5227), the Gold Star Families Voices Act (H.R.4511), and the reauthorizations of both the sound and recording film preservation boards and foundations of the Library of Congress (H.R.4092). The measures now head to the full House for consideration. Chairman Candice Miller (R-MI) issued the following statement after the Committee’s markup:

“Today, the Committee acted in a clear and bipartisan way to move forward legislation aimed at enriching the Library of Congress, its mission, and enhancing access to the wonderful educational resources the Library provides.

“I was proud to introduce H.R. 5227, the Library Modernization Act, along with Ranking Member Robert Brady (D-PA) and our Committee’s Vice Chair Gregg Harper (R-MS). This bill grants the National Library Service for the Blind, under the jurisdiction of the Library of Congress, the ability to provide greater access to braille resources, specifically digital braille readers and materials. Increasing this access is of significant importance and a creative and innovative use of today’s modern technology. Additionally, the bill authorizes the creation of a National Collection Stewardship Fund intended to ease the challenges the Library faces with its collection and storage backlog of material infrastructure needs. This fund will use existing appropriated funds which will be reallocated in order to assist with applying sufficient resources for the Library’s needs.

“The Gold Star Families Voices Act, H.R.4511, updates the Library of Congress’ Veterans Oral History Project that was created by Congress in 2000. The project’s mission is to collect, preserve, and make accessible America’s war veterans accounts of events. Currently, submissions are limited to firsthand veteran accounts. Championed by Representative Chis Smith (R-NJ), this bill allows the immediate family members of veterans who died as a result of their wartime service or were missing in action to provide stories on behalf of their relatives who gave their lives for their country. This important addition will only enhance the Veterans History Project and the experience of the countless individuals who access and learn from these accounts.

“Finally, H.R.4092, which was introduced by Ranking Member Brady, extends the sunset dates for the Library of Congress’ National Recording Preservation Board and the National Recording Preservation Foundation, as well as the National Film Preservation Board and National Film Preservation Foundation through the year 2026. These sound recordings and films provide a tremendous amount of value when preserving our past, present, and future. These artistic works are snapshots of a generation’s culture, ideas, dreams, and innovations that make up our nation’s heritage. I am pleased that we passed this measure today to make certain these preservation boards and foundations have the authorizations needed to continue this important work.”

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