Dear museum colleagues,

Just wanted to let you know that Sen. Coburn has begun offering amendments on the Senate Floor.  It is not clear the order in which he will offer his several amendments, but NOW is a critical window to contact senate offices to urge a NO vote on any amendment that blocks funding for any transportation museums.  Stay tuned for further updates!

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Senate Amendment Threatens Funding for Transportation Museums;
Sen. Coburn targeting museums again!

Please take action TODAY!!!

BREAKING NEWS (Sept. 14, 2009) - Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) is planning to introduce an amendment EARLY THIS WEEK to the FY10 Transportation Appropriations bill (H.R. 3288) to prohibit the use of funds for transportation museums within the Transportation Enhancement Program.  

Since 1992, the Transportation Enhancement Program has provided at least $110.6 million to support programs in transportation-related museums.

"This latest Coburn amendment drives home the importance of stepping up our museum advocacy efforts," said AAM President Ford W. Bell. "The fact that some in Congress still don't understand all the ways museums enrich our communities-as educators, as stewards of history and culture, and as economic engines-is cause for concern. I urge everyone in the museum field to call their two U.S. Senators today to try to stop this misguided amendment."

The Senate is considering the Transportation Appropriations bill RIGHT NOW and is planning to vote on the legislation by Wednesday (Sept. 16), which means Sen. Coburn's amendment could be introduced at ANY time.

Call your Senators TODAY and urge them to "VOTE NO on the Coburn amendment to block funds for Transportation Museums."

To reach your Senators, call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your Senators' offices.

Please call your U.S. Senators TODAY! Use your zip code to identify your legislators.

ALL ABOUT ADVOCACY: To learn more about how to get started as a museum advocate-or to enhance your advocacy skills-register today for AAM's free Online Advocacy Training Series Part 1, Advocacy and Legislation 101: Understanding the Basics of Advocacy and its Application to City Hall, the State Legislature and Beyond, scheduled for this Thursday, Sept. 17 at
1 p.m. EDT. Register today!