Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas fought to protect the funding for the Southern Plains Indian Museum on the floor of the U.S. House today, in the face of continued efforts to end federal funds for the museum.

Lucas argued in support of the Anadarko museum and its mission, as well as the two other Regional Arts and Crafts Museums, during the debate today on a spending bill for the Department of Interior.

Lucas used a parliamentary procedure, called a colloquy, to receive assurances from the subcommittee appropriations chairman that part of the funding for the Arts and Crafts Board will be used to continue to operate the Anadarko Museum.

Here is part of the speech Lucas made on the floor of the U.S. House today in support of the Anadarko museum:

"Mr. Chairman, I stand today in support of continued funding in the FY2008 Interior Appropriations Bill for the three Regional Indian Arts and Crafts museums.

"In 1935 Congress recognized under the first Indian Arts and Crafts Act that the unique and culturally-rich art of the American Indian is of vital importance to the economic welfare of tribal communities. The production and sale of these items provides an entrepreneurial opportunity to one of the most economically challenged groups of our society.

"These three museums play an essential role in promoting the ideals set forth in the Indian Arts and Crafts Act by creating interest in the Native American heritage, helping Indian artisans gain access to an interested market, and bringing members of the Indian arts community together to celebrate and preserve this way of life.

"The collections showcased by the museums are extensive in their display of American Indian artwork and artifacts. To preserve the history and integrity of these priceless collections the museums must stay intact and the collections under their roofs must stay in Federal control.

"Mr. Chairman ... the funding and operation of the three Regional Indian Arts and Crafts Museums in their housing, preserving, and promoting Native American history, art, and culture is clearly an essential part of the mission Congress charged the Indian Arts and Crafts Board.

"Mr. Chairman, I want to clarify that it is the intent of the committee that money provided through this FY2008 Interior Appropriations Bill for the continued functions of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board does include the operation of the three museums."

The Department of Interior spending bill passed today includes $1.19 million for the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, and the Interior Department has requested $157,800 of that funding for the Anadarko museum.

Since learning of Interior’s proposal in 2005 to end funding for the museum and two other U.S. Native American museums, Lucas has been working with officials at the Interior Department, officials at the Office of Management and Budget, and other Members of Congress to maintain the federal funding for the museum. Last year, Lucas met with officials with the Department of Interior to stress the importance of federal funding for the Anadarko museum

The Interior Department’s proposal would have cut off funding for the museums starting in fiscal year 2008. Along with the museum in Anadarko, the board also operates Native American museums in Rapid City, South Dakota and Browning, Montana.

The Southern Plains Indian Museum displays the richly varied arts of western Oklahoma Native Americans, including the Kiowa, Comanche, Kiowa-Apache, Southern Cheyenne, Southern Arapaho, Wichita, Caddo, Delaware, and Ft. Sill Apache. Highlights of the exhibits include historic clothing, shields, weapons, baby carriers, toys, and contemporary arts and crafts. The museum was founded in 1947 through federal and state governments’ cooperative efforts.