In reply to Byron Johnson's note about the Institute of Museum and Library
Services proposal:

AAM has been following the IMLS (IMS and Library Services and Construction
Act) proposal very closely and working with Congressional staff.  This is a
very controversial proposal -- some see it as a great opportunity for new
museum funding, while others see it as a potentially dangerous idea which
might lead to library concerns taking over IMS.  AAM has not taken a position
on the bill yet.

At this point, it is *very unlikely* that the bill will move this year.
 Congressional leaders have expressed no interest in passing a new cultural
agency authorization bill this year.  This is not necessarily a bad thing --
it looks like the cultural agencies will be able to receive funds next year
without a bitter reauthorization battle.

In response to Byron Johnson's last question, AAM does maintain a very active
fax network for delivering up-to-the-minute Government Affairs news.  The
Museum Advocacy Team (MAT) is a free AAM service (you don't even have to be
an AAM member) - just provide us your name, institutional affiliation (if
appropriate), address, and fax number, and we will send you regular fax
updates of museum-related action on Capitol Hill.  These faxes often go out
late at night and within hours before and after key votes.  The MAT list
presently has several thousand recipients.  If you want to join, call AAM
Government and Public Affairs at (202) 289-9125 or fax us at (202) 289-6578.

Cameron Kitchin,  Campaign Manager
American Association of Museums
Washington, DC