NCC News, November 1985

President’s Nomination for Archivist Expected Soon: In early October the White House Personnel Office began a second series of interviews on the selection of US Archivist. Peter Duignan, who had been told privately in April that he would be nominated to replace retiring Archivist Robert Warner, re­cently reported that the White House had notified him that he was no longer under consideration for the position. It appears that there is some consideration of two internal candidates: Frank Burke, Acting Archivist; and Don Wil­son, head of the Ford Presidential Li­brary. There also seems to be continued interest in some of the people consid­ered last spring as well as some new individuals. The need for the Adminis­tration to move on some architectural designs for the Reagan Library seems to have spurred interest at the White House for the appointment of an Archi­vist.

Nominee for NEH Faces Opposition: The Administration’s nominee for the Chairmanship of the National Endow­ment for the Humanities, Edward Cur­ran, is facing considerable opposition in the Senate. On October 2 the Senate Labor and Human Resources Commit­tee spent four hours cross-examining Curran. Nominated nine months ago, the appointment has been stalled as leaders in both Congress and the hu­manities community have seriously questioned whether Curran is the right person to head NEH. Although Senator Grassley (R-IA) and Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) spoke on his behalf, Cur­ran faced tough questions about his credibility, commitment, and qualifica­tions from Senators Weicker (R-CT), Pell (D-RI), Kennedy (D-MA), Dodd (D­-CT), Simon (D-IL), and Kerry (D-MA). Several of the Senators noted that they had received more letters of concern about this appointment than any other.

For fifteen years Curran served as Headmaster of National Cathedral School for Girls and for the last three years has been the Deputy Director of the Peace Corps. However, his brief tenure as Director of the National Insti­tute of Education (NIE) attracted the most attention at the hearing. Four years ago while being confirmed before this same committee, Curran assured the Senators of his commitment to con­tinuing the important work of NIE. Yet soon afterwards he recommended that NIE be abolished. Many of the Senators pointed out that Curran’s statements on behalf of NEH did not carry much weight because his testimony in the past was at odds with his subsequent actions. Some in the Senate are now saying that Edward Curran’s confirmation is in serious trouble. Senator Hatch, Cur­ran’s major supporter and chairman of the confirmation committee, has post­poned (at least temporarily) a vote by the committee for fear that the needed number of votes is not firm. Members of the Senate Labor and Human Re­sources Committee are: Hatch (R-UT), Stafford (R-VT), Quayle (R-IN), Nickles (R-OK), Weicker (R-CT), Grassley (R­ IA), Hawkins (R-FL), Thurmond (R­-SC), Wallop (R-WY), Kennedy (D-MA), Pell (D-RI), Metzenbaum (D-OH), Matsunaga (D-HI), Dodd (D-CT), Kerry (D­-MA), Simon (D-IL).

NEH Reauthorization Pending: On October 3, the Senate passed S. 1264, the bill reauthorizing the National En­dowment for the Humanities. Some of the new provisions of this bill include: increasing the number of gubernatorial appointments to the state humanities councils from four to six members, au­thorizing the NEH Chairman to make grants to elementary and secondary schools, organizations and agencies to develop materials and programs on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights for elementary and secondary students, and expanding the qualifications for ap­pointments to the National Council on the Humanities to stress “knowledge of, expertise in, or commitment to the hu­manities.” The House bill, which is ex­pected to come to a vote shortly, encour­ages the use of program directions and funding that reflect our diverse cultural heritage and history, with particular at­tention to women, minorities and other underrepresented or underserved com­ munities. Following the House vote, a Conference committee will need to be appointed to work out the differences in the two bills.

Freedom of Information Act: On September 17 Representative Gerald D. Kleczka (D-WI) introduced H.R. 3319, which he describes as “a bold agenda for strengthening the Freedom of Informa­tion Act.” Speaking of the approaching twentieth anniversary of the FOIA in 1986, Kleczka asserted “it seems only appropriate thai. we evaluate the current law’s effectiveness, and devise changes which will make it work better.” The bill would clarify exemptions for national security and would promote expedient procedures for the granting of requests which include financial pen­alties against agencies failing to comply with the legal deadlines. Although the bill includes a standard fee schedule, there is a provision for a waiver or reduction of fees if the request is in the public interest. Representative Glenn English (D-OK), Chairman of the Infor­mation Subcommittee with oversight re­sponsibility for the FOIA, has joined Kleczka as a co-sponsor of H.R. 3319.

Prospects Good for 1986 Appropria­tions for Historical Programs: Until November 15, federal agencies will be operating on a continuing resolution budget while work is being completed on legislation for the FY’86 budget. Al­ though some key votes are still pending, the prospects for historical and humanities related programs seem fairly good. There may be a small increase for the National Archives. Both the Senate and the House have earmarked S4 million, the current level, for the National His­torical Publications and Records Commission’s grants program, despite the Administration’s zero recommendation. The President also requested zero funds for historic preservation, but the Con­gress has voted for continued funding. Chances appear good for NEH to retain its 1985 budget.