Republican Senator Norm Coleman of Minnesota filed an amendment (3364) last Thursday, October 18th, which would provide federal funding for National History Day, an important event we’ve recognized before on AHA Today. National History Day is an annual contest for students in grades 6-12 to create original papers, exhibits, documentaries, and dramatic performances around a changing theme.  Coleman’s amendment, joined Friday by Democrat Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, sets aside $2 million for the program in the 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Bill, which the Senate is currently debating. National History Day director Cathy Gorn, in an e-mail to friends of the program, said, “we are thrilled that Senator Coleman has taken such a leadership role in support of National History Day,” and she encourages history professionals and advocates to “generate grassroots support to urge all Senators to vote for this amendment.”

Update: Senators Norm Coleman (R-HI) and Daniel Akaka (D-HI) have declined to bring their amendment to the floor for a vote.

This post first appeared on AHA Today.