Whereas, the strength of our nation and the quality of our civic life is rooted in the arts and humanities, which provide a deeper understanding of .life and of society; and

Whereas, the National Endowment for the Humanities has developed an impressive record of fostering an enhanced understanding of American identity and history and thus enriching citizen participation in public affairs; and

Whereas, the National Endowment for the Humanities is currently the principal source of support for scholars working on independent research and study programs. National Endowment for the Humanities fellowships, summer stipends, and seminars for teachers have provided significant stimulation to the study of the humanities; and

Whereas, unlike most private funding sources, the National Endowment for the Humanities supports scholars working on long-term collaborative research such as bibliographies, dictionaries, lexicons, and translations; and

Whereas, the National Endowment for the Humanities State councils supplement, strengthen, and extend local resources and talent by providing public programs and by promoting partnerships among libraries, museums, universities, schools, and historical societies; and

Whereas, National Endowment for the Humanities funding of public programs has been critical in the exciting expansion of what is sometimes referred to as "the parallel schools"-a burgeoning array of museum exhibits, films, interpreted sites, and public programs of all kinds;

Therefore, the American Historical Association urges the Congress to pass with necessary speed reauthorizing legislation for the National Endowment for the Humanities and to provide adequate appropriations for it to undertake its important task of supporting the humanities, a vital ingredient in fortifying our unique heritage.

Passed by the Council of the American Historical Association, January 6, 1995