Historians want more funding for NARA

The Obama Administration has recommended funding the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in fiscal year 2015, at a level of $377 million, a $9.5 million reduction from the FY 14 level of $386.5 million. Although we understand the need for fiscal austerity, we are concerned that the programs that NARA refers to as “citizen services” appear to be bearing a disproportionate share of the proposed cuts.

We are pleased to see that the administration is proposing an increase for the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) grants program—albeit a modest $500,000— bringing the agency’s funding up to a level of $5 million in fiscal year (FY) 2015. This program has seen its budget reduced dramatically in recent years. NCH urges the subcommittee to support funding the NHPRC at the $5 million level.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit our views on the National Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA’s) proposed fiscal year (FY) 2015 budget. As researchers and conservators of American history and culture we care deeply about the programs and activities of the National Archives and the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

[Click on the link below to read Lee White's full testimony before Congress.]