The Natural Science Collections Alliance has provided testimony to the House Appropriations Committee urging sustained funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in fiscal year (FY) 2027, with at least $55.5 million for its Office of Museum Services.
“IMLS is the primary federal agency supporting the nation’s museums, strengthening their capacity to improve the well-being of their communities and preserve our shared natural and cultural heritage,” the testimony reads. “For natural science museums and collections, IMLS is a key source of support for collections and education, including preserving collections, enhancing access to them, and sharing them with audiences of all types. Investments in IMLS and its efforts to increase the public impact of natural science collections are in the national interest.”
NSC Alliance urged appropriators to oppose any drastic budget and staffing cuts to IMLS. “We also encourage Congress to put in guardrails to ensure the funding is spent the way Congress intends and that IMLS remains an independent agency as intended by Congress and its Charter.”
Read the House testimony. A similar testimony will be sent to the Senate.