June 16, 1966
Page 13474
THE FEDERAL FINE ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE ACT, JUNE 16, 1966
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I introduce, for appropriate reference, a bill to foster high standards of architectural excellence in the design and decoration of Federal public buildings outside the District of Columbia, and to provide a program for the acquisition and preservation of works of art for such buildings, and for other purposes, to be known as the Federal Fine Arts and Architecture Act. I ask unanimous consent that the bill remain at the desk for 10 days to give other Senators an opportunity to join as cosponsors.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection it is so ordered.
Mr. MUSKIE, Mr. President, Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson has inspired cities and towns, and private businesses and citizens across the Nation to make beauty an important part of their communities.
In the District of Columbia, Mrs. Johnson's efforts and the work of Fine Arts Commission, revitalized by President Kennedy, already have made our Capital more beautiful.
Regrettably, however, the Federal Government has too often not followed their example outside of Washington.
Sadly, too many Federal buildings in the 50 States are unimaginative, mediocre structures. They do not reflect the dignity, vitality or strength of our Nation.
This is especially discouraging because Federal buildings are constructed to last many years; they remain monuments to bad taste for generations.
In most communities, Federal buildings occupy prominent sites. As such, more attractive Federal buildings can greatly improve the face and the quality of life of our cities and towns.
The Federal Fine Arts and Architectural Act can help us create more appealing and exciting Federal buildings.
The act would provide the General Services Administration and the Post Office Department with expert advice on design and decoration and on the selection of architects and artists, the same kind of guidance that the Fine Arts Commission gives in Washington.
The act would achieve this by creating an Architectural Advisory Board and an Art Advisory Board in the General Services Administration.
The act would create a cumulative fund for the acquisition and maintenance of works of art for the Federal buildings, and would authorize appropriations of 1 percent of the total appropriated for the preceding fiscal year for design and construction of Federal buildings outside of Washington.
The fund would allow beauty to be built into Federal buildings, not merely added as an afterthought.
The Art Advisory Board would advise the Administrator of the General Services Administration on expenditures from the art fund, on the selection of artists whose work would be acquired by the fund, and on designs or models of works of art to be bought.
The Architectural Advisory Board would make recommendations on Federal public buildings and leased post offices. The Board would give advice on the selection of architects and would review and make recommendations on designs,
Both Boards would be chaired by the Assistant Commissioner for Design of the General Services Administration. Members of the Boards would be distinguished artists and architects.
Mr. President, the Kennedy administration brought new emphasis on the value of style and grace. President Kennedy was concerned with the architecture of Federal buildings and with what their appearance said to us and to the world about America. With this in mind, he appointed an ad hoc committee on Federal office space, consisting of Commerce Secretary Luther H. Hodges, Labor Secretary Arthur J. Goldberg, Budget Bureau Director David Bell, General Services Administrator Bernard L. Boutin, and his special assistant Timothy J. Reardon, Jr.
The ad hoc committee made three Prime recommendations:
First. Design should embody the finest contemporary American architectural thought, and should, when appropriate, reflect regional traditions and incorporate the work of living American artists.
Second. Development of an official governmental style should be avoided. The Government should pay a little extra, if necessary, to avoid excessive uniformity of design.
Third. The choice and development of the building site should be considered the first step in the design process. The choice should be made in cooperation with local agencies.
Mr. President, the Federal Fine Arts and Architectural Act will enable the Nation to implement the recommendations of the ad hoc committee, and to more nearly fulfill the vision of President Kennedy and Mrs. Johnson of a more beautiful America. I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed at this time in the RECORD.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The bill will be received and appropriately referred; and, without objection, the bill will be printed in the RECORD.
(The bill (S. 3521) to foster high standards of architectural excellence in the design and decoration of Federal public buildings outside the District of Columbia, and to provide a program for the acquisition and preservation of works of art for such buildings, and for other Purposes. to be known as the Federal Fine Arts and Architecture Act, introduced by Mr. MUSKIE, was received, read twice by its title, referred to the Committee on Public Works, and ordered to be printed In the RECORD, as follows: