Reps. Cleaver, Titus, 125 House Democrats Urge President Trump Not to Eliminate Support for Museums and Libraries
(Washington, D.C.) – This week, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Dina Titus (D-NV), and 127 House Democrats urged the Trump Administration to forgo its proposal to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which provides the main source of federal support for museums and libraries across the country. In a letter to President Trump, the lawmakers shared their strong concerns about the impacts that would come with the elimination of IMLS, advocating for the president to reconsider his proposal to dismantle the agency before the harms are felt in communities nationwide.
“The IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to supporting America’s museums and libraries,” the lawmakers wrote. “Operating in all 50 states and U.S. territories, it plays a vital role in strengthening these institutions which serve as essential educational, cultural, and economic pillars in our communities. From early literacy programs and STEM education initiatives to high-speed internet access and job training resources, funding for the IMLS enables libraries and museums to provide critical services to millions of Americans.”
“Eliminating the IMLS would not only jeopardize these essential services but also dismiss the everyday needs of millions of Americans who rely on libraries and museums for learning, job opportunities, and community engagement,” the lawmakers continued. “We urge the Administration to reconsider this decision and recognize the far-reaching impact of IMLS funding. Maintaining and strengthening federal support for museums and libraries is not just an investment in cultural preservation, it is an investment in education, innovation, and economic growth.”
Missouri received nearly $5 million in IMLS awards in 2024, including a $250,000 grant to the National World War I Museum and Memorial and $217,000 to Powell Gardens. Since the Trump Administration made public their attempt to eliminate funding for IMLS, the National Word War I Museum and Memorial has announced it will have to freeze projects and put staff on leave.
The official letter from lawmakers is available here.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or matthew.helfant@mail.house.gov