Congresswoman Dina Titus is leading a letter signed by 127 members of the House of Representatives urging President Trump to reconsider his executive order dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

“Eliminating the IMLS would deprive millions of Americans of the educational resources they need to succeed in today’s society,” Congresswoman Titus said. “Libraries and museums are part of the cultural bedrock of this nation, driving learning, innovation, and community engagement. We should be enhancing museum and library services -- not decimating them.”

"Libraries and museums are critical to local communities, providing educational and other services to people of all ages and backgrounds," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "The proposal to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services is unacceptable. I've heard from many Oregonians and local institutions with grave concerns about losing this necessary stream of funding. Closing IMLS will hurt the American people for years to come, and we will fight every step of the way to save it."

The full text of the letter to President Trump is as follows:

We write to express our deep concern over the proposed elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the devastating impact such cuts would have on communities throughout the country. 

The IMLS is the only federal agency dedicated to supporting America’s museums and libraries. 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. The loss of this funding would be particularly devastating for rural, tribal, and other underserved communities that rely heavily on these institutions for access to learning resources, workforce development, and technological infrastructure.

Beyond their valuable contributions to education and social development, museums and libraries also serve as significant economic drivers. The American Alliance of Museums reports that museums alone contribute more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy each year and support over 726,000 jobs. Museums have immense power to draw tourism and foot traffic to other local businesses and revitalize communities. For every $1 that museums and other nonprofit cultural organizations receive in government funding, they return more than $5 in tax revenue. They also have broad public support, with 96% of Americans wanting to maintain or increase federal funding for museums.   Libraries similarly generate economic returns through workforce training programs, small business support, and research services. Nearly all of the approximately 17,000 public libraries across the nation offer Wi-Fi access at no charge, and in 2019, Americans accessed the Internet using library computers close to 224 million times.  This includes millions of students who lack adequate broadband access at home and rely on libraries to complete their homework.  Despite this, IMLS funding accounts for a mere 0.0046% of the federal budget, an incredibly modest investment relative to the immense benefits these institutions provide.

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. 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.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to working with you to ensure that America’s libraries and museums continue to thrive and serve the public.