Washington Hotline

Abstract

The lame duck session of the 115th Congress is winding down dramatically when it comes to library priorities. Both ALA members and staff in Washington are working down to the wire to pass legislation and protect policy positions.

At writing, House leadership is holding up a floor vote on the Museum and Library Services Act (MLSA) to reauthorize the Institute of Museum and Library Services through 2025. As we anticipate continued threats from the current administration and even stronger competition for funding, reauthorizing the primary agency that administers federal support for libraries is increasingly important. ALA members and state librarians in strategic congressional districts are making phone calls to key House leaders and other influencers, urging them to support moving the legislation.