Senate vote to freeze Smithsonian funding increase
WASHINGTON - The Senate on Thursday approved freezing a proposed $17 million increase in funding for the Smithsonian Institution, citing excessive compensation and spending by its top official.
The budgetary amendment from Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, was unanimously approved on a voice vote.
The measure is not binding and still must be approved during the House-Senate budget process. But Grassley said it sends a message to Smithsonian Secretary Lawrence M. Small, who will earn $915,698 this year in total compensation.
"It signals to the Smithsonian that a champagne lifestyle at taxpayer expense is unacceptable," Grassley said.
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The budgetary amendment from Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, was unanimously approved on a voice vote.
The measure is not binding and still must be approved during the House-Senate budget process. But Grassley said it sends a message to Smithsonian Secretary Lawrence M. Small, who will earn $915,698 this year in total compensation.
"It signals to the Smithsonian that a champagne lifestyle at taxpayer expense is unacceptable," Grassley said.