Arts Caucus Co-Chair Slaughter Praises President's 'Bold' NEA Nomination

Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), Chairwoman of the House Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Bi-Partisan Congressional Arts Caucus, issued the following statement today following reports of the White House selection of Rocco Landesman as the new Chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts:

"I am delighted with President Obama's selection of a new leader who is both energetic and dynamic. The agency can use his bold passion for the arts as it works to expand its reach and impact," said Slaughter, who as co-chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus has championed efforts to restore funding to the NEA.

"I spoke with Mr. Landesman at the White House Tuesday night during the poetry jam and was impressed with him. He knows the power that arts can have in our lives and the role that musicians, artists and theater has played in our nation's culture," Slaughter said. "I look forward to working with Chairman Landesman."

Slaughter added: "Direct support of the arts has the power to stimulate the economy by both creating jobs and helping local communities invest in their quality of life."

Mr. Landesman owns five theaters and is known for bringing "Angels in America" and "The Producers" to Broadway. Earlier this year, Slaughter testified on behalf of additional funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.