"The Plains Indian Museum is an important part of Montana’s culture, history, heritage and people. That’s exactly why the collection should remain in Montana, not in D.C. or anywhere else," said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. "I am extremely pleased that the Smithsonian Institute supports our effort, and most importantly, the role local museums play in our communities."

       The Smithsonian Institute contacted Rehberg yesterday stating their support for his coalition to fight the federal plans to phase out funding for the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, Montana, the Sioux Indian Museum in Rapid City, South Dakota, and the Southern Plains Indian Museum in Anadarko, Oklahoma. The role of the three museums is to properly house the Native American artifacts and to enforce the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, which helps Indian artists and craftsmen protect the authenticity of their art from counterfeit replicas. Rehberg said a meeting with Interior is next on the list for his coalition, which includes Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD), Representative Tom Cole (R-OK), Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK), and Representative Stephanie Herseth (D-SD).

       "The collection is invaluable to Montana, and as I’ve said before, it’s a part of the fabric of our culture," Rehberg said. "The treasures don’t belong on display in a Smithsonian Museum on the National Mall in D.C., and it’s important that the federal government realize how important these museums are to the communities and cultures they serve."