On Monday, May 7, 2012, the House is scheduled to consider H.R. 4097, a bill to reauthorize the John F. Kennedy Center, under a suspension of the rules requiring a two-thirds majority for approval. The bill was introduced on February 28, 2012, by Rep. John Mica (R-FL) and referred to the committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, which held a mark up and reported the bill by voice vote on March 8, 2012.

H.R. 4097 would authorize the appropriation of $35.9 million annually for FY 2013 and FY 2014 to provide funding for the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Of the funds authorized for the John F. Kennedy Center, $22.3 million each year would be authorized for maintenance, repair, and security while $13.6 million would be authorized each year for capital projects. Funding for the Kennedy Center represents a $7 million reduction from the current authorization of $43 million annually.

In addition, the bill would authorize the Board of the John F. Kennedy Center to plan, design, and construct an expansion project not to exceed 100,000 square feet. That project would be financed using non-appropriated funds. In addition to receiving regular federal appropriations, the John F. Kennedy Center also receives substantial private donations.  According to CBO, the Kennedy Center anticipates that the authorized construction will be completed in fiscal year 2017. Therefore, any effect of the new construction on future authorizations or appropriations for repair and maintenance would occur after 2017.

According to Committee Report 112-457, The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was originally established in 1958 and was designated as a memorial for President John F. Kennedy in 1964. The Center operates primarily on privately raised funds with only the operations, maintenance and capital repairs of its facility funded through federal appropriations. The Center is currently one of the nation's busiest performing arts facilities and includes nine theaters and stages that attract audiences and visitors totaling three million annually. The Center presents performances of music, dance, and theater; supports artists in the creation of new work; and serves the nation as a leader in arts and arts management education. With its artistic affiliates, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Washington National Opera, the Suzanne Farrell Ballet and VSA (the international organization on arts and disability), the Center's achievements as a commissioner, producer, and nurturer of developing artists have resulted in more than 300 theatrical productions, and dozens of new ballets, operas and musical works.

According to CBO, enacting H.R. 4097 would authorize a total of $72 million to be appropriated for fiscal years 2013 and 2014 for the-Kennedy Center's maintenance, repair, and security and for capital projects for the center. In addition, the bill would authorize the construction of an expansion project at the center that would be financed with non-appropriated funds.