Appropriations Committee press release, July 13, 2006: “The Senate Appropriations Committee today gave approval to the fiscal year 2007 District of Columbia spending bill. The bill totals $597 million in federal funds, which is $200,000 below the fiscal year 2006 enacted level and the same as the President’s budget request…$15 million for a new Central Library in the District of Columbia. The President requested $30 million for a new central library, noting the need for a state-of-the art facility which would provide citizens access to modern technology and improved research and meetings facilities. The Committee believes that a better library system will help the District lower its adult illiteracy rate of 37 percent and help improve lives and opportunities of DC residents.”