After several decades of participation, the United States' membership lapsed in 2002 after two consecutive years of non-allocation of funds by the American congress.

It is unclear why the congress chose not to fund the United States' membership in the BIE, particularly since it is only $25,000 per year.

In order for an exposition in the United States to be recognized or sanctioned by the BIE, the USA must be a member of the BIE.

Now, more than ever, the issue of the country's reputation abroad is an important one. The United States Congress should re-fund our membership in the BIE and re-join the world stage in this important medium for international communication and understanding.

On a more practical side, membership in the BIE would help pave the way for a United States city to host an upcoming world's fair.

We encourage American citizens to write their representatives in the United States Congress urging them to restore funding for our country's membership in this important international organization.

You can do so by visiting the following sites:

http://www.house.gov/writerep/
and
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Given that there appears to be no open opposition to US membership in the BIE, it is our hope that we'll soon be able to restore funding toward our membership.


Urso Chappell
ExpoMuseum.com