Establishment by Congress, both the National Film Preservation Board and Foundation and the National Recording Preservation Board and Foundation have enabled the Library of Congress to provide critical leadership in research of preservation technologies. The programs have provided critical funding to archives and cultural institutions in all 50 states to ensure the survival, conservation and accessibility of America's film and sound heritage. Films and recordings preserved as a result of these programs not only include artistically and culturally significant works, but also materials that document the nation’s scientific and educational heritage as well as recordings of historically significant events.

The reauthorization of the Library of Congress film and sound recording preservation programs through 2026 guarantees their continued impact on the historical and cultural heritage of our country.