Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, has been awarded the 2013 National Award for Congressional Arts Leadership Award.

According to a news release, this award recognizes public service on behalf of the arts. Harkin will accept the award on at 9 a.m. today in Washington, D.C.

Harkin has worked for more than two decades advocating for incorporating arts in education.

“During a HELP Committee hearing on education and the economy, representatives of the business community told us … employers need workers who can apply creativity, collaboration, and communication in their jobs to solve problems, produce ideas, and make connections,” Harkin said.

Robert Lynch, the president and CEO of Americans for the Arts, said the group is grateful for Harkin’s hard work over the years.

“Sen. Harkin is a true leader in support for the arts and arts education in America,” Lynch said.