More good news! Today, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee approved their bill to increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for FY 2019 by another $2 million.  This bill passed unanimously, making it a truly bipartisan effort.  
 

In addition, since the U.S. House committee action last week we've learned that new language was included by supporters

Senate Interior Appropriations Committee Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Tom Udall (D-NM) lead committee debate on the FY 2019 bill that funds our nation’s cultural institutions, including the NEA.

Chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA), Congressional Arts Caucus co-Chair Chellie Pingree (D-ME), and Ranking Member Betty McCollum (D-MN) for the NEA and NEH to expand grant-making activities in the name of the late- Rep. Louise Slaughter. Rep. Slaughter passed away  unexpectedly in March. This language was approved unanimously by the members of the House Appropriations Committee!

In just over a year of record-levels of advocacy, Congress increased funding for the NEA three times!

1. In May 2017, Congress approved a $2 million increase for the FY 2017 budget, bringing the agency’s budget to $150 million.

2. Then 3 months ago, Congress increased that funding by another $3 million for the FY 2018 budget bringing it up to $153 million. 

3. Now, both the House and Senate committees are recommending another $2 million for the FY 2019 budget for a total of $155 million, which also exactly matches the ask made by arts advocates representing every U.S. state during Arts Advocacy Day and Humanities Advocacy Day in early March. 

What Happens Next

Both bills are now readied for floor action and votes, which may occur later this summer.

With the Fall midterm election on the horizon, it remains unclear when Congress will finish their work for this year and provide final FY 2019 funding. We will keep you updated on the timeline and what’s next.

Looking ahead, House members will be home the month of August. Be sure to follow your members on social media and participate in events in your communities, including preparations underway even now for National Arts in Education Week in September! There are always opportunities. With Americans for the Arts traveling to Denver, CO, this week for our annual convention, we noticed Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) taking to social media to talk about the impact of the launch of ArtLine on Lakewood, CO! Be in touch and write to us anytime at [email protected].