Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Interior Appropriations Subcommittee unanimously approved legislation to fund the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at an increase of nearly $2 million in funding. The proposed funding is just shy of $150 million for FY 2017.
 
This increase builds on another nearly $2 million increase just seen in December, when Congress finished last year's funding work. It also comes after a new record-number of members signed the NEA funding request "Dear Colleague" letter this spring--149 members. Thanks to all the advocates who came to Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, DC this past March to conduct this advocacy.

The House is next anticipated to consider the legislation in full committee following Memorial Day, where amendments will be offered. The Senate will also be preparing their own version in the coming weeks.