February 9, 2018
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 18:03

Early this morning, after a brief government shutdown, the House and Senate passed legislation extending federal funding at existing levels until March 23. The House and Senate leaders were able to agree on both domestic and defense spending levels for the remainder of fiscal year 2018 and the entirety of fiscal year 2019. As a result, passing legislation funding the government for the remainder of the fiscal year should be considerably easier, while also allowing appropriators to begin writing appropriations bills for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and other agencies for the next year right away.

What this means for funding for the NEA is uncertain at this point. For the duration of the CR passed this morning, the NEA will continue to operate with a budget of $150 million. However, because the agreement raises the pot of money available for domestic discretionary spending by $60 billion this year and $78 billion next year, the NEA could potentially receive an increase in funding. NASAA is already in contact with key members of Congress about the impact of this agreement and will follow-up with potential next steps should the opportunity arise.