NEA Nomination Advancing

From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 14:06
April 25, 2014

NASAA has learned that on Monday, April 28, Dr. Jane Chu, president Obama’s selection to lead the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), will meet with key staff of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. The HELP Committee has jurisdiction over the nomination of the NEA chair.

Monday’s meeting is an important step in Dr. Chu’s nomination process. Since she was named in February, there had been little progress on her confirmation. After Monday’s meeting, members of the committee will have the opportunity to send Dr. Chu questions in writing. Should those inquiries be answered to the satisfaction of the committee members, they will meet in executive session to consider her selection. Following that vote, Dr. Chu’s nomination will be forwarded to the Senate floor for a vote by the full chamber. The timing of each of these steps is uncertain, but we hope Dr. Chu’s nomination will be finalized as quickly as the Senate’s calendar allows.

NASAA is working with states represented on the HELP Committee to ensure that the importance of the state-federal partnership is included in the committee’s conversations. We will keep members informed as the process unfolds. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact me with questions.