Washington Update: Appropriations Season Enters a Critical Phase

With only a few days remaining before the House and Senate begin their August recess, Congress continues to work through the FY2027 appropriations process. While several appropriations bills have advanced, the Senate has not yet released its version of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill—the measure that funds the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

As a result, much of NASAA’s advocacy over the coming weeks is focused on the Senate.

The House Appropriations Committee approved its Interior bill earlier this summer, proposing to reduce funding for the National Endowment for the Arts from $207 million to $135 million. In addition to the funding reduction, the House bill would alter the long-standing federal-state partnership by changing the current allocation formula that reserves 40% of NEA grant funding for state and jurisdictional arts agencies and regional arts organizations. For decades, this partnership has ensured that federal arts investments reach communities in every state, supporting local priorities while leveraging additional public and private investment.

As the Senate develops its proposal, NASAA has been working closely with Senate appropriators to advocate for two key priorities: preserving robust funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and maintaining the current 40% allocation for states and regions. We are hopeful that the Senate bill will reaffirm Congress’s time-honored bipartisan commitment to the federal-state partnership and recognize the indispensable role state arts agencies play in delivering the benefits of federal arts funding to communities across the country.

With Congress preparing to adjourn for its month-long August recess, the next several weeks present one of the best opportunities of the year to engage directly with your elected officials. Members of Congress will be back in their home states and districts meeting with constituents, touring local organizations and participating in community events. I encourage every NASAA member and arts advocate to use this time to reach out to your senators and representatives to express your support for full funding of the National Endowment for the Arts and the importance of preserving the federal-state partnership. Emphasize that public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment that benefits every American in every city, town and rural community nationwide. (See The NEA and the States and Strategic Arts Messaging for additional talking points.)

These conversations are also an excellent opportunity to share the important work happening at your agency and the impact federal arts funding has on artists, educators, students, cultural organizations and communities throughout your state. If the opportunity presents itself, consider inviting your elected officials or members of their staff to attend a performance, exhibition or other arts event. There is no substitute for seeing the impact of the arts firsthand, and these personal experiences can help build the long-term relationships and understanding that foster lasting bipartisan support for federal arts funding.

As always, NASAA will continue working closely with Congress throughout the remainder of the appropriations process and will keep members informed as the Senate releases its FY2027 Interior bill and negotiations with the House begin later this year.