December 6, 2018
From: Isaac Brown, Legislative Counsel
Vol. 18:11

With funding set to expire tomorrow for many federal agencies, including the National Endowment for the Arts, Congress has approved a two-week continuing resolution to keep the government open (operating at fiscal year 2018 funding levels) until December 21, 2018. The need for an extension became clear as significant differences remained between Democrats and Republicans regarding whether the FY2019 federal budget should include funding for the construction of a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. By extending the continuing resolution for two additional weeks, members will have more time to negotiate that sensitive issue. President Trump has until midnight on Friday, December 7, to sign the extension bill.

This is a short-term action which leaves the FY2019 federal budget incomplete. The National Endowment for the Arts will continue to operate with level funding ($153 million) until December 21. In order for the agency to receive the additional $2 million previously approved by both the House and Senate chambers for FY2019, Congress and President Trump will have to agree on a funding bill for the remainder of the fiscal year.

NASAA will continue to monitor this situation and update you as events unfold. In the meantime, if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at isaac@38northsolutions.com.