As Congress and the Administration Focus on Appropriations, Focus on Your Relationships

With the deadline for federal funding set to expire on March 14, Republicans and Democrats are working to find common ground that will allow a continuing resolution (CR) to pass. A CR is a temporary funding measure that keeps the government operating at current spending levels when a formal appropriations bill has not been enacted. The most pressing question in the deliberations is how to account for cuts in federal programs already implemented by the Trump administration. Democrats are seeking protections to ensure that further cuts will not be made after a spending deal is reached, but the administration has indicated that more reductions are forthcoming.

While it is far too early to know how these talks will play out, we remain hopeful that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will emerge from these negotiations with level funding for the remainder of the fiscal year. As we approach the March 14 deadline, we will monitor the discussions closely and keep you up to date. Even as these conversations heat up, Congress is expected to begin working on the FY2026 bill, and Speaker Johnson has indicated that many of the spending reductions proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency will be part of that spending plan.

At NASAA, we encourage everyone to maintain respectful dialogue with members of Congress during this challenging time. We know that members from both sides of the aisle will be working to support the NEA and the federal-state partnership. To aid in this effort, it is important to provide members of Congress with up-to-date information about what your agency is doing and how you are supporting your community. Be sure to 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 Arts and Creativity Strengthen Our Nation for additional talking points.) By doing so, you help to ensure that lawmakers have the data and talking points necessary to advocate effectively for continued federal investment in the arts.

As always, NASAA remains committed to championing the value of public funding for the arts. The months ahead will be critical, and your engagement will play a vital role in that process. We appreciate your dedication to advancing the arts in your communities. We will continue to provide updates and guidance as the legislative process unfolds.