Federal Budget Attention Turns to the Senate

As Congress continues its work on fiscal year 2027 appropriations, attention is now shifting from the House to the Senate, where important decisions about funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) remain ahead.

In May, the House Appropriations Committee approved legislation that would reduce NEA funding to $135 million, a decrease of $72 million from the agency’s current funding level. While the proposal represents a significant cut, it is only one step in a lengthy appropriations process. The Senate has yet to release or consider its funding bill, and substantial differences between House and Senate proposals are common.

Historically, the Senate has taken a more favorable view of federal arts funding and has often worked to restore funding reductions proposed in the House. While no outcome is guaranteed, there remains a meaningful opportunity to improve upon the House proposal as the appropriations process moves forward.

One aspect of the House bill deserves particular attention. Although the legislation would reduce overall NEA funding, it would increase the share of appropriated funds reserved for state and jurisdictional arts agencies (SAAs) and regional arts organizations (RAOs). NASAA appreciates the committee’s recognition of the vital role that state arts agencies play in serving communities nationwide. At the same time, we continue to support the long-standing federal-state partnership formula that directs 40% of NEA grant funding to SAAs and RAOs. This approach has provided stability, equity and nationwide reach for decades, ensuring that federal arts investments benefit every state and jurisdiction while preserving the NEA’s ability to fulfill its broader mission.

As advocacy efforts continue, NASAA encourages members to engage with your senators and Senate staff. The message is straightforward: Congress should maintain strong federal support for the National Endowment for the Arts and preserve the 40% allocation for the federal-state partnership. State arts agencies, regional arts organizations and their partners deliver measurable benefits to communities across the country, and federal arts funding remains one of the most effective investments Congress can make in strengthening local economies, expanding access to the arts and enriching civic life. See NASAA’s Strategic Arts Messaging guide for additional case-making tips.

The coming months will be critical. NASAA will continue working with congressional offices and national partners to make the case for robust federal arts funding and a strong federal-state partnership. We are grateful for the advocacy efforts of our members and look forward to continuing this work together as the Senate develops its proposal and negotiations move toward a final funding agreement.