Washington, DC (June 5, 2026) – This week, the House Appropriations Committee approved the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill that includes funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). While the bill proposes $135 million for the NEA—rejecting the Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate the agency entirely—the amount represents a $72 million cut, or 36 percent less than current funding.
In the coming weeks, the bill will move to the full House of Representatives. The Creative Coalition urges House members to reject any proposed cuts and instead restore full NEA funding at the current level of $207 million. As the nation begins the historic celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the NEA is leading the way in reminding us that our shared American story has always been shaped, strengthened, and illuminated by the arts—the songs, images, performances, and creative voices that carry our heritage forward and bind us together across generations. Looking ahead, Congress must reject cuts to the NEA if we want future generations to inherit an America that develops and inspires the artists who will carry our nation’s story forward.
“The Creative Coalition urges the House to provide full funding for the NEA,” said Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition. “The benefits of the arts are tangible. For every dollar cut, what’s lost is a show that revitalizes a downtown with foot traffic, a visiting artist who helps a student achieve academic excellence, or an exhibit that instills pride in America’s rich cultural legacy.”
“Funding for the National Endowment for the Arts is essential to sustaining the creative forces that define us as a nation and connect Americans in every community,” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition. “Congress must protect this funding—any step back would undermine the NEA’s core mission to ensure that ‘the arts belong to all the people of the United States.” The Creative Coalition continues its strong advocacy for the NEA through initiatives such as its annual Arts Advocacy Day and a national public service announcement featuring Iain Armitage of “Young Sheldon.” This campaign underscores the essential role the arts play in defining American identity in communities across the country. As the nation prepares to mark America 250, the NEA’s support for artists and cultural institutions is vital to honoring our shared heritage and ensuring the full American story is told. Sustaining current NEA funding is critical to celebrating our cultural legacy and strengthening economic vitality in communities nationwide.
About The Creative Coalition: Founded in 1989 by leaders from the arts and entertainment industry, The Creative Coalition is the nation’s premier nonpartisan 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to advancing the arts as a fundamental pillar of society. Led by actor and President Tim Daly, The Creative Coalition educates its members on key public issues and champions influential public service campaigns, including #RightToBearArts, highlighting the essential role the arts play in shaping our world.
###
CONTACT:
TCC@pmkentertainment.com