Step Two: Appropriations Committee

May 22, 2019 (Washington, DC) – Today, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved legislation providing $167.5 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, which now sends the bill to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

This level of funding reflects an increase of $12.5 million that was requested by members of The Creative Coalition #RightToBearArts Capitol Hill Day delegation during their meetings with legislators earlier this month.

“For many communities, grants from the National Endowment for the Arts are their only source of arts funding,” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition. “Today’s Appropriations Committee support for increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts means we are one step closer to more Americans having access to the benefits of the arts.”

“We know the arts improve student performance, help veterans heal from the trauma of war and serve as a huge driver of our economy,” said Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition. “I am pleased to see members of the committee embrace the importance of the arts by increasing funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.”

The Interior Appropriations Bill is expected to considered by the full House of Representatives when they convene after Memorial Day. The U.S. Senate will consider its own version of legislation to fund the National Endowment for the Arts this summer. Any differences between the House and Senate bills must be resolved before the bill is sent to the President and signed into law.

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