Last night, during consideration of H.R. 2584, the House Interior Appropriations bill, debate was completed on an amendment by Rep. Walberg’s to cut $10.6 million more from the NEA. Interior Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson (ID) gave strong support for the agency and $135 million appropriation and urged defeat of this amendment. Thanks to coordination by the Congressional Arts Caucus, Reps. Jim Moran (VA), Louise Slaughter (NY), David Cicilline (RI), Lynn Woolsey (CA), John Yarmuth (KY), Rush Holt (NJ), Bobby Scott (VA), and Betty McCollum (MN) all gave effective  and passionate speeches of support in opposing this amendment.

Next, the House will vote on the Walberg amendment today, Thursday, July 28. The exact timing of which has not yet been decided since it will part of a bloc of votes held over from yesterday’s debate. Americans for the Arts is coordinating with Caucus staff to defeat the Walberg amendment and we will update you when further action takes place.