Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Logo for the House Committee on Appropriations

On July 1, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee voted to accept the Interior Subcommittee’s fiscal year (FY) 2022 funding bill, granting Biden Administration’s funding request of $201 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The bill also includes $201 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to keep the agencies funded in tandem. 

If passed, the bill will grant the NEA and NEH an increase of $33.5 million over FY 2021 budget levels, the largest increase in both agencies’ histories! These potential gains are the result of tireless advocacy from around the country, an Administration that understands the value of the creative sector, and bipartisan support in Congress. 

Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), who chairs the Interior Subcommittee, noted the importance of funding the NEA and NEH in light of the coronavirus pandemic: “The cultural sector has been particularly devastated by COVID-19, and this funding will help to support relief and recovery for community organizations across the country.” 

Looking ahead, the bill will go before the full U.S. House of Representatives for passage. This process will take place over the next several weeks, and the full House vote will likely happen before the planned August congressional recess. After the appropriations bills pass the House, the same process begins in the Senate Appropriations Committee. 

Read about the NEA’s important role in stimulating arts activity across the nation in the 2021 Congressional Arts Handbook