Urge House to Protect Funding for NEA in FY26

July 14, 2025

This morning, the House Appropriations Committee released its recommendation for FY26 Interior funding, which includes drastic cuts of nearly 35% for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The NEA and NEH are each currently funded at $207 million, and the Interior Subcommittee will act tomorrow morning on this FY26 recommendation of $135 million for each agency. This would represent the NEA’s lowest budget level since 2007 and result in severely diminished support for public access to the arts nationwide.

After the Interior Subcommittee action, the full Appropriations Committee will consider the bill. Following that, the bill would be taken up on the House floor for a vote by all members. The same process will carry out in the Senate before a compromise is struck.

Arts advocates have been highly engaged in reminding members of Congress of the direct value of NEA support for communities nationwide. As funding decisions unfold in the coming weeks, it is vital to continue speaking up. Whether communicating by email, phone, or in person, engaging with Members does make a difference! See the League’s campaign for more details and talking points, and act today to urge the House to protect NEA funding from proposed cuts!