Breaking News: Amendments Defeated to Cut Funding for the Arts and Humanities

On July 16, 2024, Representative Josh Brecheen (R-OK-02) introduced an amendment to the FY 2025 Interior Appropriations bill that would have drastically cut funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). However, the two House floor amendments offered by Freedom Caucus member Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK) tonight to cut funding to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) by $48 million each, were soundly defeated. The NEA amendment was defeated by voice vote, while the NEH amendment was defeated by a recorded vote of 269-to-147 (See how your U.S. House Member voted).

Congressional Arts Caucus Co-Chair and Ranking Democrat of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) stated on the floor “The arts have an incredible value as a positive tool for economic development, education, and community building. The National Endowment for the Arts is the federal agency that funds, promotes, and strengthens the creative capacity of our communities by providing all Americans diverse opportunities for arts participation. This small but mighty agency supports arts organizations and artists in every congressional district in the country.”

Chairman of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) also opposed the amendments and stated “I’ve seen what the NEA and NEH do in Idaho and across the country. Communities we represent have access to arts and art programs. I’m not worried about the arts in Washington, New York or Los Angeles. But I am worried about the arts in Shelly, Idaho, a small town. They have an arts council. And they do a great job. I continue to see the impact that funding has to small communities to help with their arts councils.”

Arts champion Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) also stood up to oppose the bill by adding “The Republican majority has made unacceptable cuts in this bill in the arts and humanities.”

We thank everyone who took swift advocacy action and reached out to their representatives to oppose the amendment.