WASHINGTON, D.C. - On December 16, 2011, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the final budget agreement for FY 2012, which includes $146.255 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This is identical to President Obama's proposed budget, a cut of nearly $9 million less than FY 2011, and is a compromise between the House of Representatives number of $135 million and the Senate number of $155 million as previously considered by their respective subcommittees.
Also included in this bill is $24.596 million in funding for the Arts in Education programs at the U.S. Department of Education, which had been zeroed-out in a previous proposal in the House.
A short-term continuing resolution was also passed so that the Senate can complete work on the budget agreement over the weekend. Once passed, it will be ready for the president to sign into law. This concludes the prolonged Congressional negotiations for the FY 2012 budget and prevents a government shutdown.
After the New Year, Congress will begin considering the FY 2013 budget.
Join Americans for the Arts in Washington, D.C. April 16 and 17 for National Arts Advocacy Day events to let your members of Congress know the arts are important to you and your communities.
