Arts Funding Could Increase
2 Issues are Currently Before the US Senate for Action

Increased Funding for the NEA
During the week of June 6th, the Senate Appropriations Sub-committee will begin its deliberations on the FY 2006 Interior Appropriations bill, which contains funding for the National Endowment for the Arts.

The House has already passed an Amendment to increase the NEA by $10 million. The goal is to have the Senate match the House funding level. Senators Christopher S. Bond of Missouri and Sam Brownback of Kansas are both members of the Appropriations Committee. They will be instrumental in the passage of this appropriations bill.

Senators Can Join the New Senate Cultural Caucus
The United States Senate is establishing a new bipartisan caucus dedicated to promoting the arts and humanities within the Senate. Your Senator can join the new Senate Cultural Caucus. The Senate Cultural Caucus will become a focal point for arts supporters in the Senate, as the Congressional Arts Caucus is a focal point in the House.

The Congressional Arts Caucus, which is the House's second-largest caucus with a membership of 182 Members, has been instrumental in the passage of yearly amendments to increase NEA and NEH funding. Both caucuses are committed to highlighting the positive impact of the arts in America.

The four Senators spearheading the new Senate Cultural Caucus are Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Jim Jeffords (I-VT) and Norm Coleman (R-MN). They will also serve as co-chairs of the Caucus, which will work to highlight the programs and impact of the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Institute of Museum and Library Services.

These four Senators have sent a "Dear Colleague" letter to fellow Senators, asking them to join the newly formed Senate Cultural Caucus. The letter notes that, "Future generations will learn about our history and ideals through our literature, paintings, dance and drama. Yet, we often overlook the important role of the arts in our daily lives "we can do much more to emphasize the broad array of activities that contribute in such a significant way to the cultural identity of our country. The Senate Cultural Caucus will provide opportunities to accomplish this goal."

Information on Congress
Information on your Representative and U.S. Senators can be accessed at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov. If you so choose, please contact your area representative to voice your support of the arts as soon as possible.

Information provided through Dance/USA www.danceusa.org.

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