House Votes to Continue Funding for NEA and NEH Despite Trump’s Threats
Following President Trump’s proposal to eliminate funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill to sustain funding for both agencies. The bill, known as the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026, also allocates funds for the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), and other cultural programs.
Last Thursday, the House overwhelmingly voted in favor of funding these federal cultural agencies, despite previous threats from the Trump administration to defund or reduce their allocations. The Senate is expected to follow suit, although a final vote was delayed on Monday.
The NEA and NEH, which had faced mass grant cancellations under the Trump administration, will receive $207 million each in funding, slightly lower than the previous year’s $209 million. Trump had initially proposed eliminating both agencies entirely, citing them as “unnecessary governmental agencies.” However, the House’s decision to continue funding for these agencies is seen as a victory for the arts community.
Americans for the Arts CEO Erin Harkey expressed her support for the House’s decision, stating that it was a “major win for the arts.” The organization credited public advocacy for influencing the outcome of the vote.
While the funding levels for the NEA and NEH remain consistent with previous years, there are concerns about how the funds will be distributed. Trump had previously suggested redirecting NEH funds towards his proposed “National Garden of American Heroes,” and had also made controversial decisions regarding the agencies’ operations.
Despite challenges faced under the Trump administration, the NEA and NEH are expected to prioritize projects that serve underserved populations. The bill also includes funding for the Smithsonian, IAIA, and the National Gallery of Art, among other cultural institutions.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which had also faced threats of elimination under Trump, will receive funding through a separate bill. A recent court ruling restored previously rescinded grants for museums and libraries.
As the NEA and NEH receive full allocations, Americans for the Arts plans to advocate for fair distribution of the funds to support a diverse range of cultural initiatives.
