Legislative News - 2015
Read the latest arts news
The House voted 218-213 to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Congress is now a step closer to renewing ESEA, which has been expired since 2007 and is long overdue.
Today, the U.S. Senate approved legislation in subcommittee to level-fund the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for the coming fiscal year. It was the first time in nearly six years that the Senate considered the underlying legislation.
Also today, the U.S. House approved its appropriations bill in full committee, also level-funding the agencies.
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Interior Appropriations Subcommittee approved legislation on a voice vote to fund the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and other cultural institutions like the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Smithsonian Institution.
Freshman member Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) joined Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) as co-chairs of the Congressional STEAM Caucus.
After 3 days of co
nsidering bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and nearly 60 amendments, the Senate HELP Committee advanced the legislation, enabling it to be next considered on the Senate flo
On April 7th, Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Patty Murray (D-WA) released their long-awaited bipartisan draft bill to reauthorize the long-expired Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The title of the new bill is Every Child Achieves Act.
Congressional Arts Caucus co-Chairs Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Leonard Lance (R-NJ) led a bipartisan letter requesting $154.466 million for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in FY 2016. A record-breaking 134 House members joined them in that request!
The letter especially highlights the economic impact of the arts and the NEA/Walter Reed Healing Arts Partnership.
On March 18, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee held its Public and Outside Witness hearing to receive testimony on programs funded by the subcommittee, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
On February 26, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled - in a split (3-2) vote and along party lines - to reclassify broadband as a utility. The action gives the commission more regulatory power over Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Although reflective of many of the record number of public comments, the ruling has resulted in some members of Congress developing an alternative legislative response.
On December 30th, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a final rule that helps help flying musicians and the safety of their instruments. It goes into effect on March 6, 2015.
