In a close 217-209 vote, the House cut $20.6 million in National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) funding on Thursday, February 17. The amendment to the FY 2011 spending bill, from Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), would leave NEA funding at roughly $125 million, not the $145 million in the original House bill. The US Senate will vote on this legislation next, on February 28 at the earliest. For more information on yesterday's cuts, click here.

Americans for the Arts has created a media alert with talking points in support of NEA funding. Arts advocates are encouraged to add personal statements to this alert and send to local outlets.