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"Yesterday, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee proposed funding the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at $150 million in FY18, which is its current funding level. While the Trump Administration's budget had eliminating the NEA, the House Appropriations committee approved $145 million over the summer, and now with the Senate committee’s proposal released, the next steps are for the full chambers to pass their own respective budget proposals before coming to an agreement that reconciles their differences. Orchestras in the states of Senate Appropriations committee members have been speaking up over the fall – in addition to orchestras and arts supporters weighing in with all of their members throughout the year. We thank everyone for tirelessly reminding elected officials how essential federal support for the arts is in communities large and small. Please see our online campaign for key talking points."