Image
Register by October 17 to Secure Your Spot!
| Registration Type | Member Price |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration (Sept. 11-Oct.3) | $750 |
| General Registration (Oct. 4-Oct.17) | $850 |
The political landscape in Washington, DC continues to evolve daily. Chorus America needs to hear from you: How are the federal government’s actions affecting your work? All stories of specific impact are welcome. Please share your experience here. Thank you to those members who have already shared their stories with us.
Visit our Government Affairs Resource Page for more tools.
Interested in receiving these updates straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email list!
These government affairs updates are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. Nonprofit arts organizations should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their circumstances.
Republicans & Democrats Support NEA Funding for FY26
In good news, the House passed a bill yesterday, with bi-partisan support, that awards level funding of $207 million to the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities, rejecting the President’s request to eliminate both agencies. The bill is making its way through the Senate with a floor vote expected in the coming days. This is positive news given the House had previously proposed cuts to the NEA and NEH for the FY26 year.
Comments by various members of the Appropriations committees in both houses paint a picture of a Congress that wants to reassert their responsibility to determine funding for the federal government, in a bipartisan manner:
“Mr. Speaker, this bill works to ensure our priority programs receive funding… we had to make some tough decisions, but I am proud that this is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that both parties and chambers see fit to benefit the American people.” – Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID), Chair of the Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.
“This is a fiscally responsible package that restrains spending while providing essential federal investments…” – Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“Importantly, passing these bills will help ensure that Congress, not [the President] …decides how taxpayer dollars are spent—by once again providing hundreds of detailed spending directives and reasserting congressional control over these incredibly important spending decisions. It is so important we pass full-year funding bills again and refuse to cede power to [the executive branch].” –Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)
Read the bill text here (NEA is listed on page 365/408).
Proposed $2 Million Increase for Arts in Juvenile Justice Programs
In addition to supporting level funding for the NEA and NEH, the funding bills moving through Congress award a $2 million increase to the Arts in Juvenile Justice Programs. Carnegie Hall has been a leader in bringing arts into the justice system, and has played a vital role in advocating for the Arts in Juvenile Justice Programs run through the Department of Justice. In 2025, Chorus America joined the advocacy working group with Carnegie Hall to support imbedding arts into the juvenile justice system.
Fee Increase for Visa Premium Processing
The Department of Homeland Security has announced a fee increase to all visa petitions requesting premium processing through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Requests for Premium Processing Service (PPS) postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, must include the new fee. PPS requests for Form I-129 Petitions seeking approval for O and P visas used by international guest artists will increase from $2,805 to $2,965. – Artists From Abroad website
Read the full news alert here.
Senate Approves Mary Anne Carter as NEA Chair
On December 19, the Senate approved the appointment of Mary Anne Carter as the NEA Chair. Prior to the official approval, Mary Anne Carter’s title had been “NEA Senior Advisor.”
Mary Anne Carter serves as the 14th chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), returning to the role after previously leading the agency during President Donald J. Trump’s first term. In her earlier tenure, she worked to make the NEA more accessible to the American people, directing an expansion of Creative Forces (a creative arts therapy program for U.S. service members and veterans recovering from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and other psychological health conditions) and bolstering many of its national initiatives, including Shakespeare in American Communities, NEA Big Read, and Poetry Out Loud. Read more at arts.gov/chairman.
Read the NEA Press Release here.
Image
Amy Fitterer is a dynamic leader in association management, government affairs, and the performing arts. She has consulted for OPERA America and Partners in Performance, supporting advocacy and strategic planning efforts. As Executive Director of Dance/USA (2011–2020), she led its transformation into a more equitable and financially strong organization, launching initiatives like Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists. Previously, she directed government affairs for OPERA America and Dance/USA, successfully advocating for arts funding and policy improvements. A former ballet dancer and pianist, Amy holds degrees from Indiana University and Columbia University. She lives in northern Virginia with her family and enjoys dance, music, and fitness.
