A persuasive advocate should be up to date on the key issues affecting the opera sector.

Read the latest news on advocacy efforts prepared by OPERA America's director of government affairs and civic practice — and check back for regular updates.

Review the key issues affecting opera and the arts with resources and downloadable briefs prepared by the Cultural Action Group.

Advocacy Updates

Issued May 29, 2026 

Office of Management and Budget Actions on Federal Funding to Nonprofits

On May 28, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released proposed regulations on federal financial assistance. Among the many changes listed in the 412-page document, OMB’s proposal follows executive actions last year centered on better aligning federal financial assistance with the Administration’s policy priorities. A detailed summary will be sent once it is available.

Also, earlier this month, OMB sent a memo to federal agencies asking each department to submit a report of grants and other spending related to 49 nonprofit organizations during fiscal years 2024 and 2025, as well as the projected spending total for fiscal year 2026. The nonprofit organizations listed in the memo are largely organizations that engage in advocacy work related to immigration, civil rights, and humanitarian aid. Several foundations, including some that do not accept federal grants, were included on the list. The memo asked agencies to provide reports by May 29. Update courtesy of the Council on Foundations.

Issued May 22, 2026 

House of Representatives FY27 Interior Budget Proposes One-Third Cut to Arts Funding 

Before leaving for the Memorial Day recess, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior approved an FY27 budget proposal that includes a nearly 35% cut for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).  Also, the House Subcommittee’s proposal specifies $72 million of the $153 million “for grants-in-aid to States” which would shift the current formula in which state and region allocation which is calculated to be 40% of the NEA’s grant dollars, which itself is a subset of its total appropriation. In following our coalition partner, NASAA, we continue to support the current formula that sets aside 40% for states and regions. 

These proposals reflect the House’s language from last year; however, due to consistent bipartisan support and a funding process that requires both the House and Senate to reach agreement on all funding levels, both agencies have maintained $207 million appropriation since FY23, avoiding proposals for significant cuts or elimination.

Please reach out to your members to urge support for the NEA at $213 million for FY27 and the agency’s current funding formula that sets aside 40% for states and regions! 

Federal Judge Rules to Restore National Endowment of the Humanities Funding

On May 7, US District Judge Colleen McMahon ruled that the mass termination by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and DOGE of more than 1,400 grants to support scholars, research institutions, and humanities organizations was “unlawful, unconstitutional, ultra vires, and without legal effect.” The ruling declared the actions terminating the grants in April 2025, the largest mass termination of previously awarded grants in the history of the NEH, were “in violation of the First Amendment, in violation of the equal protection component of the Fifth Amendment, and without statutory authority.” The judge also orders the NEH to provide written notice of the opinion and order to "all affected grant recipients whose awards were terminated as part of the Mass Termination.” Read the plaintiffs statements following the ruling here. 

New Task Force through House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform established a new Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses. According to the press release, the Task Force will focus on "defending constitutional rights in the face of institutions that work to abuse and undermine historic pillars of American government and society, including illegal DEI policies, the abuse of immigration and social welfare programs, and efforts by foreign actors and dark money groups to suppress Americans’ free speech.” The Task Force is authorized for six months pursuant to Committee Rules and will hold hearings. 

Key Advocacy Issues

Prepare to take action by reviewing the key issues with online resources and downloadable briefs prepared by the Cultural Advocacy Group