On the recordJuly 17, 2018
I too rise to speak in opposition to this amendment. The NEA and the NEH have strong, bipartisan support on this committee, and I had really hoped the days of attacking these agencies were behind us. Maybe they seem like a good political target for those who don't understand the ways the arts and humanities affect our daily lives, but the economic benefits are undeniable for big cities, small towns, and everywhere in between. The arts and culture industry contributes $764 billion to our economy every year, and the endowments are uniquely positioned to help smaller, rural areas, as you heard the Chair say, access that energy in a way that private capital can't or won't. And efforts to reach underserved communities are just as important. NEA's Creative Forces program helps servicemembers and veterans manage TBI and PTSD through arts therapy. A cut would majorly impact the program's reach. Similarly, NEH has funded the popular veterans book clubs that use literature that help process experiences in our military. I have been lucky to talk to some participants, and this is a deeply meaningful program that, again, is in jeopardy if this proposed cut moves forward. Frankly, all of this comes at a very small price tag. The NEA and NEH use minimal Federal investments. I will just end by saying this is an important way to create jobs, support families, and sustain communities in every Congressional district.
