Steven Gunderson: “I come to the floor today as one of those Republicans who has consistently supported the arts and the National Endowment…”

“I come to the floor today as one of those Republicans who has consistently supported the arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. I happen to believe that in an increasingly intolerant and polarized society, the arts are playing an increasingly important role, not a diminished role. And what this Congress is doing has some long-term risks for American society. Interestingly enough, when I opened my mail this morning, I had a letter from a constituent where she said, ``In spite of the openly expressed hostilities to the arts by this Congress, I still urge you to consider reauthorizing the NEA, at least to give it and the arts world a chance to reorganize their means of funding and setting of artistic priorities.'' We are here this morning for a couple of reasons. We are here because some of my friends on the Democratic side last night decided it was more important to kill the rule than to preserve a point of order against the NEA. That is your choice, and I understand that. We are also here, unfortunately, because I think the arts community still does not get it. They are convinced that business as usual will survive.”