$167.5 million for NEH, a $12.5 million increase over FY 2009 enacted level
House and Senate conferees have reached agreement on a compromise fiscal year (FY) 2010 Interior-Environment spending measure that would provide funding of $167.5 million for the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). This figure represents an increase of $12.5 million (8.1%) over the FY 2009 enacted level ($155 million).
Program-level allocations detailed in the conference report (H.Rept. 111-316), released October 28, include (in thousands of dollars):
Federal/State Partnership … 40,370 (+5,370)
Preservation and Access … 17,116 (+1,116)
Research … 16,866 (+2,366)
Education … 15,616 (+1,116)
Public Programs … 15,616 (+1,116)
We the People … 14,500 (-1,300)
Challenge Grants … 9,500 (+200)
Digital Humanities … 4,866 (+866)
Treasury Funds … 4,800 (-200)
Program Development … 750 (+350)
The conference agreement provides $2.5 million less than the House bill, but $6.2 million more than the Senate bill and the President's budget request (for regular NEH programs), including an additional $4.3 million for competitive grant funds. Conferees rejected the Obama Administration's proposal to move the $9 million National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs grant program to NEH; this program will continue to be funded and administered through the Commission of Fine Arts.
The agreement attaches a second CR (continuing resolution) to extend funding through December 18 for remaining appropriations bills that have not yet been completed. The current CR expires midnight Saturday, October 31. The House and Senate must vote on the conference report before it is enacted.