1. Legislative and Political Update for Novice Advocates
Nina Ozlu Tunceli, Americans for the Arts

2. Political Power Structure in Washington
Republicans are in control of the Senate
(52 GOP + 46 Dem + 2 Independents = 100 Members)
Need 60 to prevent a filibuster, 51 for passage of other legislative items)
Republicans are in control of the House
(239 GOP Dem + 5 Vacancies = 435 Members)
Need 218 to pass anything on the floor
New Trump Administration still working out legislative priorities
Unclear how aligned President Trump is with Congressional GOP
Remember, Mid-term elections for 1/3 of Senate and whole House are next year!

3. Political Mood in Washington
Republicans are “The Majority” in both chambers but the party is highly fractured across a spectrum of conservatism.
Senate is led by Mitch McConnell of Kentucky
House is led by Paul Ryan of Wisconsin,
Democrats are “The Minority” in both chambers and they are currently unified together for the most part because they are in the minority.
Senate is led by Chuck Schumer of New York
House is led by Nancy Pelosi of California
Very poor communications, respect between Congress and the White House
Budget, Supreme Court nomination, Obamacare

4. Impact of Political Structure and Mood
GOP controls the legislative agenda, calendar, committees, and chairmanships in both chambers
GOP trying to prove that they can govern after 8 years of divided government
Speaker Paul Ryan took over in October 2015 – First 100 Days Legislative Agenda
Obamacare “repeal and replace”
Budget and appropriations for FY17 and FY18
Tax reform

5. Legislative Process President’s Budget
House & Senate Budget Committees set “allocations”
Floor Votes
House & Senate Appropriations Committees and 13 Subcommittees set specific funding levels for every government agency
House & Senate Authorizing Committees set programming goals and parameters to receive funding from Appropriations
Joint House-Senate Conference Committees create one unified bill
Presidential Veto/Signing into Law
Congressional Veto Override
2/3 majority needed

6. Legislative Lingo Key Appropriations Subcommittees: Interior, Labor-H
Key Authorizing Committees: Educ & Workforce, HELP
Key Tax Committees: Ways & Means, Finance
Omnibus, Minibus, Continuing Resolution C/R
Mark-ups
Caucuses
Co-Sponsorships
Dear Colleagues
Ranking Member

7. Key Legislative Updates on the Arts
Federal Government’s Fiscal Year
October 1st - September 30th
Current Year = FY17 NEA $148 million
$2 million increase from last year
Our Request for Next Year = FY18 NEA $155 million
New Congress, new chairmen, new landscape with unified GOP government.

8. Developing Your Strategy
What’s the Legislative Issue (Appropriations, Programs, Tax)?
Which Committees Does the Member Sit On?
What’s the Member’s Previous Areas of Art Support?
Is the Member Part of One of the Arts Caucuses?
What Kinds of Facts & Data about the State or District Can I Share?
How Can I Publicize Our Meeting with Pictures, Video and Words?
What’s Most Important to the Member and How Can I Link it to Arts?
How Will I Maintain Contact with Both the DC and District Offices?

9. What’s Important Your Story Your Passion Your Connections
Your Commitment
Your Perseverance
Your Follow Through