Government Affairs Update: DEI Orders Paused, Arts Legislation, and Budget Negotiations

The political landscape in Washington, DC continues to evolve daily. Chorus America needs to hear from you: How are the federal government’s actions affecting your work? All stories of specific impact are welcome. Please share your experience here. Thank you to those members who have already shared their stories with us. 

LATEST POLICY UPDATES IMPACTING THE NONPROFIT CHORAL COMMUNITY 

Judge Pauses Executive Orders on DEI 

On Friday, February 21, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on President Trump’s Executive Orders (EO) 14151 and 14173, which restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the federal and private sectors. Judge Abelson cited the lack of clarity in the orders and their unconstitutional limits on free speech for contractors and grantees. Chorus America will continue to monitor this issue. 

Further reading and guidance: 

Report by Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C 

Report by Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) 

Congressional Actions on Arts & Charitable Giving 

Bill H.R. 801 (introduced January 28) seeks to increase charitable giving. The bi-partisan bill is gaining co-sponsors, from both sides of the aisle, while it remains in the House Committee on Ways and Means.  

Bill H.R. 721 (introduced January 24) known as the “Performing Artist Tax Parity Act of 2025” provides tax breaks to performing artists. The bill has bi-partisan support and continues to collect co-sponsors. 

Bill H.R. 140 (introduced January 3) provides tax relief for hurricane damages and may benefit choral organizations. We are tracking the bill’s progress.

Federal Budget Update 

The government is funded through a continuing resolution until March 14, 2025. On Wednesday, Feb. 25th, the House passed its budget resolution in a close vote of 217-215 along party lines. The Senate passed its budget resolution on Friday, February 21. The Senate will now pick up the House’s budget bill and begin negotiations. Senate Majority Leader John Thune called the House-approved product “a first step in what will be a long process, and certainly not an easy one.” 

Chorus America tracks the federal budget process to monitor funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), Arts in Education Programs at the Department of Education, and Cultural Exchange Programs through the State Department.  

America 250: 

The NEA’s latest grant guidelines include funding considerations for arts programs celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The bipartisan Commission, established by Congress in 2016, is leading the national initiative. Learn more here. 

Judge Blocks Federal Funding Freeze 

On Tuesday, February 25, a U.S. District Court judge granted a preliminary injunction of the Office of Management and Budget’s freeze on federal grant disbursements. “This preliminary injunction allows … nonprofits to continue with their important work of providing wildfire mitigation, disaster relief, services to survivors of domestic violence, support for our nation’s veterans, and so much more.” said Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits. Read more here. 

About Government Affairs at Chorus America 

Chorus America champions federal arts policies through extensive coalition work including the Cultural Advocacy Group, the Performing Arts Alliance, and the Charitable Giving Coalition. Chorus America is an active member of the National Council for Nonprofits, the American Society of Association Executives and works closely with the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.