Government Affairs Update: Budget Process, Artist Visas, and More

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. 

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These government affairs updates are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended as legal advice. Nonprofit arts organizations should consult with legal counsel for guidance specific to their circumstances.

August Meet-Ups with Elected Officials

In August, members of Congress were in their home districts hosting town halls, conducting site visits, and meeting with constituents. 

 Did you or your choral group have a chance to connect with elected officials and their staff? If so, we would love to hear from you! Tell us your story or connection, no matter how big or small!  Email [email protected]. 

Congress & The FY26 Budget Process

Congress is back in DC and, once again, a fiscal year deadline is looming.  To avoid a government shutdown on Oct 1st, Congress will need to A) finalize an FY26 budget or B) pass a continuing resolution (known as a CR or stopgap).  Both actions will require tremendous negotiation and bi-partisan support to pass. 

Prior to recess, the Senate proposed to maintain level funding for the NEA ($207 million) while the House proposed a cut to $135 million.  Both Houses pushed back on the President’s budget proposal to eliminate the cultural agencies. 

Your ongoing calls and messages to your Representative and Senators are important. Your elected officials must know of your choral group’s activity in the district.  Do you, or your venues, receive government grants at the federal, state, or local level?  How did those grants make your work possible? 

👉 Educate your elected officials on your work and why government support for the arts matters in your district.  Click here to personalize a message or see a phone script to call your federally elected officials.

Artist Visa Process Update

Changes continue for the Artist Visa Process.  If your choral group intends to engage an international artist or group, please plan as far out as possible and visit Artists from Abroad (AFA), frequently.  Here are some of the recent changes posted on AFA:

Consular Visits Now Required:  A news item from the Department of State indicates that, effective September 2, 2025, eligibility to seek an interview waiver will be virtually eliminated, including for applicants who previously held the same type of visa within the last 12 months. All artists and petitioners will therefore need to plan on substantially increased wait times to schedule a consular visa interview, which adds to the overall visa timeline from start to finish.

Changes to Fee Payments:  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will discontinue accepting paper check and money order payments after Oct. 28, 2025, and will accept only ACH transactions from a U.S. bank account using a new Form G-1650, or by credit card, debit card, and prepaid credit card payments using the existing Form G-1450. Read more here.

Chorus America is also tracking:

• Funding for Arts Education:  The Senate Appropriations has proposed funding the Department of Education at $79 billion, rejecting the Administration’s proposal to eliminate the department.  The House Appropriations Committee’s Markup is scheduled for early next week.
• Executive Order:  Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking: On August 7, the White House released this Executive Order which calls for more oversight of grantmaking at federal agencies to insure that the grants “are consistent with agency priorities and the national interest.”  Chorus America, along with our coalition partners, are watching to see how the NEA and other federal agencies implement this EO.
• Proposed Elimination of the Combined Federal Campaign:  The director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management has proposed eliminating the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).  The CFC is the government employee charitable giving program.  Numerous arts organizations and choral groups are listed as partners with the CFC, making them eligible to receive recurring donations (money & time) from federal employees.
• And more!