The House of Representatives is likely to vote today on at least two
amendments on a bill providing funding to the IMS, NEA and NEH.

The bill -- HR 1977 -- contains a 27% cut from current levels for IMS, 39%
for NEA and 42% for NEH.

The amendments are as follows:

1)  Stearns.  to cut a further 10% from the NEA for FY 1996 (from $99.5
milion to $85.5 million).

2)  Chabot.  to eliminate NEH altogether as of October 1.

Additionally, Rep. Crane may offer an amendment to eliminate NEA
altogether as of october 1.

AAM Government Affairs urges readers of museum-l to call their House
members immediately and urge opposition to amendments that would further
cut the IMS, NEA and NEH.  The "talking point" that seems to resonate
best, even with some of the most conservative House members, is that
immediate eliminationn won't give them (or us) a chance to construct or find
alternative funding sources, or to save (or transfer to other agencies or
private organizations) those programs that *all* agree to be worthy.;
also, the agencies are slated for much deeper agencies than almost any
others.

Members of the House can be reached at 202-225-3121.  There is a House
gopher (house.gov) that has e-mail listings for about 60 members.

If you have questions, please contact me at 202-289-9125 or FAX
289-6578.

Andy Finch
AAM Government Affairs
[log in to unmask]