Senate appropriators are schedule to meet this week to discuss the FY17 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs bill. This bill contains funding for the Office of Citizen Exchanges at the State Department which operates international cultural exchange programs such as Arts Envoy and American Music Abroad.

The subcommittee met on Tuesday, June 28 and with little discussion, committee members quickly recommended the bill go on to the full Senate Appropriations Committee on June 29 for consideration of amendments. The House has not yet scheduled a date to consider this bill. PAA and the arts community are asking Congress for $110 million in FY17.