Republicans turn sights on arts funding

House Republicans sought to further cut the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) during a marathon amendment session on the 2011 budget Wednesday night.

The continuing resolution already cuts about $20 million from the NEA but Republicans like Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) want to make the cuts even deeper to the tune of another $20 million.

Walberg argued that government spending, derived through taxes, was robbing wealthy individuals of the ability to fund the arts and the NEA themselves.

But Rep. James Moran (D-Va.), who has acted as a champion for government spending during the last two days of debate, argued that the nation needs the arts more than ever.

"It seems to me when there are so many issues that divide this nation, the arts have a more important role to play because they are a powerful medium where we can come together,” said Moran.

This evening the House also debated amendments to cut Title X funding, arts programs specific to the city of Washington D.C., and federal funding for some parks.

One particularly contentious issue was a proposed cut in funding to a federal program that provides assistance for heating for the poor known as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) accused Republicans of having “frigid” hearts and Republican Rep. Charles Bass (N.H.) joined Democrats in opposing the cuts.

Like clockwork throughout the night Republicans continued to call up amendments that sought further cuts, while Democrats rose to defend programs that would suffer under the amendment.

On each item considered, Democrats have argued that the spending is relatively small when compared to the entire deficit. Republicans have countered that every cut counts.

All votes on amendments have been postponed to a future date, possibly Thursday.

The Republicans' budget being amended Wednesday night would provide $1 trillion in federal funding through September without amendments.