A persuasive advocate should be up to date on the key issues affecting the opera sector.

Read the latest news on advocacy efforts prepared by OPERA America's director of government affairs and civic practice — and check back for regular updates.

Review the key issues affecting opera and the arts with resources and downloadable briefs prepared by the Cultural Action Group.

Advocacy Updates

Issued February 13, 2026

With no agreement reached on Department of Homeland Security funding, Congress has adjourned for the planned recess

Lawmakers departed Washington on Thursday without finalizing an immigration enforcement overhaul, which nearly guarantees a partial shutdown of the Homeland Security Department when current funding expires this weekend. Bipartisan negotiations on an immigration plan are expected to continue during the recess; however, it is expected that neither chamber will return to the Capitol early unless substantial progress is achieved. The impact of a partial shutdown would be limited at ICE and Customs and Border Protection, as these agencies received approximately $75 billion through last year’s budget reconciliation law. Agencies effected by the shutdown would include Transportation Security Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Coast Guard.

Update courtesy of Congressional Quarterly

Sens. Schiff, Curtis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Creators’ Work, Implement Transparency Safeguards in AI Model Development 

On February 10, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and John Curtis (R-Utah) introduced the Copyright Labeling and Ethical AI Reporting (CLEAR) Act, bipartisan legislation that would protect the intellectual property rights of creators and encourage transparency in the development of artificial intelligence (AI).  The bill would require companies to disclose their use of copyrighted work to train generative AI models, implementing ethical guidelines and protections to promote transparency. More can be found at the press release.

Sens. Peters and Lankford Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Federal Grant Application Process

This week, U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and James Lankford (R-OK) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the administration of grant programs across the federal government. Governments, organizations, and businesses that are smaller, more rural, or have more limited resources often face difficulties when applying for federal grants because they lack the resources to navigate the complicated application processes. The Streamlining Federal Grants Act would simplify the application process to improve access to federal grants for communities across the country. More can be found at the press release.

House Ways & Means Committee Hearing on Nonprofit Oversight

The Ways & Means Committee held a hearing this week, “Foreign Influence in American Non-profits: Unmasking Threats from Beijing and Beyond.” During the session, there was bipartisan discussion regarding the potential for modernization or reform of the IRS Form 990 to incorporate information and further transparency on fiscal sponsorships and foreign donors.

BEA Announcement: Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account No Longer Regularly Produced

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) announced this week that the BEA will no longer regularly produce the Arts and Cultural Production Satellite Account. These reports were essential to capturing and conveying the economic impact of the sector and were utilized widely. The latest report, covering 2023 and prior years, was released April 2, 2025.

Michael McDonald Nominated as National Endowment for the Humanities Chair

Michael McDonald, currently serving as Acting Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities, has been nominated to serve as permanent Chair.

Administration Appeals Court Ruling on IMLS

The Administration recently filed an appeal against the November 21, 2025, permanent injunction ruling. The permanent injunction will stay in place until the court considers the Administration's appeal. Recap of Ruling: On November 21, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island granted a permanent injunction in Rhode Island vs Trump stating attempts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) were unlawful, unconstitutional, and in direct violation of Congress's clear statutory directives. The injunction prevents the Administration from further carrying out the Executive Order relating to IMLS and vacates the Administration's actions. The Administration complied with the ruling and has reinstated the terminated grants.

Update Courtesy of American Alliance of Museums

Issued February 6, 2026

EEOC Investigation into Nike Over Discrimination

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is investigating claims that Nike has allegedly discriminated against white employees and job applicants through its diversity policies. The investigation was disclosed in the motion filed in Missouri federal court demanding that Nike fully comply with a subpoena for information. The EEOC sought the company's criteria for selecting employees for layoffs, how it tracks and uses worker race and ethnicity data, and information about programs which allegedly provided race-restricted mentoring, leadership, or career development opportunities, according to court documents. 

Upcoming Congressional Recesses — Great Time to Meet with Legislators in Home Districts!

While Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations for the cultural agencies are now officially law, one of the most helpful things advocates can do at this moment is to stay engaged by keeping an open and ongoing conversation with policymakers about your work, your impact, and how federal arts funding supports your communities as we look ahead to FY27 appropriations. Below is a chart showing when representatives will be in their home districts over the next two months. Additionally, you will find helpful reminders on how to effectively engage with elected officials in OPERA America’s advocacy toolkits! 

Advocacy Updates

Issued February 10, 2026

Congress Ends Partial Shutdown, Department of Homeland Security Negotiations Continue

Earlier this week, Congress ended the partial government shutdown by passing a bipartisan appropriations package that funds the remaining agencies, including the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, through September 30. The package also includes a two-week continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through February 13, to allow for additional negotiations on the final bill.

EEOC Investigation into Nike Over Discrimination

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is investigating claims that Nike has allegedly discriminated against white employees and job applicants through its diversity policies. The investigation was disclosed in the motion filed in Missouri federal court demanding that Nike fully comply with a subpoena for information. The EEOC sought the company's criteria for selecting employees for layoffs, how it tracks and uses worker race and ethnicity data, and information about programs which allegedly provided race-restricted mentoring, leadership, or career development opportunities, according to court documents. 

Upcoming Congressional Recesses — Great Time to Meet with Legislators in Home Districts!

While Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations for the cultural agencies are now officially law, one of the most helpful things advocates can do at this moment is to stay engaged by keeping an open and ongoing conversation with policymakers about your work, your impact, and how federal arts funding supports your communities as we look ahead to FY27 appropriations. Below is a chart showing when representatives will be in their home districts over the next two months. Additionally, you will find helpful reminders on how to effectively engage with elected officials in OPERA America’s advocacy toolkits! 

Key Advocacy Issues

Prepare to take action by reviewing the key issues with online resources and downloadable briefs prepared by the Cultural Advocacy Group