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 July 30, 2026

Bipartisan Amendment Advances to Protect IRS Due Process for Nonprofits

Today, the Senate Finance Committee passed the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act, legislation aimed at modernizing and streamlining IRS operations and strengthening taxpayer rights during audit procedures and other interactions with the IRS. The legislation includes an amendment, offered by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), that would protect due process for nonprofit organizations by explicitly adding “determinations of tax-exempt status” to the list of situations under which taxpayers have a right to appeal and requiring that notice of this right is provided. Update courtesy of Independent Sector

House Ways and Means Committee Approves Legislation on Nonprofits

Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee voted along party lines to approve three bills impacting nonprofits. As these bills may move through the chamber, further information will be shared as it becomes available.

• Fiscal Sponsorship Transparency Act of 2026 (H.R.9721): Introduced by Rep. Smucker (R-PA), the bill seeks to require nonprofits to report annually with detailed information pertaining to each fiscally sponsored project they oversee. It would impose significant financial penalties on nonprofits and managers if the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) finds that the organization failed to exercise “discretion and control” over the funds – terms not defined in legislation.

• Foreign Funding Transparency Act (H. R. 9772): Introduced by Rep. Schweikert (R-AZ), the bill seeks to require most nonprofits to track and report annually on all donations made by foreign nationals, even small-dollar donations. Charitable nonprofits already report the name and addresses of substantial donors to the IRS on a confidential basis.

Update courtesy of National Council of Nonprofits

FY27 Appropriations Update

Before heading back to home districts for the August recess, the House of Representatives passed its version of a FY27 appropriations continuing resolution to fund the government through early December. This week, Senate appropriators have been negotiating their version of a bipartisan continuing resolution and are working to it pass before the chamber leaves for its August recess at the end of next week. The timing of the bill release is currently unknown as key members of the Senate consider including language regarding the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed regulatory changes to federal financial aid mentioned in earlier updates.

Federal Court Blocks Anti-DEI Conditions on California and Oregon Grant Requirements

A federal judge blocked the U.S. Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and Interior, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from imposing anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) conditions on grants. The lawsuit was filed by 11 cities and counties in California and Oregon. The court issued a preliminary injunction and held that the conditions violated Congress’ power to control federal spending.  The case is one of many in which federal judges have held that anti-DEI terms and conditions violate the law. Update courtesy of National Council of Nonprofits

Issued July 16, 2026

OMB Proposal and Possible Impact on Arts & Culture

As included in an earlier update, on May 29^th, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released proposed regulations on federal financial assistance with a target effective date of October 1, 2026. OPERA America joined comments in response to the proposal along with Chorus America, the League of America Orchestras, Dance/USA, and Theatre Communications Group. The comments reflect much of the analysis composed by the Cultural Advocacy Group. Public comments closed Monday, July 13^th and further information will be shared as it becomes available.

Final Ruling on Earnings Test and Student Loans

U.S. Department of Education rules issued on July 1, 2026, will impose a new earnings test to determine whether an institution of learning can access Federal Direct Student Loans for specific programs of study. OPERA America joined comments in response to the original draft proposal—alongside the League of American Orchestras, Chorus America, Dance/USA, and Theatre Communications Group—raising concerns about the disproportionate impact on performing arts programs. Most aspects of the rules are set to go into effect by July 1, 2027. OPERA America’s partners in conservatories are analyzing the full implications for collegiate and graduate arts programs and updates will be circulated as they become available.

Ongoing Court Action on Travel Ban Impacts “Hold” on Petitions

USCIS benefits have been on hold for beneficiaries from certain countries of birth or citizenship, following the Administration’s issuance of policy memorandum PM-602-0194. A federal district court in Rhode Island has ordered U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing petitions filed for foreign nationals from the countries subject to the U.S. travel bans. As noted in a June 12 USCIS announcement, USCIS will follow the order and process petitions as if the hold is no longer in effect.

Following the court ruling, Artists from Abroad is aware of a small number of petitions that have been released from the hold and progressed to approval. However, it is unclear how quickly the backlog of held petitions will be processed, and whether further court action might reinstate the USCIS hold as the agency has requested further judicial review. While the appeals process plays out, petitioners may attempt to contact the USCIS Call Center to determine the status of held petitions and should be aware that any newly filed petitions will be subject to lengthy O and P visa processing times, requiring Premium Processing for most cases. Update courtesy of Artists from Abroad.

National Voter Registration Day – 2026 Field Toolkit

OPERA America is partnering again this fall with Nonprofit Vote and National Voter Registration Day to support nonpartisan voter education and registration drives! If your organization would like to get involved, the 2026 Field Toolkit was recently released and includes the materials, strategies, and guidance needed to engage communities, educate voters, and ensure a successful, impactful day of civic celebration.

Issued July 2, 2026

Department of Education issues revised list of Professional Degrees after Court Order

A new list released on June 29 by the Education Department includes 29 degree programs designated as "professional programs" for the purposes of applying the updated loan limits enacted on July 1st, representing an increase from the previously announced 11 programs. Last week, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction against the Department’s policy, ruling that the agency lacked the authority to define professional programs independently. As litigation progresses, the final determination may lead to further revisions of the list. Students enrolled in programs classified as professional may now borrow up to $50,000 annually or up to $200,000 over their lifetime. Other graduate students are subject to lower borrowing limits, with a maximum of $20,500 per year and $100,000 in total. Prior to July 1, graduate students could borrow up to the cost of attendance for their program; however, that loan program was discontinued by Congress effective July 1. Update courtesy of Inside Higher Ed.

Congressional Task Force on Institutional Abuses

Members of Congress have been assigned to serve on the newly created Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses. Members include: Chair Gill (R-TX), Ranking Member Simon (D-CA) and Reps. Jordan (R-OH), Biggs (R-AZ), Cloud (R-TX), Donalds (R-FL), Jack (R-GA), Min (D-CA), Walkinshaw (D-VA), and Pressley (D-MA). The Task Force will focus on “institutions that work to abuse and undermine historic pillars of American government and society, including illegal [diversity, equity, and inclusion] policies, the abuse of immigration and social welfare programs, and efforts by foreign actors and dark money groups to suppress Americans’ free speech.” Chair Gill shared that the task force intends to focus on nonprofits. Update courtesy of the National Council of Nonprofits.

Ruling on Department of Education’s proposed changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

On June 30, a federal court vacated a final rule from the Department of Education which would have allowed the Secretary of Education to disqualify government and nonprofit employers by imposing additional conditions for eligibility based on EO 14235. “Congress unequivocally prescribed the requirements for PSLF-eligible public service jobs. The statute does not vest any discretionary authority in the Secretary to disqualify employers (and consequently borrowers) or to alter unambiguous requirements set forth in… the repayment provision or the statutory definition of ‘public service jobs,’” the court wrote. “Consequently, the Final Rule is unlawful because it permits the Secretary to disqualify statutorily eligible employers upon determining that they have a ‘substantial illegal purpose.’ The Final Rule plainly contradicts the unambiguous text of the PSLF Statute and exceeds the scope of the Department’s authority because Congress does not require such a hurdle and did not specifically instruct the Department to impose it.”“The Final Rule is contrary to law and promulgated in excess of statutory authority, is arbitrary and capricious, and violates the First Amendment. I therefore hold it unlawful and set it aside. The Final Rule is vacated,” the court concluded. Update courtesy of National Council of Nonprofits.

Key Advocacy Issues

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