CUBIN VOTES FOR NEA CUTS: Barbara Cubin (R-WY) joined colleagues in Colo., Utah, and Nevada to vote for two amendments to cut funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. Here’s the latest update from Americans for the Arts: “As we announced yesterday, the Congressional Arts Caucus amendment to increase NEA funding by $15 million and NEH funding for $10 million in Fiscal Year 2006, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by voice vote. For the first time ever, the amendment passed by voice vote, which means there will not be a detailed record of who voted for or against the amendment. As anticipated, the two weakening floor amendments to cut NEA funding were defeated by overwhelming margins. The first amendment, offered by Rep. Joel Hefley (R-CO), would have reduced NEA funding by $15 million to further increase funding for the Interior Department's Payments in Lieu of Taxes program. The amendment failed by a vote of 109-311. The second amendment, offered by Rep. Bob Beauprez (R-CO), would have cut NEA funding by $30 million, shifting the funds to further increase the wildfire management program. The amendment failed by a vote of 122-298. This was a slightly tougher vote for several pro-arts Western and Midwestern Members because of specific wildfire issues in their states, including Stephanie Herseth (D-SD) who submitted a statement against shifting funds from the NEA immediately following her vote.” What's with these Colorado reps? What's with Cubin?
