Baldwin, Spacey to Call for Arts Funding in Congress

The Associated Press reports that actors Alec Baldwin and Kevin Spacey are expected to visit Capitol Hill to press Congress to preserve arts funding amid budget cuts. However, a hearing at which the actors were to testify Tuesday has been canceled.

A spokeswoman for the House Appropriations Committee says some hearings have been canceled to free up time for staffers, who are helping members of Congress with budget negotiations to avoid a government shutdown.

Some congressional Republicans have called for a $40 million cut to the National Endowment for the Arts. Sarah Palin has called the spending "frivolous."

The group Americans for the Arts cites research showing NEA funding spurs job creation and economic development.

Hundreds of arts advocates will join Baldwin and Spacey and plan to visit each House and Senate office.