This vote was on an amendment by Jeff Flake, R-Ariz,. that would prohibit funds from being expended for the American Ballet Theatre in New York City.  The amendment was offered to the bill that funds the Labor, Health and Education departments in fiscal 2008.

"I have an obvious love for the ballet. I am not sure if it is that obvious, but I do like culture, and I think it is good for everyone. But telling taxpayers across the country that they should pony up $150,000 for the American Ballet Theater, an organization that has over $150 million in net assets I think is just a bridge too far," Flake said, adding that the company has many corporate sponsors who can be relied upon for funding.

Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., said the funding would go specifically toward helping the company bring ballet to smaller communities that have limited economic means and little access to fine arts.

"An important part of ABT’s mission is to expose as many people as possible to high quality ballet. This is at the heart of the request for studio company funding to bring ABT studio company and a host of educational and cultural programs to smaller communities that have limited economic means and access to these cultural benefits," Maloney said.  "Educational research strongly suggests that young people who learn about and participate in the arts acquire skills that help them in decisionmaking, problem solving, creative thinking, and teamwork."

By a vote of 118-312, the amendment was rejected.  All but four Democrats present voted against the amendment.  Of Republicans present, 114 voted for the amendment and 86 voted against the amendment.  The end result is that the measure went forward with funding for the American Ballet Theatre intact.