Even if opponents of the arts agency prevail in the House, the debate will not end there.

Today's vote, although politically significant, is unlikely to represent the 33-year-old arts agency's last gasp.

About half the grant money, $22.3 million, is for state and regional arts agencies.

"The main issue for me is to decide if I continue to dance," she said, "or work as a lawyer in an arts agency."

President Bush, too, recognizes the need for a national arts agency.

In deciding last year not to kill the arts agency .

Two years later, in response to the endowment's offer of $25,000 planning grants, virtually every state created an arts agency to foster cultural activities.

Economic studies have done much to stimulate political support for arts agencies.

This fund-renewal process has always served to politicize the arts agency.

President Clinton included a $133 million subsidy for the arts agency in his 1998 budget proposal.