NAMM Policy Priorities

Public Policy for NAMM Members

NAMM serves its members by tracking, engaging and educating on matters of public policy, based on three priorities: Business Compliance, Music Education Advocacy and Workforce Development. We represent the interests of the music products industry through virtual and in-person advocacy campaigns, such as the NAMM Music Education D.C. Fly-In. Members are invited to participate in trade, sustainability and music education advocacy working groups, as well as in educational webinars and advocacy efforts. Contact us for more information.

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Read NAMM's Most Recent Articles on Issues that Impact Your Business

Tariffs Explained

February 20, 2026 President Trump Announces New Tariffs After Supreme Court Ruling President Trump announced he would immediately impose a 15% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to address trade deficits. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the administration would also expand use of Section 232 (national security) and Section 301 (unfair trade practices) authorities. These authorities come with constraints the administration did not face under IEEPA. For example, Section 122 tariffs are capped at 15% for 150 days unless Congress approves an extension.

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NAMM Statement on U.S. Department of Education Program Transfers

December 12, 2025 The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) strongly opposes the Trump Administration's decision to transfer critical U.S. Department of Education (ED) programs to other federal agencies through six new interagency agreements. This fragmentation of educational programs threatens the coordinated federal support that ensures students across America have equitable access to comprehensive music and arts education. The recent transfers include moving Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) and Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) programs to the

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The Road to CITES

November 12, 2025 NAMM and our collaborators at the League of American Orchestras facilitated unprecedented international collaboration since the last meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) between musicians, instrument makers, orchestras and music industry associations spanning North America, Europe, South America, Asia and Australia. The music sector is aligned in its stance that sustainable businesses practices for Brazilian Paubrasilia echinata, or pernambuco wood, is necessary to protect the species, allow musicians to travel internationally with their instruments and

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Music IS Education

NAMM is one of the proud founding members of the Music IS Education Coalition, which officially launched in conjunction with National Arts in Education Week in September. The Coalition is a state- and local-focused advocacy resource designed to help coalitions, education leaders and community partners protect and expand music and arts education. Built with and for state advocates, the site centralizes research, data, policy briefs and ready-to-use tools to accelerate campaigns in every state. Watch Music IS Education Webinar on Critical Advocacy Resources In conjunction with NAMM’

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Support Music Education Funding

On May 30, President Trump released full details about his administration’s FY 2026 budget proposal. Cuts to federal education, including the consolidation of 18 formula and competitive grants currently funded at more than $6 billion annually, would have devastating impact on funding for the 2026-2027 school year. Overall, the FY 2026 budget proposal cuts non-defense discretionary funding by $163 billion, including a $12 billion (15.3%) reduction to the U.S. Department of Education (ED). While the budget “preserves funding for Title I” and provides a small increase for special ed

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NAMM Launches SupportMusic Coalition to Strengthen Grassroots Music Advocacy Nat…

NAMM’s SupportMusic Coalition is an initiative to empower NAMM members to advocate for music education at the national, state and local levels. Music education programs currently face challenges ranging from budget cuts and policy changes to resource constraints. The coalition provides advocacy resources to assist in efforts to help protect funding and advance music education programs across the country, leveraging the collective influence and expertise of diverse stakeholders. How the Coalition Works The SupportMusic Coalition addresses a critical need in music advocacy: It offe

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