WASHINGTON, D.C.—The House approved $50 million in funds for the National Endowment for the Arts on Wednesday as part of its economic stimulus bill, the New York Times reports. The sum was not included in the Senate's version.

“We hope Congress can come to a sensible consensus as the bill is prepared for its final vote,” said Robert L. Lynch, the president and chief executive of Americans for the Arts, a national lobbying group. “The arts are essential to the health and vitality of our communities, and it is fiscally sound policy to invest in our nation’s arts infrastructure.”

The plan was passed by a vote of 244 to 188 and is expected to reach President Obama's desk by mid-February.