Rep. Dan Goldman, Co-Chair of the Public Broadcasting Caucus, Statement on House Republicans Voting to Eliminate the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

“As part of Donald Trump’s rescissions bill that House Republicans just rubber stamped, they voted to eliminate all federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, betraying their own constituents who rely on public media and educational and emergency resources provided by CPB.

 

“In voting to strip all funding from independent media, Republicans have once again caved to Donald Trump’s fragile ego and authoritarian attacks on the free press and the First Amendment.

 

“While Republicans can gaslight their voters by feigning outrage when objective facts shed a poor light on President Trump, local stations around the country — especially in rural America — provide communities with essential local news, emergency alerts, and children’s education that will now be eliminated.

 

“I know many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle recognize the importance of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and it is a shame that they have once again chosen to bend the knee to President Trump rather than stand up for their constituents.

 

“I hope Republican Senators can find the necessary spine to do the right thing and reject Donald Trump’s baseless assault on the First Amendment. An independent free press is the bedrock of any democracy, and it is up to every American, and every elected official, to uphold and protect it.”