Republicans target public broadcasters in rarely used gambit while also slashing global health programs

The House narrowly voted on Thursday to cut about $9.4bn in spending already approved by Congress as Donald Trump’s administration looks to follow through on work by the so-called “department of government efficiency” when it was overseen by Elon Musk.

The package targets foreign aid programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides money for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service, as well as thousands of public radio and television stations around the country. The vote was 214-212.

Republicans are characterizing the spending as wasteful and unnecessary, but Democrats say the rescissions are hurting the United States’ standing in the world and will lead to needless deaths.

  • odelik
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    2 days ago

    It does. In the form of taxes & donations.

    • Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works
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      1 day ago

      I meant they’d be a bit more free of political pressure if they weren’t reliant on money from whoever’s in power. Steve Inskeep was the first reporter I heard finally use the word “lie” to refer to something Trump said, but I’d like to widen the tightrope they walk. It would be even better if their funding was enshrined and guaranteed somehow, but I think we know that’s impossible.

      • Bakkoda@sh.itjust.works
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        1 day ago

        Look at how much they actually get. This headline is disingenuous in the sense that they make it seem like pbs and npr are the majority of that.

        • Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works
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          1 day ago

          Oh, I’m well aware (from listening to KCRW) it’s only about 1.2 billion. A few wealthy individuals could make that up without a sweat, except they’re mostly Wrong Wing and selfish af. I’ve already doubled my monthly donation, and many would, but will it be enough?