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

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.

  • Red0ctober@lemmy.world
    28·
    3 days ago

    These people just suck. Public broadcasting provides so much to the communities they serve. I’m so angry, just everything that is remotely nice or helpful.

    I know that’s the point. It just feels awful.

    • Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works
      110·
      2 days ago

      Obviously I hope PBS and NPR get all the funding they need, but maybe it would be better if it all came from listeners.

      Edit: to free them from being a political pawn. Not disputing the fact they’re an essential service.

      • odelik
        14·
        3 days ago

        It does. In the form of taxes & donations.

        • Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works
          12·
          2 days 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.worksEnglish
            5·
            2 days 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
              1·
              2 days 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?

  • SoftestSapphic@lemmy.world
    4·
    2 days ago

    We increased spending by about 1 TRILLION between military spending increases and tax reductions on the rich.

    That’s the proportional equivalent of saying we increased spending by $10 and then saved 1 penny from gutting out public news funding that we all depend on for information.