Gillibrand Statement On Senate Passage Of The Rescissions Package

Gillibrand Statement On Senate Passage Of The Rescissions Package

Jul 17, 2025

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement following Senate passage of a rescissions package that claws back funding for public broadcasting that has already been allocated by Congress.

"I'm appalled that Senate Republicans voted to slash funding for the programs that our rural communities rely on. Our public broadcasting system is one of the few remaining institutions committed to providing free, fact-based programming to every American-regardless of zip code. By rescinding funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), this legislation threatens to gut funding for the local radio and television stations that millions of families rely on for trusted news, high-quality educational content, and lifesaving emergency alerts.

These cuts will have a particularly devastating impact in rural communities, where stations rely heavily on CPB funding to stay afloat and where sources of local news are already limited. Public broadcasters often serve as the only source of information about natural disasters, transportation accidents, national security threats, and public safety matters in areas that face limited connectivity. In emergency situations, the closure of stations and reduction of this programming due to budget cuts could cost lives. On the education front, public television's early childhood education services help ensure that every family has access to high-quality, non-commercial educational content, regardless of their ability to pay for such services. At a time when misinformation is rampant, taking away this content is dangerous and irresponsible.

Make no mistake; this legislation is not about saving money. Just weeks ago, the same Republicans who now call for cost-cutting at the expense of rural communities voted to give massive tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans and add over $3 trillion to the national debt by supporting President Trump's so-called 'Big Beautiful Bill.' It's outrageous, and the American people deserve better.

I will keep fighting to protect public broadcasting, support rural communities, and make sure that hardworking families have access to the resources they deserve."

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