MATSUI CONDEMNS REPUBLICAN VOTE TO GUT PUBLIC MEDIA, FOREIGN AID FUNDING

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), released the following statement in response toRepublicans passing the Trump administration’s $9 billion rescission package, including clawing back $1.1 billion in funding for public radio and television. 

“Republicans are going back on the promises America has made. This package cruelly guts funding that was already signed into law—meant to help people around the world and here at home. By withdrawing foreign assistance and rescinding support for public broadcasting, Republicans are undermining America’s credibility,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Our local NPR and PBS stations are vital for American families to access trusted news, educational programming, and lifesaving emergency alerts. This bill is a direct attack on the over 1500 local stations nationwide—and the millions of Americans who rely on them. All to satisfy President Trump’s obsession with silencing dissenting voices in our media. These cuts are unacceptable, and I will continue to stand up for public media and the critical service it provides.”

Congresswoman Matsui has led efforts to push back against the Trump administration’s attacks on a free and independent press. In March, Congresswoman Matsui introduced the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they disseminate. That same month, Congresswoman Matsui, along with Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06) and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09) opened a probe into the Trump FCC’s sham investigations into media outlets. Congresswoman Matsui also led a bipartisan letter emphasizing the importance of federal funding for public radio and television.

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