We have some heartbreaking news this morning. 

Yesterday, the House of Representatives voted in favor of President Trump’s “rescission” bill, which would cut nearly $1.1 billion in pre-approved funding for both PBS and NPR.

The package passed by a 214-212 in the House, largely along party lines as Republicans mostly stood together in support of Trump’s plan to cut federal funding for public media. It will now be considered by the Senate.

PBS, in a statement after the House vote, said in part, “The fight to protect public media does not end with this vote, and we will continue to make the case for our essential service in the days and weeks to come. If these cuts are finalized by the Senate, it will have a devastating impact on PBS and local member stations, particularly smaller and rural stations that rely on federal funding for a larger portion of their budgets. Without PBS and local member stations, Americans will lose unique local programming and emergency services in times of crisis.”

NPR president and CEO Katherine Maher said: “If rescission passes and local stations go dark, millions of Americans will no longer have access to locally owned, independent, nonprofit media and will bear the risk of living in a news desert, missing their emergency alerts, and hearing silence where classical, jazz and local artists currently play.”

While this is a devastating loss in the battle to protect public media, this is not a time to, as Kamala Harris said, throw up our hands. This is a time to roll up our sleeves. 

Now more than ever, it is crucial that we continue to share our petition with friends, family, coworkers, classmates, etc. Post flyers around your town, add a comment or video, chip in a few dollars if you can, and share the link on your Facebook, Instagram, X, and other social media platforms.

I thank you all for your continued support and know that we can, and will, enact change. 

Love Always,
Sara