Tonko Condemns Trump Recissions Package Gutting Funding for NPR, PBS, and USAID

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Paul D. Tonko released a statement following the House vote on President Trump’s recissions package, which seeks to claw back $9.4 billion in funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid, including AIDS prevention efforts such as PEPFAR. Instead of addressing the rising cost of living or making life better for working Americans, Trump is using his power to go after Elmo and Big Bird. Public, independent broadcasting is essential to any democracy, providing educational programming as well as news updates and emergency alerts. International aid has saved tens of millions of lives by driving AIDS prevention efforts and addressing global health crises. Yet, the President wants to claw back billions in funding for NPR, PBS, and USAID. I’ve heard from thousands of constituents — hardworking American taxpayers — calling to demand these essential programs keep their funding. While House Republicans once again kowtowed to the President’s demands, I won’t stop working to defend and uphold these programs that serve my constituents, our nation, and our planet.