Senate Approves $9B Cuts Ending Federal Public Broadcasting Funding

The Senate approved a $9 billion rescission package proposed by the Trump administration that includes a $1.1 billion cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, significantly impacting NPR, PBS, and their member stations. Concurrently, the House Interior Subcommittee proposed a fiscal 2026 appropriations bill that would slash the EPA budget by 23%, reducing funding for critical programs including the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds by 25% and 19%, respectively, marking their lowest levels since 2008. House Republicans' proposed cuts to the EPA also include a 31% reduction in science and technology funding and a 29% cut to environmental programs, alongside attempts to block implementation of Biden-era pollution regulations. Additionally, the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee passed bills with significant cuts to the Interior Department, EPA, and other environmental agencies, while maintaining some funding for water infrastructure and air pollution grants. The legislation reflects a broader Republican effort to roll back environmental regulations and reallocate funds, which Democrats criticize as undermining climate change initiatives and public safety. These budget reductions come amid ongoing partisan disputes in Congress over environmental and public broadcasting funding priorities.