Senate Strips $1.1 Billion From Public Broadcasting, Threatens 1,500 Local Stations

The Senate narrowly voted to cut $1.1 billion in funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a move strongly supported by President Trump and conservative lawmakers who criticize PBS and NPR for alleged partisan bias and controversial programming. Republicans, led by Sen. Eric Schmitt, argue that public broadcasting promotes radical gender ideology and left-wing activism, while opponents warn that the cuts will devastate over 1,500 local stations, especially in rural areas where CPB funding is critical. Democrats, including Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, condemn the proposal as shortsighted, emphasizing public broadcasting's essential role in emergency alert systems and educational programming, with Warner highlighting its importance during recent natural disasters. Tribal media leaders and Democratic lawmakers from states like North Carolina have also voiced concerns, noting that defunding threatens emergency communications and disaster response in underserved communities. Vice President J.D. Vance cast a tie-breaking vote to advance the bill despite opposition from some Republicans and Democrats. The debate reflects a broader partisan struggle over the future of public media funding amid accusations of political bias and concerns for public safety and rural access.