Larson: America wants jobs, not partisan politics

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement on H.R. 1076, prohibiting federal finding of National Public Radio, which was rushed to the House Floor today:

"Here's more proof that the far right has hijacked the party of Lincoln. Once again, under the false pretense of deficit reduction, the Republican leadership is throwing red meat to their base by going after one of their regular boogiemen - National Public Radio. The only problem is that none of their claims are true.

"The Congressional Budget Office says that barring federal funds from going to NPR wouldn't reduce the deficit. It would, however, endanger thousands of jobs at local public radio stations around the country.

"But this isn't really about reducing the deficit. As the real GOP goal in Wisconsin was to end collective bargaining, and their goal with the federal budget is to get rid of Social Security, voucher Medicare, and close down the Department of Education, their goal here is to do away with a voice that runs counter to the nearly 2,000 right-wing radio stations on the air today.

"This is all part of a larger ideological plan being pushed by conservative extremists like the billionaire Koch brothers to redefine America. And it's time for everyone to stand up and say enough. America wants jobs, not partisan politics.

"NPR plays a vital role in providing quality news programming and engaging our communities in thoughtful, non-ideological debate. There's nothing else like it out there, which is why it enjoys strong support across the political spectrum. Where there are individuals who aren't living up to that high standard, they should be asked to leave. But America shouldn't be deprived of shows like All Things Considered and Morning Edition just because Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh don't like the competition."