Larson Votes Against President Trump’s Bill to Defund PBS and NPR

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) voted against President Trump’s bill to cancel billions in federal funding previously approved by Congress for PBS, NPR, global health, and education.  

“Once again, House Republicans voted to shut down Sesame Street and put Big Bird and Elmo on unemployment,” said Larson. “Republicans in Congress are bending to the will of their ‘narcissistic nihilist’ president who has directed his ire at PBS and NPR because they refuse to toe the Trump line. Without federal funding, treasured PBS Kids programs our children love will end, and rural communities across the country will lose access to local journalism and lifesaving emergency alerts. In the United States of America, we have a responsibility to protect the right to free speech, even when we disagree. Passing this bill at the President’s command undermines this foundational principle. In addition to rubberstamping the President’s petty attack on public broadcasting, it is unconscionable for Republicans to renege on our commitment to global health and education. The cuts they passed today at the behest of Elon Musk’s ‘DOGE’ will rip away access to family planning and contraceptive care from 48 million women and eviscerate aid that keeps 40 million kids in school worldwide. Democrats stood united against this all-out attack on public media, basic health care, and education, and will continue to oppose the Trump Administration’s devastating cuts hurting our communities.”