U.S. Rep. Adam Smith Pleased About Restoration of Funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

U.S. Rep. Adam Smith Pleased About Restoration of Funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

June 24, 2005 - U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Tacoma) voted today in favor of an amendment that will restore funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports programming such as the Public Broadcast Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR). More than 82 million people watch PBS a week and more than 70% of American households watch PBS at least once per month. On top of this, over 30 million people a week listen to NPR.

"PBS is an important part of many Americans' lives," said Smith. "From Sesame Street to Morning Edition to American Experience, many people around the country rely on public broadcasting for news and educational entertainment for their children. PBS is a vital cultural component for this country and I was pleased to see that the funding for the CPB was restored."

The amendment passed in the House 284 to 140.

"I will continue my efforts to ensure that this funding is included in the final version of the bill," said Smith. "It is too important to fall victim to partisan politics."

The Senate will soon take up its version of the Labor/HHS Appropriations bill and, further down the line, conference with the House version. It is expected that funding for CPB will be restored.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/wa09_smith/20050624pr.html