Prohibiting Federal Funding of National Public Radio

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Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, had I been able to vote on H.R. 1076, legislation that would decimate public radio in America, I would have voted ``no.''

National Public Radio (NPR) is one of America's most vital and trusted news sources, utilized by 27 million Americans each week. Taking away federal assistance for public radio would hurt 900 public radio stations, especially smaller stations in rural America that lack a sizable donor base.

Access to popular and informative news programming, including All Things Considered, Morning Edition, Forum, On Point, and This American Life, would be jeopardized in smaller markets. Broadly available access to informative and objective news in America would be compromised.

My office has received many calls and letters from residents throughout the 10th Congressional District, urging Congress to preserve NPR's budget. My constituents understand that public broadcasting is a critical and cost-effective American investment, and I stand with them.

H.R. 1076 harms our economy and American competitiveness. The Congressional Budget Office has determined that this legislation will have zero impact on the budget and the deficit, but it will likely destroy 9,000 jobs. Our support of public broadcasting is a tremendous bargain for the American people. At a time of increasing competition in the global economy, America's future prosperity depends on a knowledgeable workforce, and our robust democracy depends on a well-informed citizenry.

H.R. 1076 takes away vital information from the American people, and that is why I am deeply opposed to this pointless and destructive bill.

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