Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — Congressman Joe Neguse, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands, joined Congresswoman Doris Matsui, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan National Service Caucus, and 148 of their colleagues from the House and Senate in sending a letter to President Donald Trump defending AmeriCorps and NCCC AmeriCorps members and calling on him to reverse cuts to the program made last week by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

In Colorado, AmeriCorps volunteers help communities respond to and recover from natural disasters, including wildfires. They also address local needs, and their work in the state has been instrumental in connecting veterans to services, combating the opioid epidemic, supporting older adults in aging with dignity, and improving the physical and mental well-being of Americans nationwide. Last year, more than 6,600 AmeriCorps volunteers served at 700 local sites across the state—from schools, food banks, and homeless shelters to health clinics, youth centers, veterans’ facilities, and more. 

“We are deeply concerned by reports that a majority of AmeriCorps staff have been placed on administrative leave and that more than 750 NCCC members have already been recalled from their field assignments. Many of these volunteers were working in disaster response roles, including building homes for individuals who lost theirs in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. If not reversed, these recent actions will both stop current programs and prevent timely and efficient execution of the agency’s fiscal year 2025 appropriations, delaying or even halting the recruitment and deployment of new AmeriCorps members around the country. We are deeply concerned that is the goal: to eliminate AmeriCorps, in direct conflict with recently enacted appropriations. However, even delays will disrupt programs Americans rely on for their health, education, and safety. We urge you to reverse these actions and instead work with Congress on bipartisan improvements to AmeriCorps so that more Americans have the opportunity to serve their communities,” wrote the lawmakers.  

Read the full text of the letter HERE. 

Programs such as AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors deploy more than 200,000 Americans annually to carry out results-driven projects at over 35,000 locations across the country. Working in partnership with thousands of non-profit, faith-based, and community organizations, these dedicated volunteers and workers help promote employment opportunities, strengthen the workforce, and support those in need.   

Background

Congressman Neguse has been a staunch supporter of AmeriCorps and is the proud sponsor of legislation to reimagine a 21st-century Civilian Climate Corps. His proposal draws inspiration from FDR’s New Deal program to recreate the corps of the 1930s, which built Red Rocks, roads, trails, and campgrounds in Rocky Mountain National Park, and supported other projects throughout Colorado—creating new jobs and driving major investments in wildfire resiliency, mitigation, and adaptation.

He also joined Americans in celebrating President Joe Biden’s decision to establish the American Climate Corps, a program that mobilizes people in response to the climate crisis and creates a 21st-century, climate-focused workforce—preparing a new generation of workers for good-paying jobs in a clean economy.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

In a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik the lawmakers underscored the importance of Cooperative Institutes at Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Boulder. 

Lafayette, CO — Following public reports of President Trump’s expected effort to implement disastrous funding cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in his upcoming budget proposal, Colorado lawmakers—Congressman Joe Neguse and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper—moved quickly to defend the agency and its Cooperative Institutes (CIs).  

Colorado is the only state in the nation to house two such Cooperative Institutes, which are academic and non-profit research centers that provide invaluable support to NOAA’s mission. The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), located at the University of Colorado Boulder, is the oldest and largest CI. It employs nearly 800 researchers, support staff, and students focused on research related to drought, wildfire, and space weather. The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA), located at Colorado State University, employs nearly 200 individuals who are working to improve weather and fire forecasting.

In an effort to push back on the proposed cuts, Neguse, Bennet, and Hickenlooper penned a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick condemning any plan to terminate funding for these institutions, calling the alleged proposal short-sighted and costly, and underscoring the important work that is ongoing at both CIRES and CIRA.  

“Many of NOAA’s CIs have been around for decades and the work they do has been helping our communities for just as long. Cuts to funding, furloughs or layoffs will have devastating impacts on the important work the CIs do. CIs are home to experienced researchers and long-standing data collection programs with major impacts on human societies, moreover they are instrumental in training future generations of workers who continue to contribute to societal needs. It is our fear that if sweeping cuts are made, the damage will be irreversible. Even short-term interruptions in their research could threaten the safety and economies of the communities that CIs serve across the nation,” wrote the lawmakers. 

They continued: “Cooperative Institutes are integral to solving some of our biggest problems and making all of us safer and better prepared for short-term and long-term hazards. Any plan to terminate funding for NOAA CIs would be detrimental not just to the people of Colorado, but to people across the entire country. As such, we implore you to reconsider any plans to substantially diminish these powerful and important capabilities.”

Read their full letter HERE and below: 

April 23, 2025

The Honorable Howard Lutnick

Secretary 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

1401 Constitution Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20230

Dear Secretary Lutnick,

We write regarding a new proposal from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to terminate funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Cooperative Institutes (CIs). We strongly condemn any such plan and believe terminating this funding would be extremely short-sighted and costly to the American people and economy in the long run.

Colorado is fortunate to be the only state to house two Cooperative Institutes and the largest of the CIs. The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA), housed at Colorado State University, employs 193 staff working on developing algorithms for weather forecasting and fire weather forecasting. The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) housed at the University of Colorado Boulder is the oldest and largest CI, established in 1967. CIRES is focused on research into drought, wildfire, and space weather, among other important issues. It employs nearly 800 researchers, support staff and students who are working each day to improve our understanding of Earth systems for the benefit of people across Colorado and the nation.  

Our CIs have real world impacts and benefits that span beyond the borders of our state. CIRA was involved in the development of the Hurricane Intensity Prediction System (HIPS), a tool that helps predict how strong hurricanes will become, as well as TORUS (Targeted Observations by Radars and Unmanned Aircraft to Study Tornadoes and Supercells) project, which focuses on collecting data to improve tornado and storm prediction. CIRES is, among its many important contributions, helping to enhance drought monitoring and prediction on the Colorado River, aiding water managers in the region. Indeed, some of the greatest beneficiaries of CIRES water and drought analyses reside in Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas. CIRES also received the 2022 Colorado Governor’s Award for High-Impact Research for their rapid response to the Marshall Fire, the most damaging wildfire in our state. The results from the CIRES work on the fire have informed responses to other large fire events elsewhere in the nation, benefiting many thousands of citizens.

Many of NOAA’s CIs have been around for decades and the work they do has been helping our communities for just as long. Cuts to funding, furloughs or layoffs will have devastating impacts on the important work the CIs do. CIs are home to experienced researchers and long-standing data collection programs with major impacts on human societies, moreover they are instrumental in training future generations of workers who continue to contribute to societal needs. It is our fear that if sweeping cuts are made, the damage will be irreversible. Even short-term interruptions in their research could threaten the safety and economies of the communities that CIs serve across the nation. 

Cooperative Institutes are integral to solving some of our biggest problems and making all of us safer and better prepared for short-term and long-term hazards. Any plan to terminate funding for NOAA CIs would be detrimental not just to the people of Colorado, but to people across the entire country. As such, we implore you to reconsider any plans to substantially diminish these powerful and important capabilities.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — Congressman Joe Neguse and Small Business Committee Ranking Member Nydia Velasquez sent a letter to the Trump Administration calling on them to reconsider the imposition of on-again, off-again tariffs following the fallout on small businesses. 

A recent survey of local business leaders in Colorado—including participants from industries such as manufacturing and farming—revealed a steep dive in the state’s economic confidence, citing “uncertainty surrounding new federal policies.”

“Taxes on imported goods hit small businesses the hardest, with 88 percent of small firms relying on imports for the goods they produce and sell. These companies operate on thinner margins and do not have the sophisticated supply chain management staff that larger firms do, putting them at a competitive disadvantage. Small firms also lack leverage in negotiating more favorable terms when they attempt to shift supply chains. The result will spike consumer and input prices across the board, reducing their affordability for everyday Americans and the Main Street businesses they support in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis,” wrote Congressman Neguse and the lawmakers. 

In closing, they stated: “The uncertainty and chaos emanating from these choices, and their timing, create undue anxiety for small employers, workers, and customers alike in nearly every industry. When consumers tighten their belts, small businesses will be the first to experience a decrease in demand, as they shift their spending to larger discount retailers. Main Street America cannot afford yet another recession under President Trump’s watch.” 

The lawmakers’ letter also urges the administration to engage with small businesses, assess the damage caused by current trade policy, and provide clear, consistent support to those trying to navigate the current economic landscape. 

Read the lawmakers’ full letter HERE. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

Lafayette, CO — After addressing concerned constituents outside the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) facilities in Boulder, Colorado, Congressman Joe Neguse released the following video. In the recording, Neguse reaffirmed his support for the scientists and civil servants who have dedicated themselves to advancing discoveries in weather forecasting, climate monitoring, emergency preparedness, cybersecurity, and more. He also committed to pushing back against the Trump Administration’s proposed deconstruction of these critical institutions. 

Watch the video HERE.

NEGUSE: Hey, everybody. Joe Neguse here. I’m standing outside of the NOAA and NIST headquarters in Boulder, Colorado. 

Earlier today, we heard a lot of reports from folks in the community who were concerned that personnel from DOGE had arrived here on the NOAA and NIST campus.

Of course, we know that DOGE has worked to dismantle government agency after government agency. We’ve seen that at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Department of Education, the list goes on and on. So, we were rightfully concerned. And the community is rightfully concerned, about what may be happening at NOAA and at NIST.

I was here today and had an opportunity to go onto the campus to visit with personnel from both agencies and was told that DOGE’s personnel were not on scene today and have not entered the campus. 

That being said, we know that NOAA, NIST, and our federal labs remain targets of DOGE and this administration in their efforts to deconstruct the laboratories and the agencies that are serving the American public. And, of course, NIST and NOAA are the crown jewels of the national laboratory system. And, of course, here in Colorado. 

So, make no mistake, we’re going to continue to stay on it. We’re going to do everything that we can to prevent the disastrous cuts that the Trump administration has proposed. And we’ll continue to do our part to defend these laboratories. 

Thanks so much—and to be continued. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), and Doris Matsui (D-CA), introduced the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act. The members released the following statements:

“Giving seniors more options to meet their healthcare needs is a valuable way to improve outcomes for patients,” said Rep. Smith. “Pharmacists are trusted, key partners in seniors’ care, particularly in rural communities where health provider availability is limited. Allowing greater flexibility for treatment of common respiratory illnesses is a commonsense solution to increase access to care. I thank Reps. Schneider, Harshbarger, and Matsui for partnering with me on this important legislation.”

“Pharmacists have long played a crucial role delivering quality health care to Americans, including helping prevent the spread of infectious disease,” said Rep. Schneider. “We need to empower pharmacists to continue providing care to seniors and receiving reimbursement for services related to COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and strep throat. I’m proud to work on this important initiative with my colleague on the Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Adrian Smith.”

“This bipartisan legislation will modernize Medicare and help ensure our seniors — especially those in rural and medically underserved communities — have timely access to healthcare from the most trusted health professionals in their communities,” said Rep. Harshbarger.

“Our pharmacies are directly in the heart of our communities, providing frontline care and services to those who need it most,” said Rep. Matsui. “Time and again, pharmacists have stepped up to meet public health threats and administer vaccines, tests, and other critical services that keep Americans healthy. That’s why we must make sure they have the federal support they need to continue this work. The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act would ensure that Medicare patients can continue to access these services well into the future.”

The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act would provide for Medicare coverage of pharmacist-administered tests for common respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), strep throat, and COVID-19. It would also allow pharmacists to prescribe treatments for these illnesses when properly indicated. These flexibilities were initially provided during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) through various emergency waivers but have since lapsed. The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act would not preempt existing state scope of practice laws regarding the ability of pharmacists to legally perform these services. 

The legislation is supported by the Future of Pharmacy Care Coalition. Coalition members include the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), Abbott, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, CVS Health, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Health Mart, Kroger, McKesson, Medicine Shoppe, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), Walgreens, and Walmart. The coalition released the following statement on the legislation:

“The Future of Pharmacy Care Coalition commends Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), and Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) for introducing the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (ECAPS) to ensure seniors, including those living in rural areas and vulnerable communities, can turn to their local pharmacists for testing and treatment services that can protect them from certain common respiratory conditions. Congress must move quickly and provide seniors with Medicare coverage in states where pharmacists can offer testing and treatment services for conditions that, although common, can quickly become life-threatening if not properly managed.” 

Read the bill here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2026:

“Trump’s budget represents the interests of the wealthy few instead of the many American workers, families, and small businesses just trying to stay afloat.

“His proposal cuts nearly a quarter of all non-defense discretionary spending. It terminates programs that help struggling families keep the lights on, keep food on the table, and keep a roof over their heads. The budget puts our nation’s children at risk, eliminating preschool development grants and slashing funding for maternal and child health programs. 

“This disastrous budget would undermine America’s health and competitiveness for generations. Trump wants to cut the budget of the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in half. These are the agencies that help identify, treat, and even cure life-threatening diseases and protect Americans from pandemics. He also intends to cut a quarter of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s budget. That will jeopardize early warning systems that help American communities withstand natural disasters, which are becoming more frequent and more dangerous. 

“While putting up more obstacles for the American people, Trump’s budget makes it easier for the wealthiest individuals and big corporations to get even further ahead. It cuts the Internal Revenue Service’s budget by a fifth. The IRS has been desperately underfunded and understaffed for decades. Slashing its funding further will make it even harder for the agency to go after wealthy tax cheats who try to get out of paying their fair share. Ultimately, hardworking Americans who dutifully pay their taxes are forced to bear the cost of this loss in revenue.

“How we spend our money reflects our values. Once again, Trump proves he does not care for the American people – only himself.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

Following the death of a Marie Ange Blaise, a 44-year old Haitian Woman Detainee at the Broward Transitional Center on April 25, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) visited the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) Broward Transitional Center on Friday, May 2, 2025. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick visited in order to investigate the facility conditions, the cause of death of Marie Ange Blaise, and inquire about the medical procedures of the facility.

“Leaving the Broward Transitional Center, I have no faith in the leadership of the facility or ICE. They don’t even view the immigrants detained in there as humans and didn’t want to answer any questions on Marie. But Marie dying in the Broward Transitional Center is just an example of what is going to continue to happen if we let this administration go unchecked. It doesn’t have to be this way. This is wrong, and as a people, we must and can do better. We are an immigrant-rich society, especially in South Florida,” Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said. “It’s time this government pulls our contracts with GEO, the company who profits off managing countless of these blackhole detention centers. And every member of Congress must visit these ICE detention centers and hold the administration accountable because they want to hide the truth from us. But we want all Americans to see what is happening. This administration has failed to fulfill its responsibility to treat detainees with humanity and to properly maintain its own ICE facilities. That is why I will continue to visit these ICE facilities, and why I plan to introduce a resolution urging members of Congress to exercise their oversight authority by visiting ICE facilities.”

This is the second ICE Detention Facility Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has visited this year. On April 24^th, 2025, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson visited the ICE Krome Detention Facility.

“I left the Broward Transitional Center disappointed with what I saw and what I heard,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. “I failed to see any evidence that there were proper procedures in place and that adequate health care was provided. One single doctor to care for hundreds of detainees — with some being forced to sleep on the floor — is inhumane. Marie Blaise’s tragic death will not be a one-off if these cruel conditions persist.”  

On May 1^st, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, and all the members of the Florida Democratic Congressional Delegation wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, calling for a transparent investigation into the death of Marie Blaise. For the full text of the letter, click here.

The tour included Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and their respective staffers. No electronics, phones, press, or external stakeholders were allowed in the facility during the tour. The tour started at 9 A.M. and lasted until approximately 10:45 A.M.

The tour included the following areas: medical clinic, courtroom areas, cafeteria, living cells, religious areas, attorney/client interview rooms and recreation areas.

As part of the tour, ICE officials detailed that there is a ratio of one doctor per 500 detainees. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick also spoke to multiple detainees who detailed sleeping on the floor due to recent overcrowding.

Following the tour, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick held a press gaggle alongside community stakeholders from the Florida Immigrant Coalition and the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network.

“It is disconcerting and outrageous that ICE continues to put people’s lives at risk, with complete disregard for their humanity,” said Tessa Petit, Executive Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition. “How many deaths will it take for that Office to stop the bleeding?  What will it take for them to be accountable for their inhumane actions, and to end this barbaric treatment of immigrants in and out of detention? 

“We demand a full investigation into her death and a commitment to reform immigration detention practices,” said Mary Estimé-Irvin, Councilwoman at the City of North Miami and National Haitian American Elected Officials Network Chair. “The tragic loss of Marie Ange must serve as a catalyst for change—a change that prioritizes humanity, accountability, and the rights of all individuals.”

For photos of the press gaggle, click here.

For the full video of the press gaggle, click here.

 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

“SNAP is a true lifeline, and this is a matter of life and death. If Republicans have their way, this reconciliation bill will increase hunger and food insecurity.”

Pressley Also Introduced Amendments to Demand Transparency, Protect Federal Workers’ Pensions, Defend Veterans & People with Disabilities

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – In the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s markup of the Republican reconciliation bill, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) slammed Republicans for their complicity and willingness to allow hunger and food insecurity to skyrocket by supporting the bill’s proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In response to Rep. Lateefah Simon’s (CA-12) amendment to restrict the reduction of SNAP, Congresswoman Pressley demanded Republicans answer to the families who would go hungry by way of this reconciliation bill – and she was met with silence.

Congresswoman Pressley also introduced several amendments to the legislation to better reveal who would be harmed by the bill and to defend hard-earned benefits for veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Congresswoman Pressley’s amendments to the reconciliation bill would:

• Ensure that federal workers who are veterans or have disabilities can keep their FERS annuity supplement – a critical, earned benefit that helps bridge the gap between early retirement and the start of Social Security.
• Direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to expose how this bill will impact people across the federal workforce – including women, older Americans, workers of color, veterans, and workers with disabilities – who dedicate their lives to delivering essential services in communities across the country.

Republicans rejected every amendment proposed by Pressley and her Democratic colleagues.

A full transcript of the Congresswoman’s remarks in response to Rep. Simon’s amendment on SNAP is available below and video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley Demands Answers to Republican Proposed SNAP Cuts that Would Increase Hunger, Instead is Met with Silence

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

April 30, 2025

Congresswoman Simon, I’m so glad that you’re here. 

I always say the people closest to the pain should be closest to the power. You have been closest to the pain, and we are so glad that you were here. 

You never forget the plot, and the plot is the people. 

I appreciate the Congresswoman for introducing this amendment. 

SNAP is a true lifeline, and this is a matter of life and death.

If Republicans have their way, this reconciliation bill will increase hunger and food insecurity.

More than 42 million Americans – 42 million – participate in SNAP each month. This includes 16.9 million children, 4.5 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans. Over 1.1 million people in Massachusetts rely on SNAP.

Let’s talk about economic impact.

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in economic activity.

SNAP dollars help to pay the wages of grocery store clerks, of truckers who deliver food, manufacturers who make food packaging, and the farmer who grows food.

There is nothing efficient about making people hungrier and sicker. 

Is there any single Republican who is willing to speak out to make sure that children, people with disabilities and veterans, do not go hungry? 

Anyone? 

Silence.

This bill is a shame and a sham. 

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Angie Craig (MN-02), Chairs of the Monopoly Busters Caucus, released the following statement regarding U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers holding Apple accountable for anticompetitive conduct.

“For years, Apple has restricted consumer choice by charging an exorbitant fee on developers who sell apps to customers on Apple’s app store. In 2021, the court found that this fee violated unfair competition laws, and it ordered Apple to allow customers to purchase apps directly on developers’ websites at a cheaper price. 

“Instead of following that directive, Apple doubled down on its illegal behavior. It continued to impose a hefty fee and actively discouraged customers from paying for apps outside the app store. When confronted in court, an Apple executive outright lied about it under oath.

“American consumers deserve better than this corporate power run amok. They deserve a digital economy that benefits them rather than billionaires who control it, and allows freedom of choice, innovation, and real competition. Today’s ruling is a step in the right direction and sends a strong message that Big Tech companies cannot rip off consumers without facing consequences. 

“We also saw House Republicans withdraw their proposal to eliminate the Federal Trade Commission — an agency that has brought monumental lawsuits against Facebook, Amazon, and other large corporations to lower costs and promote competition and should never have been threatened in the first place. We look forward to seeing this work continue to finally crack down on corporate monopolies that harm small businesses, raise prices on consumers, and stifle the innovation that has made our country an economic powerhouse.”

The Monopoly Busters Caucus brings together Members of Congress to fight corporate power and build a fair economy that works for hardworking Americans, workers, and small businesses. 

Issues: Science, Technology, & Antitrust

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) — a member of the Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Congressional Dads Caucus — issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive action aimed at cutting funding for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the National Public Radio (NPR).

“I’ve got a two-and-a-half-year-old, and we watch a lot of Sesame Street, The Cat in The Hat, and Daniel Tiger at home, so I see every day how public media helps kids learn and grow,” said Rep. Jimmy Gomez. “Families across the country rely on PBS and NPR for trustworthy, nonpartisan news and educational shows. At a time when misinformation is everywhere, Trump is going after PBS and NPR just for doing their jobs. That’s what happens in authoritarian regimes. We must fight to protect a free and independent press.”

Congress — not the president — created the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in 1967 to provide stable funding for local and independent stations that serve communities in every corner of the country. These stations are lifelines, especially for underserved and rural areas, because they ensure everyone has access to quality public media. NPR does not receive direct federal funding. Instead, it benefits indirectly through grants from the CPB.

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