Appropriations Bills

REPS. OBEY, LOWEY AND LEACH ANNOUNCE BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO SAVE PUBLIC BROADCASTING

WASHINGTON, DC – Proposed cuts of more than $100 million to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) threaten the viability of public programming and local stations that depend on federal support. Three members of the U.S. House of Representatives are working to restore this funding.

Today, Representatives David Obey (D-WI7), Nita Lowey (D-NY18), and Jim Leach (R-IA2) announced that they will offer an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2006 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (Labor HHS) Appropriations Act that will restore $100 million to CPB’s budget after it was cut in the Labor HHS bill.

“These cuts to public broadcasting would be disastrous,” said Obey, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “The best children’s programming on television is on PBS, but with these cuts programs like Sesame Street and Arthur would see their legs cut out from under them. Local stations across the country would be hit hard.”

“Everyday, millions of families depend on public broadcasting to provide the high quality programming that may not be available on broadcast or cable stations. This week, thousands of them are calling our offices to urge Congress to restore funds for public broadcasting,” said Representative Nita Lowey, who helped save CPB from similar cuts ten years ago by bringing ‘Bert and Ernie’ before the House Appropriations Committee. “We still have time to make sure no irreparable harm is done. The Obey-Lowey-Leach amendment would restore these funds and ensure that public broadcasting is available to all Americans.”

“Public broadcasting has increased the civility level of public discourse and the appreciation level of American arts. It deserves and demands support,” Representative Jim Leach said.

The FY06 Labor HHS bill cuts funding for CPB’s base accounts by $100 million – a 25% cut from FY05 funding levels. Over 1000 local public broadcasting stations will be hit by this cut nationwide.

In a letter distributed to House colleagues today, Representatives Obey, Lowey and Leach, urged support for their amendment to restore this funding. The amendment, which will be offset through administrative accounts, will be offered during floor consideration of the FY06 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act later this week.

CONTACTS: Julie Edwards (Lowey)   202-225-6506
                       Greg Wierzynski (Leach)   202-225-6576

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