REP. MARKEY CONDEMS GOP CUTS TO PUBLIC BROADCASTING BUDGET AS A BLOW TO EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING FOR AMERICA AND ITS YOUTH

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Ed Markey, the Senior Democrat on the House Telecommunications and Internet Subcommittee, released the following statement in reaction to the House Appropriations Subcommittee, on a party line vote, cutting over $100 million from the budget for public broadcasting:

“The decision by Republicans to slash $115 million from the budget for public broadcasting is a body-blow to a treasured institution.”

"It seems that Dick Cheney and the House GOP have the hunting party out for Big Bird and Clifford the Big Red Dog and the vast majority of Americans won’t stand for it."

“In a world of fast-and-furious television with ratings-driven content, the public broadcasting system represents the last stronghold of quality, child-oriented programming.  I think this demonstrates once again how out of touch the House Republicans are with the wishes of both Republican and Democratic families across the country.”