The House approved President Donald Trump’s proposal to rescind approximately $9 billion for public broadcasting and foreign aid early Friday. The move is part of the Republican effort to reduce what they deem excessive government spending. The GOP-majority chamber passed the bill 216-213, and it now awaits Trump’s signature. House Speaker Mike Johnson praised the success of this fiscal measure.
“We need to get back to fiscal sanity and this is an important step,” Johnson stated, highlighting the initiative’s significance.
Four Republican Montana delegates supported the bill, which could lead to a $2.6 million reduction for public outlets in the state. Local media like Yellowstone Public Radio, Montana Public Radio, and Montana PBS, which rely significantly on federal funding, expressed concerns. They stated that 16% of their funding comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Tribal radio stations may face significant impacts, as Loris Taylor, President and CEO of Native Public Media, warned before the vote that 36 out of 57 tribally licensed stations might cease operations. These stations are crucial for emergency alerts and regional news, especially in underserved areas.
KGVA, a tribal station on the Fort Belknap Reservation, derives 80% of its budget from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Station Manager Jack Jones emphasized the station’s role in local culture and news, saying cuts would greatly affect operations.
Senator Mike Rounds negotiated a deal to redirect $9.4 million from the Interior Department, aiming to support Native American radio in 11 states. However, Taylor expressed doubts about the feasibility of this plan without legislative changes.
Gabby Wiggins, spokesperson for Senator Steve Daines, affirmed support for local broadcasting but emphasized the need to curb wasteful spending. Representative Troy Downing and Representative Ryan Zinke endorsed the bill but did not comment on its regional impact.
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski opposed the bill, underscoring the importance of public media stations for emergency alerts. Montana’s public media groups stressed their multifaceted roles as educational and emergency resources.
Montana PBS, reaching 220,000 adults and 30,000 children weekly, faces a possible $1.8 million funding cut. Montana Public Radio and Yellowstone Public Radio also anticipate significant financial challenges, affecting their ability to deliver crucial news and cultural content to rural areas.
The Associated Press contributed to this reporting.
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