Multiple sources report that the White House plans to send a rescissions package to Capitol Hill this week — a proposal that would claw back $1.1 billion in already-approved public media funding, posing an unprecedented and immediate threat to the future of local public radio and television stations nationwide. House leaders are reportedly preparing to bring the package to a vote as soon as the week of May 5.

Why the Rescissions Package Matters

The rescissions package, a rarely used method to cut federal spending, is a fast-moving legislative threat.

Under the rescissions process, once the White House submits the package, Congress has 45 days to act. But a vote could happen at any point during that window. The Senate can pass a rescission with just a simple majority of just 50 votes, making every vote critically important.

That means Congress could revoke public media funding that’s already been approved and committed to stations — all within a matter of weeks.

What’s at Stake

While the specific programs targeted for rescission have not yet been formally announced, it’s likely that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and other key public media programs that support local stations’ essential programs and services will be included.

For about $1.60 per person each year, federal funding powers:

• Lifesaving geotargeted emergency alerts and warnings delivered to your cell phones and the airwaves.
• Captivating local programming and community engagement, thought-provoking documentaries and stories, public forums tackling local issues, enriching cultural experiences, and educational workshops supporting children and caregivers.
• Educational content and resources, proven by 100+ studies to boost children’s literacy, math, and science skills.
• PreK-12 classroom tools for educators, children, and families.

Clawing back this funding would immediately undermine stations’ ability to serve their communities. Numerous studies confirm there is no replacement for federal support. Stations would face tough choices — cutting programs, reducing outreach, shrinking coverage, or going off-air entirely. Small, rural, and Native American-operated stations, who are often some of their communities’ only local media sources, would be at greatest risk.

Protect My Public Media has launched a nationwide grassroots mobilization to fight back against this proposal. Once the package is officially submitted, we’ll have only a short window to act — and every voice will count.

Don’t wait. Call or email your Members of Congress today and urge them to oppose any attempt to eliminate public media funding.

Then, help us build momentum by encouraging your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same.

Stay tuned for updates and action alerts — and thank you for standing with public media.