Protect independent media: Preserve public broadcasting funding

The recent Senate vote to eliminate federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is a major setback for independent journalism and educational programming across the country, including in Texas. While the $1.1 billion in cuts may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of the federal budget, this funding is a vital lifeline for public media outlets, especially in rural and underserved areas of Texas and other states. Without this support, many local stations will be forced to shut down, depriving communities of trusted sources of news, emergency alerts, and educational content. Please work with your colleagues across the aisle to preserve the power of the House and the US people. Its programming is largely free from commercial influence, allowing for in-depth reporting and diverse perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked. Furthermore, public media serves as a valuable educational resource, offering high-quality children's programming that supports early learning and intellectual development.