Urgent: Protect the Voice of America (VOA) as a Tool of Democracy

Protect America’s Global Voice I am writing to urge you to act decisively to preserve and restore Voice of America (VOA), which has been severely weakened through staff dismissals, withheld funding, and unlawful attempts to undermine its independence. At a time when authoritarian disinformation floods global airwaves, America cannot afford to silence its own voice. Why Voice of America Is Important VOA has been one of America’s most effective tools of public diplomacy for more than eight decades, projecting the values of freedom, democracy, and truth to audiences in over forty languages. Its reporting has countered propaganda from authoritarian regimes, built goodwill for the United States, and provided millions of people with reliable information. This mission advances U.S. foreign policy interests and embodies the ideals America represents worldwide. Restore Funding and Staff Congress has already appropriated funds for VOA, yet these resources have been blocked or withheld, leaving over 85 percent of the workforce dismissed and programs curtailed. I ask that you ensure appropriated funds are released immediately and that staffing and language services are restored to full capacity. Reinstate the Advisory Board The bipartisan advisory board, mandated by law, was dissolved in violation of congressional intent. This board is a critical safeguard for editorial independence and leadership integrity. I urge you to press for its reconstitution so that VOA can operate within its statutory framework. Guarantee Editorial Independence VOA’s credibility rests on its editorial firewall. Congress must reassert that VOA reporting remain accurate, objective, and free from political interference. Restoring this independence is not only a matter of law but also of national credibility. Conduct Oversight and Demand Accountability I also ask that you call for oversight hearings into the dismantling of VOA, the withholding of funds, and the attempt to unlawfully remove VOA’s director. Such actions must be reviewed, and accountability enforced to preserve both congressional authority and the institution itself. America Needs VOA Now More Than Ever The vacuum left by VOA’s diminishment is being filled by state-run propaganda outlets from China and Russia. Restoring VOA is a matter of national interest. America must continue to stand for truth, freedom, and democracy—and VOA is one of our strongest tools for doing so.