Press Releases

Legislation Attempts to Codify Illegal Impoundments, Attacks Free Press, and Hurts National Security

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) shared the following statement after the House voted 214-212 to approve the Trump Administration’s rescissions package: 

“Generations of Americans have relied on the educational and informational programming produced by public media - from learning the ABCs to understanding the origins of our universe, and from local news to life-saving emergency broadcasts. The Rescissions Act is an attack by the Trump Administration on our democracy and the commitments our nation has made to families at home and across the globe. Defunding life-saving health programs and initiatives that promote democratic values will cost lives abroad and make us less safe at home. This is yet another betrayal of the American people by the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans.

“Republicans claim that the cuts in this rescissions package are necessary for reducing the deficit, all while jamming through a reconciliation bill that adds $2.4 trillion to the federal deficit over 10 years, just to give more tax breaks to billionaires. This isn’t just hypocrisy; it’s fiscal irresponsibility that hurts working families.”

Background:

The Trump Administration's $9.4 billion rescissions package eliminates funding previously approved by Congress. The legislation makes deep cuts to international aid and health programs with a proven record of saving lives. Significantly, it defunds public broadcasting, undermining the First Amendment and putting Americans at risk during natural disasters or other public emergencies. 

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