Anna Eshoo: “I rise in support of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB] and urge Members to oppose rescissions which would…”

“I rise in support of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB] and urge Members to oppose rescissions which would pull the plug on this valuable service. Millions of Americans--including countless members of the bay area community in California--have come to rely on public broadcasting for quality programming on a wide range of issues. Yet some have argued that Federal funds for public broadcasting must be eliminated in order to help balance the budget, and others claim that CPB should be abolished because it is a bastion of liberal propaganda. While I certainly favor serious steps to reduce the deficit, and have voted accordingly in Congress, the truth is each dollar of Federal support for public broadcasting attracts $5 in support from private sector sources. CPB is a good investment. Furthermore, the assertion that CPB propagates liberal political ideals is unfounded. The last time I checked, ``Sesame Street,'' ``Mr. Roger's Neighborhood,'' and ``Barney'' were not overtly political shows. And when did William Buckley's ``Firing Line'' become a hotbed for liberalism? Mr. Chairman, as a mother who raised two children, I relied on public broadcasting and learned the value of noncommercial television. I never worried about leaving the room while my kids were watching Ernie and Bert or Fred Rogers because I knew they were in safe hands. These are shows which emphasize the values of respect, honesty, and good citizenship.”