Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 1076, which would prohibit federal funding of National Public Radio, and I urge my colleagues to vote against this misguided bill. National Public Radio (NPR) provides an essential public service to our nation at a minimal cost to taxpayers. In Rhode Island, WRNI utilizes federal funds to provide local coverage of news events with local reporters. Without these funds, which account for nearly 8 percent of their annual budget, WNRI would lose its ability to bring local information to local communities, from the breaking news of the day to upcoming arts and cultural events. This bill will not reduce our deficit by one penny and it will not save or create any jobs. In fact, some have estimated that 9,000 jobs will be lost due to the elimination of federal funding for NPR. In a time of unprecedented global events, from natural disasters to citizen uprisings to dramatic economic upheaval, we must ensure that people have access to accurate information, not limit it even more. Once again, I urge my colleagues to put politics aside and oppose this bill to eliminate federal funding for NPR.”