Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Trump Administration submitted a plan to Congress that guts U.S. foreign assistance and eliminates funding for NPR and PBS.

“President Trump’s move to isolate the United States from the rest of the world will cost us vital trading partners, invite conflict and terrorism worldwide, and leave us more susceptible to disease. It leaves the door wide open for China, Russia, and our other adversaries to fill the void,” said Rep. Frankel.

“By eliminating funding for NPR and PBS, President Trump is attacking the very institutions that keep Americans informed, educated, and connected. These trusted, nonpartisan outlets provide everything from in-depth news and investigative journalism to children’s education, science, culture, and the arts. For many communities—especially in rural and underserved areas—this is more than just programming; it’s a lifeline.”

“These funding cuts represent only a tiny fraction of our federal budget but threaten severe consequences for our country. Peace and stability are in the interest of the American taxpayer, not misinformation, culture wars, and the sidelining of people’s elected representatives.”   

###