Dems Fight GOP Effort To De-Fund Public Broadcasters

Democrat Earl Blumenauer (Ore.) is leading a push in the House to prevent Republicans from stripping federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The CPB helps fund networks such as PBS and NPR. Democrats say that denying funding to the CPB would result in the loss of roughly 17,000 jobs. Republicans, meanwhile, have argued that the networks don’t need the subsidies to stay in business.

During a press conference on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, Blumenauer and other Democrats trotted out a PBS children’s show character in full costume to urge against cancellation of those funds. Behind the podium were dolls of popular “Sesame Street” characters.

“We’re here to create jobs, not lay off Bert and Ernie,” said Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.).

Blumenauer’s amendment to a GOP funding measure currently being debated is expected to be voted on before the end of the week.