Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) issued the following statement after voting against President Donald Trump’s dangerous rescissions package that will cut $1.1 billion in funding for public television and radio stations, threatening at least 10 local news stations in Massachusetts, undermining emergency alert systems, and jeopardizing valuable educational programming for families and children:

“Public broadcasting isn’t just Big Bird and Sesame Street – it’s how families in Massachusetts and across the country get lifesaving emergency alerts, stay connected to their communities, and access trusted educational programming. Slashing support for public radio and television will silence local newsrooms, especially in rural areas, and undermine the emergency broadcast systems we rely on in times of crisis.”

“We saw the consequences of weakened alert systems during the catastrophic floods in Texas. Communities were caught flat-footed, in part because they lacked access to timely, reliable emergency broadcasts. Contrast that with what we saw just yesterday in Alaska, where public broadcasters immediately issued alerts after a powerful 7.3 magnitude offshore earthquake, potentially saving lives. These two realities show exactly what’s at stake. If these cuts move forward, the Trump administration will be making a conscious choice to leave communities more vulnerable, more isolated, and less safe.”

“I voted no because I will always stand up for public safety, for local journalism, and for the families who depend on these vital services every single day.”

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