Congress on Recess as Trump Proposes $1.1 Billion Cut to NPR, PBS Funding Amid Broader Spending Reductions

Congress has entered a two-week recess, with the House taking a 17-day break and the Senate on a 14-day vacation. During this time, Republican lawmakers are facing criticism for their limited engagement with constituents, as most have opted not to hold in-person town halls. This follows guidance from Republican leadership to avoid such events after previous public backlash over budget cuts and other policies. Separately, the Trump administration has initiated a proposal to eliminate $1.1 billion in federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports NPR and PBS. The proposal, part of a broader effort to cut $9.3 billion in federal spending, includes $8.3 billion in foreign aid reductions and aligns with the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) goal of cutting $1 trillion in annual spending. The plan, drafted by White House budget director Russ Vought, also highlights NPR CEO Katherine Maher's past controversial comments and PBS programs featuring transgender characters as examples of alleged bias. The rescissions package, which requires congressional approval, has sparked debate. Critics argue that NPR and PBS provide essential public services, while supporters claim taxpayer dollars should not fund what they perceive as biased media. The proposal reflects the administration's broader effort to reduce federal spending and align it with conservative priorities.