The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved legislation to rescind two years of federal funding for public media outlets. This move, largely along party lines, reflects President Trump's accusations of bias against NPR and PBS. The bill requests a total of $9.4 billion in cuts, including $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise introduced the legislation, emphasizing the need to cut wasteful spending in foreign aid and public broadcasting. The debate before the vote highlighted the divide between Republicans, who criticized biased media, and Democrats, who defended the importance of public broadcasting in providing essential services and balanced news coverage.

Former Republican lawmakers noted a shift in GOP sentiment towards public broadcasting, from supporting it to viewing it as a hostile force. The history of public media funding, dating back to the creation of CPB in 1967, has been marked by ongoing debates over federal subsidies and the role of public broadcasting in American media.

Concerns have been raised over the impact of funding cuts on rural areas, as public broadcasting plays a crucial role in communication during emergencies and provides trusted information to millions of Americans. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it requires a simple majority to pass within 45 days.