Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative John D. Dingell (D-MI15) issued the following statement on the floor regarding H.R. 1076, to prohibit Federal funding of National Public Radio and the use of Federal funds to acquire radio content:
“Mister Speaker, I rise in most strenuous objection to H.R. 1076. After two-and-a-half months of Republican control, the House has produced no legislation to create jobs. Instead, the new Majority continues to force members of this body to waste the time and energy of the House on political witch hunts with respect to healthcare and the environment. We can now add public broadcasting to that list.
“Beyond prohibiting federal funding of National Public Radio, H.R. 1076 will have a direct impact on cities and towns in our districts. This legislation will prohibit local stations like Michigan Radio in Ann Arbor from using money from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to acquire or produce any public radio programs. That includes Morning Edition, A Prairie Home Companion, and Marketplace, all programs many of our constituents enjoy and depend on for honest and unbiased information often unavailable anyplace else. In brief, we will be doing our constituents a grave disservice but cutting off funding for an important source information that enjoys wide popular support.
“In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would add that the Majority has not allowed this legislation to undergo consideration by the Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over the law H.R. 1076 amends, namely the Communications Act of 1934. So much for regular order! And so much for the transparency the Majority made such a big fuss about ensuring at the beginning of the year! What’s next, Mr. Speaker? Amending the Endangered Species Act on the floor to declare open season on Big Bird?
“I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 1076. I lament the bill’s purpose and would observe that H.R. 1076 serves only as another indication of the Majority’s preference for playing political games over actually passing legislation that creates jobs for Americans.
“I yield back the balance of my time.”
To view Congressman Dingell’s speech on the floor, click here.
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