Washington, D.C. – This morning, U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) voted against the $9 billion spending cut package that rescinds federal funds appropriated for public broadcasting and foreign aid. H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, passed the House by a vote of 216-213 and now heads to the President to be signed into law.
“Public broadcasting serves as a lifeline for rural and underserved communities, providing essential educational content and emergency alerts in times of crisis. But this rescissions package will now force radio and television stations across the country to make difficult decisions.” said Rep. Tokuda. “In Hawaiʻi, local stations have shared how deeply these cuts will impact their ability to serve, leading to possible staff layoffs and reduced programming. We cannot afford to weaken this vital public good, especially as access to trusted information is more important than ever to support children, inform families, and keep communities safe.”
“At a time when American leadership is needed most, Republicans are also gutting the very programs that ensure our national security, stabilize our allies, and project our values. Slashing foreign aid abandons vulnerable communities abroad, while ceding ground to adversaries like China and Russia. With this vote, Republicans and the President have turned their back on the world and worse, on the very people they swore to serve.”
The rescissions package includes the following federal funding cuts:
· $3.6 billion from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID);
· $4.3 billion from broader foreign assistance (including support for global health programs, democracy initiatives, and peacekeeping efforts); and
· $1.07 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
While the full effects of these cuts are still being evaluated, based on Fiscal Year 2024 funding levels, CPB provided the following support to Hawaiʻi:
· Hawaiʻi Public Radio (statewide): $419,480
· PBS Hawaiʻi (statewide): $1,712,659
· KKCR-FM (Kauaʻi): $83,010
· Pacific Islanders in Communications (Honolulu): $1,858,591
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