Bill Summary
The proposed legislation, titled the "No Propaganda Act," seeks to amend the Communications Act of 1934 by prohibiting any federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Key points of the bill include:
1. **Prohibition on Federal Funds**: The act explicitly states that no federal funds may be allocated to the CPB after its enactment, effectively cutting off government financial support for this organization.
2. **Restrictions on Fund Acceptance**: The CPB will be prohibited from accepting federal funds, reinforcing the funding ban and ensuring that it cannot receive any financial assistance from the federal government post-enactment.
3. **Rescission of Unobligated Funds**: The legislation mandates the rescission of any unobligated balances that were previously allocated to the CPB in the Consolidated Appropriations Acts for 2023 and 2024, which means that any funds that have not yet been spent will be withdrawn.
4. **Conforming Amendments**: The bill makes minor amendments to existing law to ensure that references to funding and financial arrangements are consistent with the new prohibition on federal funding.
Overall, the "No Propaganda Act" aims to eliminate federal financial support for public broadcasting, reflecting a significant policy shift regarding the funding of public media in the United States.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the proposed "No Propaganda Act," which prohibits federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, could affect people:
1. **Reduction in Public Broadcasting Content**: With the elimination of federal funding, public broadcasting networks like PBS and NPR may face significant budget shortfalls. This could lead to reductions in the quality and quantity of programming available to the public, especially educational and cultural content that serves diverse communities. Viewers and listeners, particularly in underserved areas, may lose access to important news, educational programs, and cultural shows that are not commercially viable.
2. **Job Losses and Economic Impact**: The Corporation for Public Broadcasting and its member stations employ thousands of people across the country. The loss of federal funding could result in layoffs, furloughs, or cuts to hours for employees. This economic impact could extend to local economies, particularly in smaller communities where public broadcasting stations play a crucial role in job creation and community engagement.
3. **Increased Reliance on Alternative Funding Sources**: To compensate for lost federal funds, public broadcasting stations may need to seek alternative funding sources, such as corporate sponsorships or increased membership fees from viewers and listeners. This shift could lead to programming that is more influenced by commercial interests rather than serving the public interest. Audiences might experience a change in the nature of programming, with a potential decrease in independent journalism and an increase in content that aligns with the interests of private sponsors.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1211 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1211
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit Federal funding for
the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 11, 2025
Mr. Perry (for himself and Mr. Ogles) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in
addition to the Committee on Appropriations, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit Federal funding for
the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``No Propaganda Act''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON FEDERAL FUNDS FOR CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC
BROADCASTING.
(a) In General.--Section 396 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 396) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(m) Prohibition on Federal Funds.--No Federal funds may be made
available to the Corporation after the date of the enactment of the No
Propaganda Act.''.
(b) Corporation Prohibited From Accepting Federal Funds.--Section
396(g) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 396(g)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``subject to
paragraph (3)(C),'' before ``obtain''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) accepting funds from the Federal Government after the
date of the enactment of the No Propaganda Act.''.
(c) Rescission.--Any unobligated balances of amounts made available
under the heading ``Corporation for Public Broadcasting'' in the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Public Law 117-328; 136 Stat.
4901) or the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law
118-47; 138 Stat. 696) are hereby rescinded.
(d) Conforming Amendment.--Section 396(k)(3)(A)(iv)(II) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 396(k)(3)(A)(iv)(II)) is amended
by inserting ``before the date of the enactment of the No Propaganda
Act'' after ``amounts received''.
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