The White House has made multiple efforts to eliminate federal funding for public media. Today's rescission package is the latest and most substantial threat.
The White House Administration is requesting the U.S. Congress rescind $535 million already approved for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in both FY26 and FY27. The proposed budget for FY28 completely omits funding for public media.
Congress has 45 days to respond and can act with a simple majority. If this legislation passes, millions of Americans would lose access to the services public broadcasting provides. It would take another act of Congress to undo the rescission.
The rescissions package follows an executive order issued in April 2025, directing the halt of federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which distributes funding to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). While the order has been challenged, its impact has already been felt. The Ready To Learn program, which funds PBS KIDS shows and family workshops, was terminated on May 6, 2025.
PBS costs the American taxpayer just $1.60 a year. Vegas PBS is able to leverage that initial $1 investment from CPB and raise $8 from and for Southern Nevada. That comes to life as early education resources, local storytelling, professional development for K-12 educators, workforce education and much more.
For over 55 years, Vegas PBS and many other public broadcasters across America have faithfully carried out their mission to inform and inspire our nation. A rescission of CPB funding through Congress would jeopardize the future of public media.
