CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE CONDEMNS REPUBLICANS’ VOTE TO SLASH PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
House Republicans pass Trump rescissions plan cutting $9.4 billion in federal funding
Morelle warns of devastating impact on Rochester institutions like WXXI
(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle condemned House Republicans for passing President Trump’s rescissions package, which cancels $9.4 billion in previously approved funding for essential public programs, such as PBS, NPR, and rural radio. The legislation poses direct threats to local institutions, including Rochester’s own WXXI, endangering free educational TV, accessible emergency alerts and local sports coverage.
“These cuts are not just reckless—they’re harmful to communities like Rochester,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Slashing funding for free educational resources like Sesame Street deprives our children and won’t solve this country's challenges. We should be investing in programs that save lives and strengthen our neighborhoods, not tearing them down. It is clear House Republicans are more committed to tax breaks for billionaires than a government that supports our communities.”
The package also includes deep cuts to bipartisan public health programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and dissolves agencies designed to aid our allies and further our missions around the world.
Congressman Morelle reiterated his commitment to fighting back against these harmful cuts and standing up for the families and institutions that keep Rochester informed, healthy, and strong.
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