ORLANDO, FL — Central Florida Public Media may lose $300,000 in annual funding following a U.S. Senate vote early this morning. The Senate passed an amended version of a federal rescission package that includes clawing back $1.1 billion from public media nationwide.
The proposal now heads back to the U.S. House of Representatives, which is expected to vote before midnight on July 18, when the measure expires.
“If this measure passes, we would not be able to absorb the loss without cutting services our community depends on,” said Judith Smelser, President & General Manager of Central Florida Public Media.
The original version of the bill passed in the House by only two votes last month, with bipartisan opposition. That slim margin underscores how urgent local advocacy could impact the outcome.
Smelser encourages residents to contact their House representatives immediately. “There’s still time to make a difference,” she said.
To send a message to Congress:
Click here “Send a message to Congress.” This links to the Protect My Public Media website with clear instructions on how to call or email representatives.
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