PBS's Newshour with Jim Lehrer is reporting that the NPR/PBS funding cuts in the House Appropriations Bill before the House
have been restored.
Details are a bit sketchy, but, according to The Newshour, an amendment to restore the threatened funding was introduced by Rep. David Obey, D-Wis. (a Democrat, of course!) and passed by a 284-140 vote.
The Newshour's report on the restoration is here
It says, in part: "By late afternoon [today, 6/23/05], the House had approved an amendment restoring the $100 million by a 284-140 vote, and the overall bill was considered likely to pass on Friday [tomorrow].
The original version of the bill attempted to reduce CPB's annual appropriation from $400 million to $300 million. Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., offered the amendment to restore the funding.
CPB uses a portion of federal funds it receives to fund programming on PBS and NPR and disperses a portion to about 1,000 public television and radio stations nationwide. "
MoveOn.org reported in an e-mail to its members yesterday that they had delivered over 1 million petitions protesting the cuts in funding. Adding to the pressure, many PBS/NPR stations were exhorting their listeners/viewers to call their representatives. Apparently some representatives were listening. Isn't it amazing how coming up for re-election next year affects some politicians?
So tonight, at least, Big Bird can sleep in peace - without having to dream of John Bolton-types in stormtroopers uniforms banging on the door. Sleep well, big fellah'.