This week, the Senate is expected to vote on a rescission package that includes $1 billion – yup, that’s “billion” with a “b” – in cuts to public broadcasting.

Not only does public broadcasting offer beloved programs, but they also provide a nationwide network of stations offering local news, educational programming, and critical support for the emergency alert system.

With corporate news outlets like ABC News and The Washington Post capitulating to Trump with bogus legal settlements and self-censorship and disinformation running wild on social media, public broadcasting has never been more important. These radio stations reach over 98% of Americans, including some of the most isolated parts of rural America.

Let’s be clear here: Congress originally allocated this money. Stations across the country have already planned their programming around this funding. Without it, hundreds are at risk of shutting down and cutting off a lifeline of news and information that millions of Americans rely on.

The Trump team is trying to override that by setting a dangerous example for the future: if you don’t like what Congress passed, just claw it back later.

That’s not democracy. That’s authoritarian rule.

There are real world consequences to these cuts.

On top of devastating cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the rescission package cuts $9.4 billion in total and will significantly damage life-saving global health programs, peacekeeping efforts, and economic development abroad. It impacts funding for infrastructure needed to fight climate change. The list goes on and on.

The Senate must protect public broadcasting and so much more. Demand your Senators vote NO on the House-passed rescission bill now.