[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 146 (Saturday, October 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 FORWARD FUNDING OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING

                                 ______


                             HON. JOE SKEEN

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. SKEEN. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Appropriations Committee, 
I have great respect for the dedication that my colleagues have to 
their work on this all-important committee. They make tough funding 
decisions everyday that often affect popular programs.
  Having said that, I want to express my concern about a precedent-
setting decision that was incorporated in the appropriations bill for 
the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education for 
fiscal year 1995. That legislation rescinds $7 million from previously 
appropriated funds to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB]. 
This action effectively compromises the committee's long-time support 
of forward funding for CPB.
  The forward funding concept was initiated some years ago to help 
public broadcasters make long-term plans for infrastructure 
improvements and to help raise funds to support public broadcasting 
from non-Federal sources. By any measure, forward funding has worked to 
fulfill these goals.
  By rescinding this money, many public broadcasters--including those 
in my congressional district--will see their budgets cut accordingly. 
They may have to put off some services and some infrastructure 
improvements until the next year.
  I want to offer my support and wholehearted endorsement for the 
concept of forward funding of public broadcasting. I hope that when the 
Appropriations Committee considers appropriations for the Corporation 
for Public Broadcasting next year, that it will be able to follow 
through with the committee's previously committed funding level.

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