[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 23 (Monday, February 2, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S439-S440]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO MARK CONTRERAS AND PATRICIA HARRISON

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize two 
extraordinary public servants whose leadership has helped sustain and 
strengthen public media at a pivotal moment for our Nation: Patricia 
Harrison, president and chief executive officer of the Corporation for 
Public Broadcasting, and Mark Contreras, president and chief executive 
officer of Connecticut Public.
  Mark Contreras recently announced his retirement after more than 7 
years of distinguished leadership at Connecticut Public. During his 
tenure, Connecticut Public expanded local and multilingual journalism, 
strengthened its financial foundation, and continued to serve 
communities across the State with trusted news, educational 
programming, and cultural content. He also reinforced Connecticut 
Public's role as the lead station for the New England News 
Collaborative, coordinating regional reporting on critical local and 
regional issues. Even amid the loss of Federal public media funding, 
his steady leadership ensured the organization remains resilient, 
mission-driven, and deeply connected to the people it serves.
  I also wish to recognize Patricia Harrison, who is concluding her 
service as president and CEO of the Corporation for Public 
Broadcasting, as the organization winds down operations following the 
loss of Federal funding. Throughout her tenure, Ms. Harrison ensured 
that Federal investments in public broadcasting delivered meaningful, 
local impact. In Connecticut, that commitment was reflected in CPB's 
sustained support for trusted journalism, civic engagement, and 
educational opportunity. Under her leadership, CPB strengthened State 
government coverage in Connecticut, ensuring that residents had access 
to reliable, nonpartisan reporting on the work of their State leaders 
and institutions.
  Ms. Harrison also supported American Graduate, an initiative that 
mobilized public media stations and community partners to help students 
stay on track to graduation and connect families with vital educational 
resources. In Connecticut, American Graduate has strengthened local 
collaboration and expanded access to educational support for young 
people across the State. In addition, Ms. Harrison championed regional 
journalism through CPB's support for the New England News 
Collaborative, with Connecticut Public serving as the lead station. 
This collaboration enabled public media organizations across New 
England to work together to report on issues that cross State lines, 
providing deeper, more comprehensive coverage for communities 
throughout the region.
  As a longtime supporter of public broadcasting, I know firsthand the 
vital role that organizations like CPB and Connecticut Public play in 
strengthening our democracy, supporting local journalism, educating 
children, and serving communities of

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every size and background. The careers of Patricia Harrison and Mark 
Contreras truly exemplify that mission. I hope my colleagues will join 
me in celebrating the service and lasting contributions of Patricia 
Harrison and Mark Contreras.

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