The Hill reported two weeks ago that the White House is putting together a rescissions package which includes $1 billion worth of cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

While some Republicans on Capitol Hill have embraced cutting off funding to PBS and NPR, other GOP members remain unconvinced.  

Wyoming congresswoman says current spending is "unsustainable"

Among those supporting the funding cut is Wyoming Republican Rep. Cynthia Lummis, who pointed to the nation's dire fiscal state.

"It’s unsustainable," Lummis was quoted as telling The Hill. "We can’t go on like this. I think everything needs to be on the table. We’re $37 trillion in debt."

GOP push for cuts to NPR, PBS gains steam but some are skeptical https://t.co/VQFzZWzvlc

— The Hill (@thehill) April 30, 2025

"We have an administration in the White House that’s willing to take a hard look at things, literally take a hard look at everything, and put out some pretty bold initiatives to reduce spending and help us better match our revenue with our expenditures," she added.

Alabama Republican Rep. Robert Aderholt voiced a similar message, stating, "NPR dug themselves in the hole, and there’s just been a lot of frustration for years, and, you know, they just seem to have never gotten the message."

NPR chief admitted that network was "mistaken" not to cover laptop story

Aderholt also raised concerns over political bias, saying that public television in Alabama "is very good" and not of "a more of a liberal bent" before adding that  "there's no question that NPR is."

Conservatives have long alleged that public broadcasters use taxpayer dollars to advance left-wing perspectives, a claim which was once again raised when NPR CEO Katherine Maher testified on Capitol Hill in March.

As Fox News noted, Maher acknowledged how in 2020 her network failed to pursue the story of Hunter Biden's abandoned laptop.

"I do want to say that NPR acknowledges we were mistaken in failing to cover the Hunter Biden laptop story more aggressively and sooner," Maher told Texas Republican Rep. Michael Cloud.

Some Republican voice doubts over targeting public broadcasters

However, other Republican lawmakers appear more reluctant to defund NPR and PBS, including Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon.

"I think most Nebraskans like our NPR, PBS," Bacon said on Tuesday. The congress indicated that he is open to "some reductions" but is hesitant "to just cut them out."

Bacon insisted that local public broadcasting stations have been "fair" in their reporting and stressed that he has a "great working relationship" with them.

Idaho Republican Rep. Mike Simpson voiced reservations as well, stating, "I like PBS in Idaho, they do some great programs that you’ll lose, frankly. I understand other members view public television differently in their states. So, you know, you have to vote your district."