Why the Senate’s Vote on NPR Funding and Global Aid Matters
This week, something big is unfolding in Washington and it could reshape how we stay informed and how the U.S. shows up in the world.
On Tuesday, July 15, the Senate took a critical step forward, advancing a bill that would claw back $9.4 billion in previously approved federal spending, including $1.1 billion in funding for NPR, PBS, and other public media and more than $8 billion in foreign aid. The procedural vote was razor-thin, 51 to 50, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.
This bill already passed the House back in June, and now the Senate is in full debate mode. What happens in the next 48 hours will directly impact the future of public media, global cooperation, and how brands and citizens alike connect with the world.
From a Media-Buying Perspective
We work in the media space every day. Here’s what this means to us—and to the businesses we support:
Public media is one of the last ad-safe havens. NPR and PBS consistently rank as two of the most trusted sources in the country. For media buyers, these are rare and valuable channels where your message won’t be sandwiched between conspiracy theories or hate speech.
Loss of funding = fewer ad opportunities. Many local stations rely heavily on federal support to operate. If those dollars disappear, stations shrink, ad inventory drops, and national advertisers are left with fewer reliable, mission-aligned options.
It tilts the media landscape toward hyper-partisan, commercial platforms. That’s bad for brand safety, bad for civic discourse, and bad for democracy.
From a Brand Perspective
Every brand should care about this, and if you stand for something bigger than profit, protecting public media and global aid is part of walking your talk.
Public media is community infrastructure. Local NPR and PBS stations aren’t just broadcasters. They’re educators, emergency responders, and cultural bridges.
Consumers trust brands that invest where their values live. When you support or advertise with public media, you're aligning with civility, curiosity, and access to truth.
Cutting foreign aid destabilizes global systems that business relies on. Brands thrive in stable, healthy global markets. Slashing support for programs like USAID or global food aid undermines that.
From a Social Impact Perspective
This isn’t just a media story. It’s a social story.
Public broadcasting serves as a civic equalizer. In many rural or underserved communities, public media is the only reliable source of news, education, or even emergency alerts.
Foreign aid programs, though often invisible at home, save lives abroad. The Senate did remove a proposed $400 million cut to PEPFAR (the global AIDS relief program) after bipartisan pushback and most of the other cuts remain.
This bill is about what kind of country we want to be. One that informs, educates, and uplifts, or one that retreats, isolates, and disinvests.
Take Action: The Senate Is Debating Now
This bill is being debated in the Senate right now with a final vote expected as early as Thursday or Friday. If the Senate makes changes, it will head back to the House. There’s still time to be heard.
Here’s how you can help:
Call your Senators: Tell them to vote NO on cuts to public media and foreign aid. Call the Capitol Switchboard and request your Senator’s office to have your voice counted. (202) 224-3121
Share your story: Why does NPR or PBS matter to your life? Post about it or email their office.
Use this link to find your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
