March 17, 2011 - The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Thursday to stop federal funding for National Public Radio. The measure (HR 1076) passed on a (228-192) virtual party line vote, with seven Republicans breaking ranks to vote against passage. The measure faces an uphill battle in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
The measure is supported by Republican/conservative leaning groups such as Eagle Forum and Traditional Values Coalition, as well as fiscal & tax policy groups such as Americans for Tax Reform. Over a two year period, lawmakers voting in favor of passage received 26 times more in contributions ($24,424) from these interest groups than lawmakers voting against the measure ($948). The measure was opposed by 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting and Association of Public Television Stations. Contribution figures and industry classifications provided by the Center for Responsive Politics.
Includes reported contributions to congressional campaigns of House members in office on day of vote from Republican/Conservative and Fiscal & tax policy interest groups, January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2010. Contributions data source: OpenSecrets.org
