Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the ‘Defund NPR Act’ on February 26, 2025.

This legislation ensures no federal funds, direct or indirect, support NPR including dues or programming purchases.

Banks has called NPR “liberal propaganda” and argues that taxpayer money shouldn’t support what he sees as a politically biased organization.

“If NPR can’t stay afloat without government funding, that tells you all you need to know about the quality of their news,”

Representative Kat Cammack (R-Fla.), who co-sponsored the bill in the House, also criticized NPR for selective coverage, particularly of conservative issues

But while supporters of the bill argue for cutting federal ties with NPR, advocates say that the broader impact would fall hardest on local public media stations

Perry Metz, former general manager of WTIU and WFIU, said the funding is “crucial seed money we leverage to raise additional funds,” and that cuts would impact communities in both Democratic and Republican areas.

The introduction of the ‘Defund NPR Act’ has also sparked public demonstrations.

On March 6, 2025, protesters gathered outside NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., as part of ‘Protect My Public Media Day,’ organized by groups including the ACLU  and the Free Press.

Supporters dressed as PBS characters to highlight the cultural role of public broadcasting.

The bill now awaits committee review in both chambers of Congress, where it will face further debate before potentially moving to the floor for a vote.