Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt, a U.S. Senator from Missouri, posted a series of tweets on July 16 and 17, 2025, expressing his views on public broadcasting and ongoing legislative efforts in the Senate.

On July 16, Schmitt criticized public media organizations and foreign aid programs. He wrote, "NPR & PBS have turned into left-wing propaganda machines. Foreign aid is a vehicle for leftists to push their radical agenda. It's past time to pass the rescissions package and cut them off." In another tweet later that evening, he shared two links without additional commentary: "https://t.co/5jHWQzw3Jp https://t.co/dSP8I8slth".

Continuing his updates from Capitol Hill into the next day, Schmitt provided insight into ongoing Senate proceedings. On July 17 he stated, "Just stepped off the Senate floor: We’re currently on hour 6 of the Vote-a-Rama. We aren’t going to rest until we get this done."

Schmitt's remarks about NPR and PBS reflect longstanding debates over federal funding for public broadcasting in the United States. These organizations receive some government support but are also funded by private donations and grants. Proposals to reduce or eliminate such funding have periodically emerged in Congress over concerns about political bias or fiscal responsibility.

The reference to a "rescissions package" pertains to legislative efforts aimed at retracting previously approved federal spending—a tool sometimes used by lawmakers seeking budget cuts or policy shifts.

Vote-a-Rama sessions are extended periods in the U.S. Senate where senators consider numerous amendments back-to-back as part of budget reconciliation processes or major legislation deliberations.