Rep. Cisneros Supports Public Media, Condemns H.R. 4

June 12, 2025
Press Release

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. released the following statement after voting against H.R. 4:

“While millions of Americans are losing access to healthcare and food assistance, House Republicans have chosen to exacerbate these issues by cutting more lifesaving programs,” said Congressman Gil Cisneros. “Trump and House Republicans are trying to reverse course on $9.8 billion of congressionally appropriated funding to attack programs that prevent AIDS, save lives, make our country safer, and bring free, accessible news sources to millions of homes across the country. Millions of children and families rely on public media for free and accessible news sources to promote learning, civic engagement, and healthy habits. This is a senseless distraction from the real problems facing our people.”

The Republicans’ rescissions package would codify DOGE’s reckless cuts, including: 

  • $8.3 billion in foreign aid cuts
  • $9 million cut to the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which has saved 26 million lives
  • $1.1 billion in cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, including PBS and NPR

“I attempted to introduce three amendments to call attention to the devastating effects of this legislation,” continued Congressman Cisneros. “My amendments called out the number of children reliant on global health programs, reinstate disaster assistance and development assistance funding. All three of these amendments were rejected. These cuts are more than numbers on a page; they are real people who will be hurt.” 

Rep. Cisneros attempted to introduce three amendments to revise the legislation. All three were rejected by the Republican majority:

  • Cisneros Amendment #7: Requires the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on the number of individuals, separating out the total number of children, who receive assistance through global health programs and who would be deprived of lifesaving aid if such rescissions take effect.
  • Cisneros Amendment #8: Strikes the rescission of International Disaster Assistance funding and provides for the funding level passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2025. Specifically, this adds an additional $4 million on top of what was enacted in FY25.
    • This is a specific category within bilateral economic assistance, providing funding for disaster relief, preparedness, and mitigation efforts in foreign countries.
  • Cisneros Amendment #9: Strikes the rescission of Development Assistance funds and provides for funding at Fiscal Year 2023 enacted levels.
    • This is a sub-category within bilateral economic assistance that focuses on long-term, sustainable development goals in partner countries.

 

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