U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, a Knoxville Republican, recently boasted about introducing a budget amendment to remove funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees important outlets like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. Burchett’s move was seen as a petty act of revenge based on false claims about the agency and its staff.
Despite accusations of misconduct against a senior executive, investigations found the allegations to be unsubstantiated. Burchett’s actions have been criticized as harmful and uninformed, with former U.S. ambassador Victor Ashe stating that defunding the agency only benefits Vladimir Putin.
Burchett’s amendment passed the House but was not taken seriously by the Senate. Critics view his actions as a dangerous move towards isolationism, particularly in light of the vital work done by agencies like RFE/RL. The president of RFE/RL emphasized the importance of their work in countering propaganda from countries like Russia, China, and Iran.
Burchett’s actions reflect a larger trend of partisan politics that prioritize revenge and lack serious purpose. The future of agencies like the U.S. Agency for Global Media remains uncertain in the face of political theater and misinformation.
Source
Photo credit tennesseelookout.com