U.S. international broadcasters continue to reach societies which live under regimes that censor the information available to their citizens. Some, after serving U.S. international broadcasting, are unable to return to their countries of origin for fear of retaliation against themselves or their families. Certain employees of Radio Free Iraq have been threatened with their lives because of the work they do to empower citizens through the free flow of accurate information. U.S. international broadcasting remains a vital part of our international effort to encourage democracy-building abroad. Its successes precede and follow the Cold War.
Foreign populations rely on broadcasting sponsored by the U.S. as a lifeline in a crisis.
Recognizing this, we need to provide the means for the BBG to recruit, retain, and protect the talented individuals it employs. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.