State Department Faces Congressional Scrutiny Over Internet Freedom Funding
Rob Bluey /
The ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee wants to know why Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is sitting on millions of dollars in taxpayer money rather than shifting it to the Broadcasting Board of Governors for anti-censorship work in China and other repressive regimes.
Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) wrote to Clinton on Friday after learning the BBG has yet to receive funding from the State Department. The BBG, which oversees government-sponsored international broadcasting, would like to use the money to ensure its content is accessible. The so-called Great Firewall of China, for example, is a hurdle for Voice of America’s digital efforts.
Lugar expressed disappointment that Clinton has failed to follow the advice of Congress. Democrats and Republicans have asked the State Department to give a portion to the BBG.
“Should Congress take more remedial, legislative action?” Lugar asked in the letter.