Congressman Bryan Steil (R-WI) has introduced a bill to rescind $25 million in stimulus funding for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts &#8212; the home of the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera &#8212; after the organization furloughed nearly 100 orchestra members immediately after the stimulus bill was signed. 
“Some in Washington felt it was important to spend $25 million of taxpayer dollars on the Kennedy Center when there are obviously bigger needs right now. This is frivolous spending in the midst of a national emergency. Coronavirus requires a serious and targeted response,” said Steil. 
The new bill, which has been co-sponsored by 13 other legislators, would revoke the center’s bailout and give it “back to the American people,” says House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), who is a co-sponsor.  
“If an organization is receiving assistance from the federal government, we expect them to take care of their workers. As we take further Congressional action to fight the Coronavirus’ devastating impact on families and our economy, I call on Speaker Pelosi to finally put the American people, not special interests, first,” said Scalise. 
As <a href="https://freebeacon.com/issues/kennedy-center-tells-musicians-will-stop-paying-them-hours-after-25-million-bailout-signed/">The Washington Free Beacon </a>previously reported, The Kennedy Center informed orchestra musicians last week that they should &#8220;proceed as if their final paycheck will be April 3,&#8221; and that they will not be paid until the center re-opens again.  
“It’s very disappointing they’re going to get that money and then drop us afterward,” a veteran musician told The Washington Free Beacon on the condition that his identity not be publicly disclosed. “The Kennedy Center blindsided us.”
In an interview with <a href="https://twitter.com/RepBryanSteil/status/1244981696690257920">Fox News</a>, Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) slammed Speaker Nancy Pelosi for delaying the stimulus bill to include “pet projects,” citing funding for the Kennedy Center as an example. 
“While everybody else was working together, Republican and Democrat, with President Trump, who was solely focused on fighting for jobs for American families,” argued Scalise, “Nancy Pelosi literally held the bill up for days to get her pet projects, including the money for the Kennedy Center.”
The Minority Whip also addressed a snarky comment Speaker Pelosi made about Trump, who she accused of fiddling while “people are dying.”
“Interesting she used the choice of words ‘fiddler’ because it was the fiddlers, the violin players, all the musicians at the Kennedy Center that got laid off right as the bill got signed,” said Scalise. 
According to <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/489579-trump-defends-25-million-in-kennedy-center-funding-in-coronavirus">The Hill</a>, Trump indicated last week that he was a “fan” of supporting the Kennedy Center with a provision in the stimulus bailout, since the organization had to stop holding performances amidst the coronavirus pandemic. 
&#8220;I haven’t spent time there because I’m far too busy. I’d love to go there evenings, but I’m too busy doing things,” said Trump. “The Kennedy Center, they do a beautiful job, an incredible job.”
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/25/politics/trump-kennedy-center-funding-stimulus/index.html">CNN </a>reported that the stimulus provision never explicitly stated they Kennedy Center funding was exclusively designated for musicians, and that the text of the bill says part of the funding will go toward “deep cleaning, improving telework capabilities, and for maintenance.”
According to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/kennedy-center-announces-250-more-layoffs-in-wake-of-25-million-federal-grant/2020/03/31/461d21ec-72b7-11ea-a9bd-9f8b593300d0_story.html">The Washington Post</a>, the center has furloughed a total of 1,100 staffers. Deborah Rutter, president of the Kennedy Center, told the news agency the organization is prioritizing long-term stability.

<script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
<script async src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><div data-widget-host="revcontent" data-pub-id="165152" data-widget-id="290588"></div><script src="https://delivery.revcontent.com/165152/290588/widget.js"></script>

Lawmakers Move To Rescind Stimulus For Kennedy Center After Musician Layoffs

CONTINUE READING

American Reporter Arrested By Russia Charged With Spying

Inflation, Immigration Most Important Issues For GOP Primary Voters: Poll

WATCH: Good Samaritan Chases Fleeing Drunk Driver Who Killed Cop, Pins Him Down

Marianne Williamson Teases 2024 Biden Primary Rematch

ABC News Producer, 37, Died From Choking While Drunk, Medical Examiner Says

TV Journalist Arrested For ‘Disorderly Conduct’ At Train Derailment Press Conference

News and Commentary

COVID

Stimulus

A video goes viral showing a baby being refused his mother by two gay "dads". This is just the tip of the iceberg, which is why we will have an important discussion today about surrogacy. 

Hour 1

The Matt Walsh Show

Ep. 1765 - This Video Is One Of The Worst Things I've Seen In A Long Time 

The Strait of Hormuz officially opens for business (kind of), the Pope makes “shocking” comments on immigration, and President Trump promises UFO disclosure at TPUSA. 


The Michael Knowles Show

Ep. 1956 -  Pope Leo's "SHOCKING" Immigration Comments EXPLAINED

A false miscreed has corrupted our leadership class.


The Andrew Klavan Show

Ep. 1275 - Dumb, Dumber and Progressive

President Trump announces a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a murder-suicide involving former Democratic Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shakes Virginia, and France and Britain hold a conference to secure the Strait of Hormuz – after the Iranian conflict ends. Get the facts first with Morning Wire.

- - -

Ep. 2738

- - -

Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3

- - -

Today's Sponsors:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text 'WIRE' to 83848 to learn more.

Pocket Hose - Text MORNING to 64000 to get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Message and data rates may apply.

Morning Wire

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26 [Member Exclusive]

A ceasefire goes into effect between Israel and Lebanon, a tragic murder-suicide rocks Virginia, and Dairy Queen deploys AI in the drive-thru. Get the facts first with Evening Wire.
- - -
Ep. 2737
- - -
Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3 
- - -
Today’s Sponsor:

Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text “WIRE” to 83848 to learn more.


Menu

— News and Commentary —

Lawmakers Move To Rescind Stimulus For Kennedy Center After Musician Layoffs