Ft Wayne Times

Rep. Jim Banks has commended the decision to defund the Data Journalism Agency (TEXTY), a Ukrainian non-governmental organization that published a list of "opponents of Ukraine," which included Rep. Banks and 115 other House Republicans.

In a letter addressed to Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Banks urged an end to U.S. financial support for TEXTY. During the committee's markup session for the Fiscal Year 2025 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs funding bill, House Republicans approved a provision to halt funding for TEXTY.

Following this development, Rep. Banks issued a statement: "I was just designated an ‘opponent of Ukraine,’ after being sanctioned by the Russian regime. I’m not bothered by what foreign nations think of me. But it’s shameful for our agencies to be using Hoosiers’ tax dollars to collaborate with foreign groups that attempt to intimidate U.S. citizens and lawmakers. I’d like to thank the Republicans on the Appropriations Committee for defunding any such work with the Data Journalism Agency."

The report from TEXTY can be accessed online. It is noteworthy that Rep. Banks was sanctioned by Russia in April 2022.

TEXTY is identified as an “implementing partner” under the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Transparency and Accountability in Public Administration and Services program.