U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko is sounding the alarm about federal spending cuts that will impact libraries in the Capital Region.  

During a round table at the Bethlehem Public Library on Wednesday, Tonko discussed a presidential executive order earlier this month — one he says slashed $200 million in annual library funding.

Tonko voiced his committment to fighting those cuts, saying libraries serve as community cornerstones for more than 170 million Americans.

"They serve as pipelines for life-long learning, gateways to opportunity and spaces where anyone regardless of age, income or backgrund can access the tools and resources they need to thrive," Tonko said.

Tonko represents New York's 20th Congressional District.