Rep. Doggett and Texas Democrats Demand Answers on Stalled AmeriCorps Funding
Contact: Alexis Torres
Washington, D.C. — Amid the Trump administration's drastic cuts threatening a wide range of community-based services, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) led members of the Texas congressional delegation in demanding answers from Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought on more than $3.5 million in stalled federal funding to local AmeriCorps partners. Some Texas organizations are in limbo, as they cannot access the federal support they were selected for—and need—because OMB has yet to make these congressionally authorized appropriations available.
“As Members of the Texas congressional delegation with AmeriCorps members and partner organizations serving in our districts, we are writing to request information regarding the status of Fiscal Year 2025 funds appropriated to the AmeriCorps agency. In 2024 alone, more than 17,200 Americans united to serve over 2,000 locations across Texas. These investments provide critical support to our communities, delivering essential services in healthcare, education, disaster relief, and community development,” wrote the lawmakers.
The members specifically request that OMB provide information on the status and timeline of releasing federal funds for Texas initiatives designated under three national AmeriCorps programs:
- AmeriCorps State and National to address local needs through nonprofits, schools, community and faith-based groups, and more: Teach for America, Reading Partners, and OneStar Foundation.
- AmeriCorps Senior Companion to provide independent living support for homebound seniors and other adults: City of Corpus Christi, Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, and Concho Valley Council of Governments.
- AmeriCorps Foster Grandparent to provide one-on-one mentoring and academic support to children with special or exceptional needs: City of El Paso, Senior Life Midland, and Concho Valley Council of Governments.
The full letter with all signatories can be read here.