04.30.25

Committee Democrats Blast Republicans for Changing Rules and Refusing to Hold Trump Accountable for Closing Office that Supports Seniors and Americans with Disabilities

WASHINGTON –In case you missed it, yesterday, Committee Democrats showed up for work prepared to debate a measure which would allow Congress to hold the Trump Administration accountable after it proposed eliminating the Administration for Community Living (ACL). ACL supports programs that help seniors and people with disabilities live independently and with dignity like Meals on Wheels.  Congressional Republicans decided to bury their heads in the sand and further fuel President Trump’s unchecked power by changing the House rules and thwarting Democratic efforts for transparency. 

The Resolution of Inquiry, introduced by Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (OR-05) and Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), requested unredacted copies of all communications, legal opinions, meeting notes, electronic records, and other relevant documents held by President Trump and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) related to ACL, including proposed efforts to eliminate the agency, reduce its staff, or otherwise limit its ability to support older Americans and people with disabilities, as well as thier families.  

"Perhaps my Republican colleagues are uncomfortable asking these questions given that a leaked draft of the President’s budget proposes eliminating many of the programs that were housed within ACL," said Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce. “Nonetheless, these questions need to be asked, and the Resolution of Inquiry gives us the best chance of getting answers.  I urge my colleagues to fulfill their obligation to oversee these critical programs within our jurisdiction that provide meaningful support to disabled and older individuals who rely on these services and supports to live healthy and fulfilling lives in their communities."

"I condemn the decision of my colleagues across the aisle to block the House from considering Resolutions of Inquiry. The resolution Ranking Member Scott and I introduced is simple – it asks the President and the Department of Health and Human Services to tell Congress why they plan to eliminate the Administration for Community Living (ACL), an agency that administers programs designed to support older adults and people with disabilities and help them stay in their homes," said Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.  "The public deserves to know what will happen if these programs are eliminated. Unfortunately, the Republican majority is also using the same shady tactic to take away the authority of Congress to legislate tariff policy, likely because they know their positions are unpopular and proper oversight would highlight their failings.”

Committee Democrats also requested the Majority hold a hearing on the impact of the proposed HHS reorganization, yet to date, no hearing has been scheduled.

To read the Resolution of Inquiry, click here. 

To read letters opposing the proposed elimination of ACL, click here. 

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