04.24.25

Committee Democrats Demand Transparency after Trump Proposes to Eliminate Office that Supports Seniors and Americans with Disabilities

Lawmakers are demanding transparency—failure to act will force this crucial issue to the House floor for a vote.

WASHINGTON – Today, Committee Democrats are forcing Committee Republicans to take a stand and hold the Administration accountable after it proposed eliminating the Administration for Community Living (ACL). 

The Trump Administration has already taken action to eliminate more than 40 percent of the ACL staff, directly affecting federal programs that support aging and disabled populations.  The elimination of these positions leaves critical services, such as Meals on Wheels, elder abuse prevention, and independent living services vulnerable to further disruption.  Now, the administration is proposing to go even further by eliminating ACL altogether.

Committee Democrats introduced a Resolution of Inquiry which requests 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 adults, people with disabilities, and their families.

"Millions of Americans rely on Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) services to live independently, participate fully in their community, and avoid costly institutional care.  The Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate ACL will put the health and well-being of older Americans and people with disabilities in jeopardy," said Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce.  “We must have full transparency from the Trump Administration on the full scope of its actions and their impact to ensure that the government prioritizes the needs of its most vulnerable citizens."

"The Administration for Community Living provides support to older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and families so they can live healthy and fulfilling lives," said Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.  "ACL programs have historically had strong bipartisan support.  HHS Secretary Kennedy's decision to eliminate ACL is unacceptable and will be harmful to the millions of Americans who benefit from essential programs like Meals on Wheels.  We are demanding answers about why and how Secretary Kennedy made this harmful decision and will keep up the pressure until it is reversed.”

The resolution also seeks information about possible cuts to critical programs such as the Older Americans Act and the Rehabilitation Act—both of which serve millions of Americans.  If the Committee fails to act within 14 legislative days, a motion can be made to bring the issue before the full House, ensuring accountability and preventing unchecked executive overreach.

The Resolution of Inquiry was introduced by Reps. Bonamici (OR-01) and Scott (VA-03) and cosponsored by Reps. Wilson (FL-24), Takano (CA-39), DeSaulnier (CA-10), Hayes (CT-05), and Omar (MN-05). 

To read the full Resolution, click here. 

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