Bill Summary
The resolution is a formal request from the House of Representatives to the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the submission of specific documents related to the proposed elimination of the Administration for Community Living (ACL). It mandates that these officials provide unredacted copies of all relevant communications and records within 14 days. The documents requested include those pertaining to the ACL’s potential downsizing, changes in its functions resulting from a previous HHS communication, any dismissals of leadership staff, and assessments of whether the remaining staff could effectively carry out mandated responsibilities under several key laws, including the Older Americans Act and the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. The resolution aims to gather information to understand the implications of any actions taken regarding the ACL and its operations.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the resolution regarding the elimination of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) could affect people:
1. **Impact on Services for Seniors and People with Disabilities**: The ACL is responsible for administering programs that support older adults and individuals with disabilities, such as the Older Americans Act programs. If the ACL were to be eliminated or significantly downsized, many essential services—like meal programs, transportation, caregiver support, and health care services—could be reduced or discontinued. This would directly affect the quality of life and access to necessary resources for millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities.
2. **Job Loss and Workforce Impact**: The resolution mentions potential reductions in force or downsizing measures within the ACL. This could lead to layoffs of employees who work in various capacities to support programs and services for vulnerable populations. The loss of jobs not only impacts the individuals directly affected but also has a ripple effect on local economies where these individuals live and work. Furthermore, the experience and expertise of the career staff who might be dismissed could lead to a decline in the effectiveness and continuity of services provided.
3. **Increased Scrutiny and Accountability**: The resolution requests unredacted documentation related to the proposed elimination of the ACL and any associated downsizing actions. This could lead to increased public scrutiny and demand for accountability from the federal government regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations. Advocacy groups, individuals, and communities could mobilize to push back against cuts, leading to potential policy changes or increased funding for programs that support aging and disability services, thereby influencing future legislative actions and resource allocation.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 344 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 344
Of inquiry requesting the President, and directing the Secretary of
Health and Human Services, to transmit respectively, to the House of
Representatives certain documents relating to the elimination of the
Administration for Community Living.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 24, 2025
Ms. Bonamici (for herself, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Ms. Wilson of
Florida, Mr. Takano, Mrs. Hayes, Ms. Omar, and Mr. DeSaulnier)
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee
on Education and Workforce
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Of inquiry requesting the President, and directing the Secretary of
Health and Human Services, to transmit respectively, to the House of
Representatives certain documents relating to the elimination of the
Administration for Community Living.
Resolved, That the President is requested, and the Secretary of
Health and Human Services is directed, to transmit respectively, to the
House of Representatives, not later than 14 days after the date of the
adoption of this resolution, unredacted copies of all documents,
memoranda, legal opinions, notes from meetings, records (including
telephone records, electronic mail records, and screen shots),
correspondence (electronic or otherwise), and other communications (or
any portion of any such communications) that are in the possession of
the President or the Secretary, respectively, that refer or relate to
the following:
(1) The proposed elimination of the Administration for
Community Living.
(2) Any reduction in force or other downsizing measures at
the Administration for Community Living.
(3) Any action taken pursuant to the Health and Human
Services March 27, 2025, communication ``HHS Announces
Transformation to Make America Healthy Again'', and the
accompanying Fact Sheet, resulted in the alteration of the
functions and responsibilities of the Administration for
Community Living.
(4) Any action taken to dismiss career staff in leadership
positions within the Administration for Community Living.
(5) Any determination made by the Executive Office of the
President, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the
Principal Deputy Administrator for the Administration for
Community Living, or the staff of the Department of Health and
Human Services or the Administration for Community Living, that
the staff remaining at the Department after any reduction in
force, other downsizing measure, or closure would be sufficient
to ensure that the Administrator, the individual designated
with the responsibilities of the Administrator if that position
no longer exists, or the Assistant Secretary of Aging, as
appropriate, could faithfully execute the laws Congress has
directed the Administrator or the Assistant Secretary of Aging,
as appropriate, to enforce or implement, including but not
limited to--
(A) the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C.
3001);
(B) the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (AT Act)
(29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.);
(C) the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and
Bill of Rights Act (DD ACT) (42 U.S.C. 15001 et seq.);
and
(D) the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701
et seq.).
(6) Any action taken to terminate a grant awarded by the
Department through the Administration for Community Living.
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