Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Don Bacon (R-NE) are introducing the Protect National Service Act, which would prohibit federal dollars from being used to carry out AmeriCorps cuts and damaging the agency’s core functions. 

This follows on the heels of a bipartisan letter that the three members and Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) sent to the White House on April 11 demanding that President Trump work with Congress on any proposed AmeriCorps reforms rather than pursue unilateral executive actions.  

This legislation is in response to reporting that the Trump Administration is attempting to fire large swaths of the Agency’s workforce, beginning with its disaster relief efforts. Earlier this week, AmeriCorps members who had been working in North Carolina rebuilding from the effects of Hurricane Helene were recalled from their project sites ahead of termination on April 30. 

“I am horrified that the Trump Administration is attempting to gut AmeriCorps," said Rep. Houlahan. “National service brings together Americans across political divides, uplifts communities, and is a terrific return on investment for the federal government. To target AmeriCorps, especially at a time when Members are still working to repair hurricane damage in North Carolina and elsewhere, is wrong.” 

“While I am supportive of President Trump’s mission of cutting the size and cost of the federal government, I am deeply troubled that once again, they are using a sledgehammer approach on vital programs such as Americorps, which gives young people an opportunity to serve their country through programs such as disaster relief efforts and food banks,” said Rep. Bacon. “Not only do these young Americans lose the opportunity to make a difference, but programs connecting elderly volunteers with people in their age group who need help are being shut down because there is no one to run them. It seems that no thought goes into what gets cut, and DOGE is just slashing to meet some number goal.”  

“Let me be clear: dismantling AmeriCorps is an indefensible attack on some of our most patriotic and selfless young Americans. For 30 years, AmeriCorps has opened the door for people across this country to step up and serve,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “AmeriCorps members are on the front lines of public service: rebuilding after disasters, helping families file taxes, and tutoring children in struggling schools. Time and again, they’ve proven their power to bridge divides and drive meaningful progress across the country. Now, Donald Trump and Elon Musk want to tear down three decades of progress — without justification and without a plan. But here’s the truth: for every $1 Congress invests in AmeriCorps, our country gets back over $17 in economic and community benefits. That’s not just service — that’s impact. The American spirit of service runs deep. It’s in our DNA. We will fight for every piece of this program, because national service will endure.” 

See bill text here. 

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Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, engineer, entrepreneur, educator, and nonprofit leader. She is serving her fourth consecutive term representing the people of Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. Houlahan is the first female veteran to be named as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Military Personnel Subcommittee and a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Houlahan is also chair of the Economic Growth and Cost of Living Task Force on the New Democrat Coalition.