Congress would authorize funding for violence prevention and youth job training

Congress would authorize $5 billion for the health department’s community violence programs. The money would support the Department of Health and Human Services programs in Title I. Congress would still need to provide the money through separate spending legislation. The authorization covers $300 million for fiscal year 2026, $500 million for 2027, and $700 million each year from 2028 through 2033.

The health department would award grants for coordinated community violence services. Services would focus on people of any age at high risk of suffering or committing life-threatening violence outside family or romantic relationships. Politically motivated violence is excluded. Congress would need to provide funding. Eligible localities must have at least 35 homicides, or at least 20 and a homicide rate at least twice the national average, in at least two of the three calendar years before applying. The health secretary could also approve localities with a compelling need based on high homicide levels compared with other localities in their state. Nonprofits must serve eligible localities and have a record of community activities or program innovation in communities of color.

Health department grant recipients would follow rules on sharing grant money and contributing their own funds. These rules would apply to grants awarded under the health department’s community violence grant program. Local governments could receive no more than 15 percent of Title I funding. They must pass at least 75 percent of their grants to community groups, nonprofits, or public violence prevention or community safety agencies outside law enforcement. Nonprofit hospitals must direct at least 90 percent to organizations serving violence victims, direct program staff, or individual contractors providing program-related services. The federal government would generally cover 90 percent of eligible costs. Community nonprofit recipients are exempt, and the health secretary could waive the local government contribution for good cause.

The Labor Department would award grants for year-round job training in communities disproportionately affected by gun violence. Programs would serve people ages 16–24 who are neither employed nor enrolled in education or training, including part-time work or study. Training would prepare them for occupations that need workers. Congress would need to provide the money through separate spending legislation. The $1.5 billion authorization covers fiscal years 2026 through 2033, with funds available to spend through fiscal year 2033.