Press Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate voted earlier this week for a bipartisan funding deal that will continue funding the government until mid-December and block the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed overhaul of federal grantmaking rules. The blocking of the OMB’s proposed rule is a result of advocacy by nonprofit organizations, especially Hispanic Federation who led more than 150 community-based organizations to formally oppose the rule last month. The measure prevents OMB from handing political appointees’ unprecedented authority over congressionally appropriated grants. Below is a statement from Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation, about this deal.
“Earlier this summer, Hispanic Federation led more than 150 organizations to denounce the OMB’s proposed rule that would hand political appointees the power to decide which projects deserve funding based on partisan loyalty, not community need. The rule prioritizes politics over an organization’s ability to serve vulnerable communities. The comments from our network demonstrate the importance of subject-matter experts having the opportunity to guide Congressional allocations. It is also notable that this rule has resulted in over 50,000 public comments; showing that the people have great concern over the misuse of federal funds to support political agendas.
The Senate listened to our warnings and blocked these proposals for now, but the House must still take action. The Senate’s bipartisan decision to block the OMB’s proposed rule shows what happens when nonprofits stand together and speak out. It is imperative that Congressionally appropriated funds for Congressionally authorized programs continue to be spent the way Congress intended: not based on the political agendas of executive appointees.
We are grateful that the Senate held firm in demanding that funds be overseen by subject-matter experts who can direct our tax dollars toward projects that support communities in need, like housing support, Head Start, and healthcare. We urge the House to follow the Senate’s bipartisan lead and protect their constituents by blocking this OMB rule. We are proud of the coalition we built to stop this rule, and we’re not done – we will keep fighting to make this block permanent and ensure that the rule is rescinded.”
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About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latine. With programs in 43 states and territories, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
