Summary:
Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland and 22 other House Democrats have called on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reinstate regional administrators at the Administration for Community Living (ACL) following recent firings. The lawmakers argue that the dismissals put at risk essential programs that support millions of seniors and Americans with disabilities, and they criticized the administration's plan to dismantle ACL and divide its programs across multiple agencies. The letter to Kennedy demands answers on how HHS plans to maintain efficiency, ensure uninterrupted grant funding, and protect programs serving seniors and people with disabilities.
As part of an effort to protect services for vulnerable populations, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joined 22 House Democrats in urging Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reinstate regional administrators at the Administration for Community Living (ACL) following recent firings. The lawmakers argue the dismissals jeopardize essential programs that support millions of seniors and Americans with disabilities.
“Regional Administrators help seniors and Americans with disabilities live longer, healthier lives,” said Strickland. “Millions of seniors and Americans with disabilities are already at risk of losing their healthcare coverage and nutrition assistance because of the President’s cruel budget bill, making these programs all the more essential.”
In their August 1 letter to Kennedy, the lawmakers criticized the administration’s plan to dismantle ACL and divide its programs across multiple agencies, citing the growing demand for aging and disability services. They noted that more than 11,000 Americans turn 65 each day and one in four adults live with a disability.
“Millions of Americans rely on the Administration for Community Living to stay healthy and thrive in their homes and communities,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09). “It is unacceptable that this Administration is willing to play with the lives of the American people.”
Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) said dismantling ACL would compound recent cuts.
“President Trump just gutted Medicaid, Medicare and SNAP — and now, the administration unjustifiably fired federal workers whose mission was to serve older Americans and people with disabilities. The Administration for Community Living is needed now more than ever.”
Formed in 2012, ACL connects aging Americans and people with disabilities to vital services including Meals on Wheels, transportation, caregiving support, and abuse prevention programs. It also oversees the Older Americans Act, which provides nearly one million meals to seniors daily.
The letter underscores the lawmakers’ concerns about the effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which includes sweeping cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Lawmakers warned that without ACL’s infrastructure, the burden on hospitals and care providers would grow, leaving millions without access to basic services.
Strickland and her colleagues are demanding answers on how HHS plans to maintain efficiency, ensure uninterrupted grant funding, and protect programs serving seniors and people with disabilities. They set a deadline of September 2 for Kennedy to respond.
“The removal of ACL’s regional administrators dismantles the support systems that help our most vulnerable populations thrive,” Strickland said. “We must ensure that Americans with disabilities and seniors can live independently and with dignity.”
