1. United States
2. Nev.
3. Letter

The proposal to ban earmarks for nonprofit organizations is misguided and harmful. It would deprive numerous deserving groups across diverse communities from accessing vital federal funding, disproportionately affecting LGBTQIA charities and nonprofits by cutting off crucial medical, therapeutic, and community support services they provide. In the previous fiscal year alone, over $1 billion went towards supporting 900+ nonprofit projects requested by House members, benefiting organizations like YMCAs, food banks, homeless shelters, youth programs, workforce training initiatives, and more. Earmarks have proven to be powerful tools for lawmakers to direct resources where they are needed most in their districts. Blocking this funding stream fails to recognize the immense good these organizations do and the positive impacts they have. From providing services to underserved populations to promoting STEM education to offering safe spaces for LGBTQ youth and seniors, nonprofit groups address critical needs that would otherwise go unmet. Denying them earmark funds is shortsighted and detrimental to communities nationwide. Furthermore, the stated rationale of ensuring projects align with federal program goals is unconvincing. Existing vetting processes already evaluate requests to confirm their legitimacy and public benefit. This proposal seems motivated more by ideology than sound policymaking. I urge you to reject this restrictive measure that would harm so many praiseworthy nonprofit initiatives, including those serving the LGBTQIA community. Our constituents deserve representatives who will fight to sustain resources for organizations strengthening our communities, not block their path to funding.