GIFFORDS urges OMB to withdraw rule that would politicize federal grants process

WASHINGTON — Today, GIFFORDS Center for Violence Intervention submitted its opposition to the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed rule, “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” (OMB-2026-0034). The proposed rule would revise the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance by expanding political discretion over funding decisions. The rule would erode important procedural protections for recipients to challenge funding disruptions and impose unnecessary restrictions. This puts proven public safety strategies at risk by making federal funding for community violence intervention less reliable. Read the full comment here. 

“The proposed rule would pull the rug out from under communities that are relying on this funding,” said Dr. Jordan Costa, Associate Director at GIFFORDS Center for Violence Intervention. “We’ve seen historic reductions in gun violence in communities across the country, and sustained federal investment in community violence intervention has helped make that progress possible. This work depends on long-term relationships, stability and trust that takes years to build. If funding can be disrupted or withdrawn more easily, communities lose the certainty they need to sustain what works. We’re urging OMB to withdraw this rule and protect the stable, predictable investments that make this lifesaving work possible.”