Largest Federal Government Programs that May See Elimination

Mar 27, 2017

programs

Below is a list of the 10 largest programs President Trump has proposed to eliminate. Ultimately, Congress has the final say in how agencies fund their programs and many that receive bipartisan support are likely to survive. Trump defended most of these by saying these programs have not lived up to their purpose. He wrote, “every agency and department will be driven to achieve greater efficiency and eliminate wasteful spending in carrying out their honorable service to American people.”

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program ($3.4 billion)

Eliminating this would account for almost a fourth of the overall cuts to Health and Human Sciences. Created in 1981, it subsidizes energy costs for low-income families and is run by HHS’ Administration for Children and Families. The program employs more than 1,300 people. Also, included here would be the elimination of the Energy Department’s Weatherization Assistance program. They have a budget of $121 million and work with the LIHEAP by helping low-income families reduce energy consumption and making their homes more energy efficient

Community Development Block Grant ($3 billion)

The Housing and Urban Development Department provides grants to state and local governments for infrastructure, housing, and other public services. Created in 1974, it represents half of Trumps’ proposed cuts to HUD. Administered by HUD’s Community Planning and Development Office, it employs 258 people.

Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants program ($2.4 billion)

This makes up more than a fourth of the education department’s proposed cuts. This provides funding to state and local education agencies to hire more teachers and principles and to improve their quality and effectiveness. It falls under the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education and employs 244 people.

Global Climate Change Initiative ($1.3 billion)

Created by President Obama in response to United Nations agreements reached in 2009-2010, these are administered by the State Department. This initiative has integrated climate change priorities into U.S. Foreign assistance. Eliminating this would also affect programs at the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Treasury Department. The State and Treasury Departments rely on U.N. and other international organizations to implement the program.

21st Century Community Learning Centers program ($1.2 billion)

This helps “high-need” schools implement during and after school activities. The Office of Elementary and Secondary Educations Office of Academic improvement administers it.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program ($732 million)

Eliminating this would eliminate funding for undergraduate students with demonstrated financial needs to receive up to $4,000 a year. This program is administered by Education’s Federal Student Aid Office and employs around 1,400 employees. Colleges and universities partially match the federal funding, which aids 1.6 million students.

Community Services Block Grants ($715 million)

Administered by HHS’ Administration for Children and Families, this program focuses on alleviating the causes and conditions of poverty in communities such as employment, education, nutrition, and energy. They have a staff in 10 different regions throughout the country. Coupled with LIHEAP, eliminating this would completely eliminate AFC’s Office of Community Services discretionary programs.

Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Grant program ($499 million)

These grants fund local transportation projects that are “difficult to fund through traditional federal programs”. Funding must go to construction rather than design and planning and grants are awarded on a competitive basis.

Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program ($498 million)

This program helps rural households and businesses obtain reliable drinking water systems, sanitary waste and sewage disposal, and storm water drainage. It is administered by the USDA Rural Developments Rural Utility Service and employs 265 people.

Senior Community Service Employment Program ($434 million)

This is to help low-income, unemployed seniors engage in job training. Created in 1965, this program allows seniors to participate in activities at schools, hospitals, daycare centers and other facilities. Labor’s Employment and Training Administration runs the program and has 1,100 employees.

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