Survivor Services at Risk: Demand Federal Funding Protection
Federal Funding Freeze Announced – What You Need to Know
On Monday evening, January 27, 2025, the Office on Management and Budget issued a memo temporarily halting all federal grants and loan disbursements as of 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
This unprecedented decision caused widespread confusion and uncertainty at all levels of government and among service providers.
Impact on Critical Services for Survivors
This pause directed threatened life-saving services that support survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, human trafficking, and stalking. In Nebraska alone, over 20 organizations rely on federal funding to provide:
- 24-hour crisis lines,
- emergency shelter,
- transportation,
- medical advocacy and referrals,
- legal advocacy and assistance with protection orders,
- ongoing support and information, and
- education and prevention programs.
Cost of This Funding Freeze
In 2024, Nebraska's survivor service organizations:
- Assisted over 11,500 survivors
- Answered 30,000+ crisis calls
- Provided over 50,000 nights of shelter
Without immediate action, survivors would lose access to these critical resources. The community could not absorb the impact of this funding halt, and survivors cannot afford to wait for support.
Judge Blocks Freeze & White House Rescinds Memo - What's Next?
Legal challenges were immediately filed, arguing the freeze violated constitutional and federal laws.
- January 28: A federal judge temporarily blocked the freeze, pending a hearing set for Monday, February 3.
- January 29: The White House rescinded the freeze, effectively restoring funding—for now.
The White House has clarified that while the memo is rescinded, they still intend to move forward implementing the executive orders and those will have impacts on federal funding and programs. This means survivor services are still at risk, and we must continue advocating to ensure these essential programs receive long-term funding.
Take Action: Urge Legislators to Protect Survivor Services
Your voice is crucial. Contact your representative today and demand continued support for survivor services.
Step 1: Find Your Representatives
Locate your elected officials based on your address: congress.gov/members/find-your-member.
- Senator Pete Ricketts
- Online Contact Form
- D.C. Office: (202) 224-4224
- Kearney Office: (308) 233-3677
- Omaha Office: (402) 550-8040
- Scottsbluff Office: (308) 632-6032
- Senator Deb Fischer
- Online Contact Form
- D.C. Office: (202) 224-6551
- Lincoln Office: (402) 441-4600
- Rep. Mike Flood, District 1
- Online Contact Form
- D.C. Office: (202) 225-4806
- Lincoln Office: (402) 438-1598
- Rep. Don Bacon, District 2
- Online Contact Form
- D.C. Office: (202) 225-4155
- Omaha Office: (402) 938-0300
- Rep. Adrian Smith, District 3
- Online Contact Form
- D.C. Office: (202) 225-6435
- Grand Island Office: (308) 384-3900
Step 2: Call & Email Your Representatives
Sample Message:
Hello, my name is [your name], and I’m a constituent from [your city and state].
I’m reaching out to urge [Member of Congress Name] to support continued federal funding for essential services that assist survivors of sexual, domestic, and similar types of violence. Federal grants are critical in providing crisis support, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and other lifesaving services.
These funds are vital in ensuring that programs such as [specific examples, e.g., 24-hour helplines, trauma counseling, medical and legal advocacy, and emergency housing] remain available to those in need. Without sustained funding, survivors may lose access to the support they rely on during their most vulnerable moments.
As a [concerned constituent/survivor/community member], I strongly urge [Member of Congress Name] to champion the continued investment in these critical services. Survivors cannot afford delays, and our communities depend on these programs to provide safety and healing.
On behalf of my community, I respectfully urge you to take decisive action to secure ongoing federal funding for survivor services.
Thank you for your time and commitment to supporting survivors of violence.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
