Statement from Mayor Bowser on FY 2026 Funding for the Emergency Planning and Security Fund and DCTAG

(Washington, DC) - Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser released the following statement after the release of the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill:

"I want to thank Chairman Dave Joyce, Chairman Bill Hagerty, Ranking Member Steny Hoyer, Ranking Member Jack Reed, and our partners on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees for including $90 million for the Emergency Planning and Security Fund in the FY 2026 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill. As federal activity increases and more visitors come to our nation's capital for the yearlong celebration of America's 250th anniversary, this funding is essential for ensuring that Washington, DC can continue to support our federal partners in keeping our streets and public spaces safe.

"The bill also maintains $40 million for the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) program and includes a much-needed increase in grant support, raising the maximum annual award from $10,000 to $15,000 and the lifetime cap from $50,000 to $75,000. Over the past 25 years, DCTAG has helped nearly 40,000 residents attend more than 700 colleges and universities nationwide, and this increase is a critical step toward addressing rising college costs and expanding access to affordable higher education for even more DC residents.

"We thank our partners in Congress for including these critical provisions that will benefit Washington, DC - residents and visitors alike - and we urge Congress to act swiftly to pass this legislation."

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