Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), joined by Rep. Andy Barr (KY-06), Rep. Lucy McBath (GA-06), and Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) reintroduced the Building Civic Bridges Act. This bill was first introduced in the 117th Congress by Rep. Derek Kilmer and Rep. Barr and will aid local civic and community organizations in addressing divides.  

The assassination attempts against President Trump while he campaigned for reelection and more recent instances of political violence have shined a bright light on the troubling social and political division of American society. The Society for Human Resource Management has found that incivility and political division cost America’s employers $2B per day. This legislation would establish a new Office of Civic Bridge Building to position the federal government as a partner in reinforcing key American values of unity and democracy. This office would oversee a new grant program to support civic bridge building programs by funding nonprofits, public institutions, and religious groups working to address polarization, conducting research on impactful civic engagement and providing training to AmeriCorps members in bridge building skills.  

“As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a former AmeriCorps member myself, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of service to mend social divides,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan. “Throughout my career in Congress, I have had the opportunity to visit foreign countries where the National Endowment for Democracy and other American institutions are investing in civic bridge-building efforts to nurture democracy around the globe. It is time that the federal government make a similar investment here at home, and I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining me in this effort”. 

"The recent political violence, including the two assassination attempts on President Trump, are a wake-up call for all Americans," said Rep. Andy Barr. "This legislation is a step toward restoring civic trust and fostering productive dialogue - a pilot program that supports local efforts to revive the cooperative, bipartisan spirit at the heart of our republic, all without spending a dime of taxpayer money." 

“Americans have long defined ourselves by our unity and shared purpose despite our many differences—our commitment to the idea that out of many, one stronger whole is made possible. In this period of increasing division and polarization, there has never been a more crucial time to strengthen our community relationships. That is why I am proud to support legislation that aims to confront the issues seeking to divide us as we reinforce the very foundations of our democracy,” said Rep. Lucy McBath. “I encourage my fellow Americans to continue cultivating connections across the lines of race, religion, education, and zip code.” 

“The Building Civic Bridges Act is a practical, bipartisan solution to help reduce polarization at the local level. This bill strengthens our communities, reinforces American values, and helps ensure that disagreement doesn’t lead to disorder. In a time of increased division, this bill is a positive step toward restoring unity in our country,” said Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson. 

The bill also enjoys strong support from a diverse set of nonprofit, business, and faith community leaders. 

“The U.S. Chamber applauds Reps. Chrissy Houlahan and Andy Barr for reintroducing the Building Civic Bridges Act, a vital measure aimed at strengthening our communities and nurturing civil discourse,” said Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “This legislation is pivotal in furnishing local organizations with essential training resources to unite communities, effectively combat polarization, and confront shared challenges head-on.”

“The Building Civic Bridges Act invites us to truly engage with one another as fellow Americans. This is a time to build bridges, not barriers,” said Adam Phillips, CEO of Interfaith America. “By empowering local leaders to expand trust and deepen relationships within our communities, we can focus on that which unites us, rather than the issues that pull us apart. I commend the co-sponsors for the moral imagination behind this bill and welcome the opportunity to ensure that local bridgebuilding efforts flourish in our country.” 

“Americans are tired of the division — and so is business,” said Sarah Bonk, founder and CEO of Business for America. “The Building Civic Bridges Act gives Americans the tools to reconnect and rebuild trust. That’s good for our communities, good for business, and exactly the kind of leadership we need from Congress right now.” 

“Our nation was founded on the freedom to dialogue, debate, and freely exchange ideas,” said Kara Jarzynski, Executive Director, and Dennis Cohen, Founder and CEO of Resolutionaries. “Therefore, building bridges and talking across lines of difference are vital, patriotic acts. Without it, our nation falters, with consequences to our economy, national security, schools, communities, and places of worship. With it, however, we are made strong. The Building Civic Bridges Act is a powerful step toward revitalizing the civic fabric of our great nation.” 

"Since our nation’s founding, the heart of civic education has been teaching our citizens how they must work together, despite their differences, for the country’s common good. That has never been more important than it is now, which is why we support the Building Civic Bridges Act,” iCivics Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer Shawn Healy said.

“With Honor Action commends Representative Chrissy Houlahan for her leadership of the Building Civic Bridges Act and for her commitment to forging opportunities for bipartisanship and avenues to civic engagement,” said Rye Barcott, Co-Founder & CEO of With Honor. “This legislation is a pivotal step toward empowering communities to bridge divides and strengthen our democratic fabric. We fully endorse this initiative and look forward to collaborating with Rep. Houlahan and other leaders dedicated to promoting service and civic renewal across America.”

Please click here to read the text of the bill. 

For more information, click here for a one page explainer on the Building Civic Bridges Act 

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Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, engineer, entrepreneur, educator, and nonprofit leader. She is serving her fourth consecutive term representing the people of Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. Houlahan is the first female veteran to be named as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Military Personnel Subcommittee and a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Houlahan is also chair of the Economic Growth and Cost of Living Task Force on the New Democrat Coalition.