Break the Cycle of Violence Act

Up to $5 billion for local programs that try to stop shootings in high-violence cities, plus $1.5 billion for youth job training.

More about this bill

Neighborhoods with many shootings and killings would get new federal money for programs that try to stop violence before it spreads. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could spend up to $300 million in 2026 and $500 million in 2027. From 2028 through 2033, it could spend up to $700 million a year. That adds up to about $5 billion over eight years. Most of the money would go to local nonprofits. They use outreach workers, mediators, and counseling to reach people most at risk of shooting or being shot. A new HHS office would run the program, and a national center would train grantees and track results. A city or town can apply only if it had at least 35 killings a year in two of the last three years. A place with at least 20 killings a year also qualifies if its rate was double the national rate. HHS could also add places with high killing rates compared to the rest of their state. Cities could get no more than 15% of the money. They would have to pass at least 75% of it to community groups or to safety offices that are not police. Cities would pay 10% of the cost unless HHS waives it. Grants would last four years. Programs that show they can cut violence without sending more people to prison would get first pick. Outside researchers would study some programs, and their findings would be posted online. A separate $1.5 billion through 2033 would go to the Department of Labor for year-round job training. It is aimed at people ages 16 to 24 who are not in school and not working, in areas hit hard by gun violence. Nonprofits, tribes, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and cities could apply. Training would focus on jobs that are growing in the local economy. Grantees would report how many young people enter training, go back to school, find work, or earn more each week.