In bipartisan show of support, House passes $540M for legal services in FY 2026

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WASHINGTON - The bipartisan minibus passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives includes the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill for the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, which provides $540 million for the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). This money will support civil legal assistance for millions of Americans facing issues with housing instability, domestic violence and more.

This action represents a 3.6% cut to LSC's FY 2025 funding level of $560 million. In May 2025, the White House proposed eliminating LSC in FY 2026. The House Appropriations Subcommittee had proposed a 46% cut to LSC, while the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to increase LSC funding by $6 million for FY 2026.

"We are grateful for the bipartisan support shown in today's House vote and for the strong appropriation, especially in the current political climate," said LSC President Ron Flagg. "However, LSC's current funding level doesn't begin to meet the needs of low-income seniors, veterans and families in dire situations like natural disasters and domestic violence. We look forward to working with Congress to secure the resources necessary to close the justice gap in the coming years."

In FY 2025, more than 94% of LSC's funding was distributed as grants to 130 independent nonprofit civil legal organizations with offices in every congressional district throughout the country. These organizations deliver no-cost direct legal representation, education and resources to help those who cannot afford a lawyer navigate the legal system. Each year, 6.4 million Americans are served by LSC-funded organizations.

The Senate is expected to vote on the appropriations bill next week. The bill is available to read here.