# Congress Funds Baltimore Gun Violence Reduction

Federal lawmakers have allocated nearly **$1.2 million** in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending to expand Baltimore's Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), a collaborative program involving law enforcement, social services, and community partners aimed at reducing gun violence. This funding supplements prior federal investments, including **$6.4 million** from the American Rescue Plan Act, reinforcing Baltimore's ongoing public safety initiatives.

- The funding supports the Baltimore Police Department and City of Baltimore efforts to implement targeted violence reduction strategies.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on multi-agency collaboration and community-based programs, which may influence contract requirements and vendor qualifications.
- This allocation signals continued federal support for violence prevention programs, creating opportunities for service providers specializing in public safety, social services integration, and community outreach.
- Organizations involved in law enforcement technology, data analytics, and social intervention services may find increased demand aligned with GVRS expansion efforts.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** May 05, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. House of Representatives (House)
- U.S. Senate (Senate)
- Baltimore Police Department (BPD)
- City of Baltimore

### Key Quotes
> The Group Violence Reduction Strategy has been critically important to the historic decrease in murders and non-fatal shootings in Baltimore over the last several years, and I am glad to play a part in its expansion across our City.
> — Kweisi Mfume, U.S. Representative

> Making our neighborhoods safer for Baltimore residents and families is one of our top shared priorities. That’s why Team Maryland has worked together for years alongside the City to deliver federal resources to improve public safety.
> — Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Senator

> Baltimore is safer than it has been in more than 50 years because of intentional, targeted investments in strategies we know work, especially the Group Violence Reduction Strategy.
> — Johnny Olszewski, Congressman

### Sources
- [Mfume, Van Hollen, Olszewski Highlight Nearly $1.2 Million in Federal Funding to Support Gun Violence Reduction in Baltimore | Representative Kweisi Mfume](https://mfume.house.gov/media/press-releases/mfume-van-hollen-olszewski-highlight-nearly-12-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-gun-violence-reduction-in-baltimore) - Mfume