🚨URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Deadline for House Members to Sign Appropriations Request Extended to March 23rd! Help Protect Lifespan Respite Care in FY 2027

Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) are circulating a bipartisan “Dear Colleague” letter in the U.S. House of Representatives asking Members to support $20 million in FY 2027 funding for the Lifespan Respite Care Program.

This bipartisan request to the House Appropriations Committee is critical to ensuring the Lifespan Respite Care Program continues to support family caregivers across the country.

The National Respite Coalition needs your help TODAY.

Your Representative can support this request by signing onto the letter — but they must contact Rep. Dingell’s or Rep. Fitzpatrick’s office by Monday, March 23rd!

Family caregivers across the country, who are caring for children or adults with disabilities or chronic conditions, depend on Lifespan Respite programs for temporary relief, support, and the ability to continue caring for loved ones at home.

📞 TAKE ACTION TODAY

• Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard: 202-225-3121
• Ask to be connected to your U.S. Representative’s office.
• If you reach voicemail, leave a message or visit your Representative’s website to send an email.

What to Say

Please ask your Representative to:

Sign onto the bipartisan FY2027 appropriations letter from Rep. Dingell and Rep. Fitzpatrick requesting $20 million for the Lifespan Respite Care Program by Monday, March 23rd.

Make Your Message Personal

Tell them why respite matters:

• Share your caregiving story
• Explain how respite supports families in your state
• Describe the difference respite services make for caregivers and those they support

For help, see 30-second call script.

📣 Amplify the Message

After calling:

• Post on social media asking your Representative to sign the letter
• Tag your U.S. House Member and Senators
• Share this online alert or this printable alert (pdf) with talking points with your networks

Why Your Voice Matters

Congress is facing many competing priorities. Small but highly effective programs like Lifespan Respite can easily be overlooked.

Silence sends the message that the program isn’t needed.

Let’s make sure Congress hears loud and clear that caregivers cannot go without respite.

📞 Please call your Representative today and ask them to sign the letter.