Representatives Torres and Rutherford Secure First Federal Recognition of Blue Envelope Programs in House Appropriations Report

September 10, 2026 Representatives Torres and Rutherford Secure First Federal Recognition of Blue Envelope Programs in House Appropriations Report Washington, D.C. – Representatives Norma Torres (CA-35) and John Rutherford (FL-05), both members of the House Appropriations Committee that oversees government spending, celebrated the inclusion of a provision in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Report recognizing Blue Envelope Programs as an eligible use of Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funding and to highlight these programs nationwide. The report was reported out of the Appropriations Committee last month, and now awaits consideration by the full House. Blue Envelope programs help improve communication between law enforcement and public safety personnel with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), or others who may face communication challenges. The report language notes that Blue Envelope Programs are consistent with existing Byrne JAG funding priorities, including law enforcement training and community engagement initiatives. The report also directs the Department of Justice to provide Congress with a report within 180 days on efforts to highlight Blue Envelope Programs to grant recipients. "This is an important step toward expanding Blue Envelope Programs across the country and ensuring that individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, and communication challenges can have safer and more positive interactions with law enforcement," said Congresswoman Torres. "The inclusion of this language in the House Appropriations report recognizes the value of these programs and encourages awareness and support nationwide. While this progress is worth celebrating, I will continue working with Congressman Rutherford to pass our bipartisan legislation and create a dedicated federal funding stream to help communities establish and expand Blue Envelope Programs." “As a former sheriff and lifelong law enforcement officer, I know that effective communication is essential to keeping both officers and the people they serve safe,” said Congressman Rutherford . “Recognizing Blue Envelope Programs as an eligible use of Byrne JAG funding is an important step toward helping more law enforcement agencies reduce misunderstandings and improve interactions with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), and others who may face communication challenges. I am proud to work with my colleague Congresswoman Torres to advance this bipartisan effort." Last December, Congresswoman Torres and Congressman Rutherford introduced the bipartisan Supporting Blue Envelope Programs Act (H.R.6602) to establish a federal grant program that would support the creation, expansion, and implementation of Blue Envelope Programs, which already exist in 29 states, including in California and Florida . Senator Coons (DE) and Schmitt (MO) lead the companion bill in the Senate (S.4089). The bill is supported by numerous law enforcement organizations, stakeholders, and community advocates. Blue Envelope Programs provide individuals with a clearly identifiable blue envelope that can hold driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, emergency contact information, and other materials that help first responders better understand a person's communication needs during traffic stops and other interactions. Programs may also provide additional tools and training to support effective communication between law enforcement officers and individuals with disabilities. Background The FY 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Report (House Report 119-652) includes language recognizing Blue Envelope Programs as an allowable use of Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funding. The report encourages the Department of Justice to highlight these programs in guidance provided to Byrne JAG grantees and directs the Department to report to Congress within 180 days on its efforts. In FY 2026, Congresswoman Torres secured $1.031 million in Community Project Funding for the Autism Society Inland Empire, in partnership with the Pomona Police Department, Fontana Police Department, Ontario Police Department, and Chino Police Department, to support specialized law enforcement training for interactions with individuals with ASD, ISD, and other communication challenges. ### Print Email Share Tweet