Press Releases

Congressman Russell Fry (R-SC) and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) Introduce the Grant Transparency Act of 2023  

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Russell Fry (R-SC) and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) introduced the Grant Transparency Act of 2023. This legislation requires government agencies to provide competitive grant applicants with more information about their selection criteria and evaluation process. 

It is not always clear to state and local applicants why they are not awarded federal grant funding, especially if they meet all of the listed criteria. The Grant Transparency Act of 2023 will ensure these applicants can better understand the criteria being evaluated in the application process for federal grants. 

“In just nine months of being in office, I have heard from many constituents who don’t have a clear understanding of why they weren’t awarded a competitive federal grant. This legislation would shed light on the federal grant funding process so the people of South Carolina’s Seventh and the rest of the country who are applying for federal funding can have a better understanding of the process,” said Congressman Russell Fry. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that would create more transparency for the American people.” 

“Too often, the intricacies of the federal grant process have led to confusion about how federal grants are considered, weighed, and ultimately awarded. The result has left local and state governments and numerous organizations like those in Texas’s 30^th at a disadvantage in competing for federal resources to help better their community,” said Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. “Only when we clarify how the federal government decides between each applicant will there truly be an equal playing field. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Grant Transparency Act with Congressman Fry, which would require federal agencies to clarify the criteria used to win federal grants, thereby making the federal grant process fairer for all.”

Specifically, the Grant Transparency Act of 2023 requires the Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for competitive grants to have: 

1. a description of any rating system, evaluation, and selection criteria the agency uses to assess applications for the competitive grant; 
2. a statement of whether the agency uses a weighted scoring method and a description of any weighted scoring method the agency uses for the competitive grant, including the amount by which the agency weights each criterion; and 
3. any other qualitative or qualitative merit-based approach the agency uses to evaluate an application for the competitive grant.

Companion legislation was introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Gary Peters (D-MI). 

Congressman Fry serves on both the House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight Committee and is also the Republican freshman class president. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov

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