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Subramanyam leads call for continued federal support to Scouting America
Lawmakers cited federal law and youth impact as they press the Pentagon to continue its partnership with Scouting America.
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 17, Mar 2026
- 14:48 EDT
- 12
Suhas Subramanyam / A screen grab of Congressman Suhas Subramanyan speaking on the House floor
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in urging the U.S. Department of Defense to continue its longstanding support for Scouting America, citing concerns over a potential policy shift signaled by Secretary Pete Hegseth.
In a March 16 letter, the lawmakers followed up on earlier correspondence sent in December 2025 after reports indicated the military was considering cutting ties with the organization, including withdrawing support from the National Jamboree.
Also Read: Rep. Subramanyam slams Pentagon plan to cut scouting ties
The latest letter raises additional concerns following a Feb. 27 video by Hegseth stating that the Department was “very seriously considering ending our support of scouting altogether” and placing the organization under a six-month evaluation period.
The members wrote, “Our constituents and federal statute demand unconditional support for Scouting America, and we strongly urge the Department to continue this partnership beyond the six-month deadline.”
They added that ending the partnership “could impact the thousands of young Americans across our districts who participate.”
The lawmakers also cited the Support Our Scouts Act, which they said restricts reductions in federal support for scouting programs. Referencing past remarks by Donald Trump, the letter noted that “the United States has no better citizens than its Boy Scouts.”
Providing broader context, the lawmakers highlighted what they described as a century-long partnership between scouting organizations and the U.S. military, emphasizing the role of scouting in promoting citizenship, service, and leadership.
They also pointed to a historical pipeline into military service, noting the presence of Eagle Scouts among cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
The issue comes amid ongoing recruitment challenges within the Department of Defense, a concern previously raised by Subramanyam in response to earlier proposals to end the partnership.
“As of March 16, 2026, we have yet to receive a response,” the members wrote, referring to their earlier communication.
In addition to Subramanyam, Representatives Don Bacon, Dan Bishop, Maggie Goodlander, Steven Horsford, and George Walkinshaw signed the letter.
Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, focused on leadership, citizenship, and outdoor skills development.
The organization officially adopted its new name in February 2025 as part of a broader effort to expand inclusivity and welcome all youth and families into its programs.
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