Supporters of the AmeriCorps program have conceded that they have been unsuccessful in their attempts to obtain an emergency $100 million appropriations. House and Senate negotiators have left funding for AmeriCorps out of a package of $937 million in supplemental funds.

Supporters had been seeking the funding in order to pay for the 20,000 of the 50,000 unfunded volunteer slots. The 20,000 slots were unfunded due to financial management problems at the Corporation for National and Community Service. AmeriCorps supporters will encourage Congress to approve President Bush’s request for $433 million for AmeriCorps in fiscal year 2004 which would expand the program to 75,000 volunteers.