A federal judge recently heard arguments about blocking President Donald Trump’s administration from freezing billions in federal grants and loans. These funds support important programs, including clean energy initiatives, bridge repairs, and emergency shelters.
U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island is reviewing a request from about twenty Democratic states for a preliminary injunction. This would build on an earlier temporary restraining order that already halted the funding freeze. If granted, it would be the first official order since the pause was announced, which has caused widespread concern across the nation.
Judge McConnell aims to reach a decision within a week. “Shortly after the inauguration, the lights started to go out,” said Rhode Island’s Attorney General’s deputy chief, Sarah Rice. She argued that the freeze affects crucial appropriations made by Congress, leading to disruptions across various programs.
Rice mentioned that the funding freeze has a severe impact, affecting many programs that assist farmers, educators, and researchers. Some organizations are unsure how they will meet payroll due to the uncertainty of funding.
In defense, Daniel Schwei, an attorney for the Trump administration, stated the freeze is a part of the executive branch’s power. He explained that the President can instruct agencies to pause funding while they decide the best use of federal resources. Schwei argued that the states’ claims were too broad and not specific enough.
The states assert that the freeze is causing immediate harm and confusion, hindering planning and wasting resources. In their lawsuit, they highlighted programs that rely on timely funding, noting that without it, essential services could be at risk.
In a separate lawsuit, another judge is also reviewing the funding freeze’s impact on nonprofits and small businesses. Many programs across the country wait for federal funds or clarification on their status. These include billions meant for solar power in low-income areas, funds for greenhouse gas reduction, and even significant bridge projects that thousands rely on daily.
In Washington State alone, crucial programs like wildfire preparedness and clinical trials have had their funding frozen, significantly affecting preparedness and research efforts, according to communications director Brionna Aho.
In a related case, New York City has filed a lawsuit about the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw over $80 million allocated for sheltering migrants. Despite previous rulings favoring FEMA’s withholding of funds, concerns about federal funding continue.
The Trump administration had previously announced a pause on federal funding to align with new policy directions, including increased fossil fuel production and the ending of diversity programs. Although the memo outlining the freeze was rescinded, many states, universities, and nonprofits report that funding still has not flowed as expected.
Judge McConnell, who was nominated by President Obama, had earlier ordered the unfreezing of federal funds. He found that blocks on the funding likely violate the law and have caused irreparable harm across the country.
The government maintains that the freeze is within legal bounds, arguing that the injunction request is irrelevant since the memo has been revoked. They believe the states are overstating the freeze’s impact, suggesting that the actions are simply a temporary pause to ensure funds align with the new administration’s priorities.
Source link
Donald Trump, Rhode Island, Bob Ferguson, John McConnell, Barack Obama, General news, WA State Wire, RI State Wire, Early childhood education, Loren AliKhan, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Wildfires, Courts, Subsidies, Brionna Aho, Daniel Schwei, Sarah Rice, Electric vehicles, Diversity, equity and inclusion, United States government, Race and ethnicity, Government and politics, Washington news, Lawsuits, Legal proceedings, Washington News
