Press Releases

Maine First District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, a top Appropriator in the House, released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s memo to the Office of Management and Budget, pausing all federal funding:

I am outraged by President Trump’s reckless directive to freeze federal funding. This is an unprecedented and unlawful assault on Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and a dangerous overreach that puts vital federal programs in limbo. Aside from Social Security and Medicare benefits, all other federal funding—from critical housing and food assistance to public safety and health care services—is essentially choked off by this illegal action.

 I understand the appeal of cutting government spending. But the impacts of an indiscriminate, across-the-board freeze like this will have profound consequences for millions of taxpayers. In Maine, federal funding plays a vital role in transforming and supporting our communities every day. It helps small business owners keep their doors open, enable local governments to upgrade critical infrastructure, and provide the resources communities need to rebuild after natural disasters and extreme weather events. I have already heard from Head Start programs who are cut off from their funding – which means classrooms could close in a matter of days, educators could be laid off, and families could be stuck without childcare.

These aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet—they represent essential services that millions of Americans rely on. 

The Trump Administration’s actions are flagrantly illegal–full stop. The Supreme Court, Department of Justice, and Government Accountability Office have repeatedly struck down claims that presidents can unilaterally impound congressionally appropriated funds. This fundamentally violates how our government must function.

I will not stand by as this Administration continues to blatantly break the law and systematically dismantle the government and the civil service. My Democratic colleagues and I are exploring every option to fight back and defend hard working Americans. If House Republicans care about the people they represent and their oath to the Constitution, they should join us right away, and fight to restore this critical funding.

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