Olszewski Issues Statement on Trump Administration’s Federal Funding Freeze

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Johnny Olszewski today issued the following statement on President Trump’s unprecedented pause on federal funding for critical community programs:

“I believe in consistent and thoughtful leadership that lowers costs for American families. The Trump Administration’s blanket freeze on federal grants, loans and financial aid is a brazen – and seemingly illegal – attack on our democratic norms that will only make life harder for families already struggling with higher costs.

The Administration’s desperate attempt to explain – and then walk back – the order leaves more questions than answers. We have already heard about the direct impacts this dangerous and capricious directive is having on critical programs that support law enforcement, veterans, school children and the homeless. Intentional or not, states have been locked out of vital resources including SNAP and Medicaid — a direct result of President Trump’s “shoot-from-the-hip” approach.

The President is carelessly taking actions that has real, negative impacts on hardworking American families. He is opening a Pandora’s Box of pain for American families. What is to stop him from targeting Social Security and healthcare next?”

The United States Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse — a critical check on executive abuses and a reflection of the founding father’s desires to prevent a monarchy. I will do anything and everything possible to ensure Congress retains this power and that Americans are not left behind as a result of these efforts by the President.”