Press Release
Voting Rights Groups Say White House Needs “a Lesson in Government”
The funding freeze is set to begin today at 5 p.m.
Related Issues
The power of the purse belongs to the legislative branch
WASHINGTON—Yesterday, the Trump Administration notified agencies of its plans to halt all federal grants and loans, impacting state funding for education, healthcare, elections, and more.
The funding freeze is set to begin today at 5 p.m.
Statement from Common Cause President & CEO Virginia Kase Solomón
“This White House needs a lesson on the Constitution and fast, because they obviously have no clue how government works and the definition of separation of powers.
“In high school, we learned the framers gave Congress the power of the purse, to fund what people care about most— today those are things like housing, jobs, health, and education. It’s why we have elections in the first place, to choose leaders to represent us in Washington. And it’s why this president so badly needs a lesson in government.
“The dollars he wants to cut include states’ election funding. Our elections are already underfunded, making it harder for voters—Republicans, Democrats, and Independents—to be heard.
“Cutting off this funding would silence the voices of patriotic Americans and hand a microphone to the wealthy and well-connected to dictate what kind of country we live in.”
Statement from State Voices Executive Director Bill Shiebler
“Freezing all federal loans and grants by a whimsical order of the President is not only unlawful, it will cause unnecessary chaos and instability for everyday people, impacting access to food, education, and transportation, as well as damaging our democracy. This broad order may include suspending crucial disaster relief programs as well as election security grants, thereby making our elections more vulnerable to interference. Congress and the courts must stop this disastrous order before it takes effect.”