Press Releases

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), the senior House Democrat on Congress’ Joint Economic Committee, issued the following statement today on the Trump Administration’s illegal freeze of funding previously obligated by Congress:

“Donald Trump’s freeze on federal funds for medical research, disaster relief, student aid, child care, nutrition assistance, and so much more is blatantly illegal and unconstitutional. It will also very quickly harm millions of Americans and the U.S. economy if left in place. I have already heard from local organizations who depend on grant funding and are preparing to lay off employees if this freeze is not swiftly lifted.

“The Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse in clear terms and Congress has carefully circumscribed presidential authorities when it comes to spending money obligated by law. I am discussing legal and legislative remedies with my colleagues, and others harmed by this unlawful freeze are also pursuing legal challenges. I will fight this order every way I can, and I will not be alone.

“I also note that Republicans in Congress know all of this is illegal and unconstitutional. They know it will have devastating consequences, including on their constituents. They have the power to halt all of this at any time, if they only had the courage.”