Vermont Delegation Slams Trump Administration’s Freeze on Federal Funding
Vermont’s congressional delegation sounded the alarm on Tuesday, decrying what they termed a “dangerous move towards authoritarianism” by the Trump administration. The administration had ordered a sweeping freeze on federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance, slated to take effect at 5 p.m. that day.
In a joint statement, U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) expressed grave concerns over the impact of this freeze on working families across Vermont. The delegation highlighted the potentially devastating consequences for a wide array of Vermonters, including 1,200 children in Head Start programs, tens of thousands of vulnerable individuals who rely on food assistance programs like Meals on Wheels, and 9,000 Vermonters who depend on Section 8 vouchers for housing.
“This unconstitutional action will endanger the health and well-being of countless Vermonters,” the delegation asserted. They underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that no president should have the authority to cherry-pick which laws to uphold and which to disregard.
The freeze, as outlined in a memo from the Office of Management and Budget, was framed as a response to concerns about the allocation of federal resources towards what the administration deemed as advancing “Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies.” The memo argued that this allocation was a misuse of taxpayer dollars, necessitating a temporary pause to reassess and reallocate funding in alignment with the law and the President’s objectives.
The order sparked immediate confusion and concern among Vermont nonprofits, universities, and other entities reliant on federal funding. Molly Gray, executive director of the Vermont Afghan Alliance, shared an urgent plea for donations as the freeze had disrupted essential services, such as a drivers’ education program for Afghan refugees.
“This isn’t about political ideologies, but rather about basic commitments to individuals seeking a better life in this country,” Gray emphasized in her statement. The abrupt halt in federal funding left many organizations scrambling to maintain critical services for their beneficiaries.
University of Vermont interim president Patricia Prelock also weighed in on the situation, acknowledging the uncertainty stemming from the federal freeze. Prelock assured stakeholders that the university was diligently assessing the implications of the order, collaborating with the state’s congressional delegation, and committed to upholding federal laws.
In response to the broad backlash against the freeze, other Democratic members of Congress vowed to challenge the order. A coalition of attorneys general from Democratic states was reportedly preparing to pursue legal action against the administration, underscoring the widespread opposition to this controversial move.
As Vermonters grappled with the ramifications of the federal funding freeze, the outlook remained uncertain. The potential repercussions on various sectors and vulnerable populations in the state were a cause for concern, prompting swift responses from advocacy groups, elected officials, and community leaders alike.
In times of such uncertainty and upheaval, the resilience and solidarity of Vermonters shone through, underscoring the importance of coming together to protect the most vulnerable members of the community. The fight to reverse the freeze on federal funding was far from over, with many individuals and organizations standing united in their commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all Vermonters.
