Jan Schakowsky

01/28/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/28/2025 17:40

Schakowsky Statement on the Trump Administration's Federal Funding Freeze

January 28, 2025

EVANSTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on the Trump administration's move to freeze federal grant, loan, and other financial assistance programs:

"Make no mistake about it, the Trump administration is attempting to rip away life-saving programs from the most vulnerable Americans to fund their billionaire agenda.

"I am grateful that a U.S. District Court Judge has temporarily blocked the Trump Administration's efforts to freeze as much as $3 trillion in federal grants and loans. What Trump is doing is unconstitutional, but we are not out of the woods yet.

"A funding freeze would cut off vital resources for programs such as head start, leaving millions of children without early education. School meal programs would be put at risk. Critical medical research could be put on hold. Medicaid portals were down today in all 50 states, and nearly 90 million Americans are covered by Medicaid, including 4 of every 10 babies being born.

"The phones in my offices have been ringing off the hooks today. Constituents are very concerned about how a freeze will impact their family. I received a letter from a constituent named Margaret who is concerned about the danger of Medicaid cuts. Her child, who has a rare disorder, may no longer be able to get the critical health care they need. Margaret's story is not uncommon.

"Trump and Congressional Republicans are hellbent on implementing devastating cuts to fund more tax cuts for the richest among us, but we must continue to resist and make our voices heard. Margaret, and millions of other Americans are counting on us."

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