Sheldon Whitehouse

01/28/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/28/2025 16:02

Whitehouse Condemns Trump’s Illegal Federal Funding Freeze

Washington, DC - Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) issued the following statement slamming President Trump's unconstitutional federal funding freeze, which is jeopardizing education and health care programs and other federal initiatives that Rhode Islanders rely on.

"Trump's power grab was plucked directly from the Project 2025 playbook. Rhode Islanders pay their taxes and they expect to get a functioning federal government in return. It's hard to tell if this is incompetence or mischief, but this funding freeze is illegal and unconstitutional, and every single American has a stake in getting it undone," said Whitehouse.

This funding freeze threatens:

  • Medicaid services for Rhode Islanders;
  • Children's early education and child care for families by pausing Head Start programs;
  • Domestic violence assistance programs;
  • Funding for major infrastructure projects like the replacement of the Washington Bridge;
  • Community health centers;
  • Grants for local law enforcement and homeland security activities; and
  • Federal funding for K-12 schools.