Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement following the Trump Administration’s unprecedented decision to pause congressionally approved federal grants and loans:  

“Trump’s decision to halt federal assistance hurts every community across Vermont, and in every state. It means funding for disaster relief, fire departments, child care, food assistance, farms and so much more are no longer headed to the families and states in need. It means preschools unsure if they have the funds to operate, disaster victims unable to rebuild, and grants to research cancer are suspended. 

“Trump ordered these grants and loans to be abruptly halted because they ‘advance Marxist equity, transgenderism, and green new deal social engineering policies.’ But let’s be clear, nothing about disaster relief or small business loans are ‘woke’ or about “social engineering.’ His first weeks in office show us where his priorities lie. Straight out of the Project 2025 playbook, Trump is ripping billions of dollars from our communities, causing chaos and confusion, and leaving folks without the funds they are counting on. 

“Attempting to use his power to override congressionally approved funds is not only devastating for working people in every state, it’s blatantly unconstitutional. This is no less than a hostile takeover of congressional powers that sets a dangerous precedent for Congress’ ability to act as a separate branch of government. What we’re seeing is yet another attempt by Trump to erode our democracy and inflate his own unchecked power at the expense of working people.”

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