Warner and Kaine Blast Trump Order to Illegally Stop All Federal Grants and Loans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) today blasted the Trump administration for halting all federal grants and loans disbursed by the federal government in a statement:

“President Trump’s reckless and illegal order to stop all federal grant and loan programs will have an immediate and profound negative impact on Americans all over the country. This is money that builds roads and bridges, helps small businesses make payroll, and makes our communities healthier, safer, and more economically competitive.  

“In every corner of Virginia alone, there are enormous, game-changing economic developments projects happening right now that depend on federal spending appropriated by Congress. Whether it’s Helene recovery in Southwest… semiconductor manufacturing in Northern Virginia… pharmaceutical jobs in Richmond… renewable energy in coastal Virginia… or the Microporous expansion in Southside – every one of these projects is in part the result of federal funding from laws we fought tooth and nail to pass in Congress, and could now be endangered thanks to President Trump’s mess.

“We call on the administration to immediately reverse course and allow the dollars Congress approved to continue reaching the places where it is so badly needed before millions of Americans are forced to pay the price for President Trump’s chaos.”

According to press reports, in a two-page memo, the Office and Management and Budget yesterday ordered all federal agencies to unlawfully withhold vast swaths of congressionally approved federal spending.

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