WASHINGTON – Today, following President Trump’s pause on grants and loans disbursed by the federal government, Representative Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03) released the following statement:
“This blatantly political move is a dangerous precedent that directly threatens the checks and balances relationship between the Executive and Legislative branch. Congress holds the power of the purse, and these funds have already been approved.
“This is not an abstract action. Guidance from the administration is chaotic and changing by the minute, but a funding freeze on this scale could threaten our police and fire departments, Meals on Wheels, childcare programs like Head Start, rent assistance, veterans programs, WIC benefits, student loans, the National Institute of Health, disaster relief, public school programs, infrastructure projects, and more.
“I’ve already heard from nonprofits, local leaders, and regular Arizonans about how this will directly affect them.
“This already-collected taxpayer money belongs in the programs that serve Americans, not waiting around for Trump’s personal approval. I agree that Senate Democrats should postpone Thursday’s scheduled vote on Russell Vought, Trump’s nominee to head the Office of Management and Budget.”
Follow @RepYassAnsari on all social media platforms and visit Ansari.House.gov to learn more.
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