AG Nessel, Sen. Slotkin issue statements on frozen federal funds

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Tuesday morning, the White House announced the pausing of federal grants and loans as President Donald Trump’s administration begins an across-the-board ideological review of its spending, causing confusion and panic among organizations that rely on Washington for their financial lifeline

Hours later, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following statement in response to a White House memo freezing federal funds to critical programs, and reports of immediate impacts within the State.

“I am aware of the OMB memo issued last night by the White House, and my department is learning already of services impacted throughout the State, including Medicaid and Head Start. We are receiving reports of critical impacts to significant programs many millions of Michiganders rely upon daily for vital services.

“We hear and share your direct and dire concerns. My team is working at full speed today to discern what these orders mean and the extent of their immediate impacts, and request an immediate legal remedy to restore funding provided by Congress, require this administration to comply with the law, and to stop this absurd and unprecedented attack on these programs. I intend to file litigation today to protect these programs and restore these vital services.”

Additionally, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin issued a statement strongly condemning the Trump Administration’s freeze of federal funding appropriated by Congress.

“The Trump administration’s unilateral move to block thousands of federal programs is clearly unlawful. This isn’t a wonky, Washington conversation – there are real, actual effects that will harm Michigan and put a hold on federal dollars that were already awarded.

“My office is being inundated with questions from local mayors of both parties, universities, veteran care and nursing homes, people who have had cancer trials stopped, childcare centers, farmer programs, Army contracts – all fearful that they will need to take drastic action to end programs and grants.

“This administration, like every administration, must follow the law, and the law says that money is appropriated by Congress. As I noted in several confirmation hearings, senior administration officials swear an oath to the Constitution, not to President Trump, and now is the time to uphold that oath.

“But just as important is the harm this causes real people. While every president gets to put their stamp on a future budget, killing things like veterans funding is the definition of throwing the baby out with the bathwater.”

News 10 has reached out to members of the GOP for their reaction to the announcement, but have not yet heard back from party members.

Continue reading: Warning issued to Michiganders involving fake loan applications

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