West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) released the following statement after the Trump Administration ordered a total freeze on all federal financial assistance. The White House has said this would not impact Social Security and Medicare payments. However, it would disrupt programs Americans rely on every day, halting billions of dollars to state and local governments, small businesses, nonprofits, health programs, schools and universities, infrastructure projects, and disaster aid.

“The Republican funding freeze is creating chaos, with unpredictable consequences for our economy and American families,” said Rep. Frankel. “The freeze will raise costs for working people, from housing to health care to grocery prices. This action isn’t just dangerous, it’s also a lawless attack on our system of checks and balances. The Constitution is clear that President Trump cannot freeze this funding without Congressional approval.”

The Republican funding freeze would affect vital services across the country, such as community health centers, disaster relief, Meals on Wheels, and public safety programs.

At 5 PM today, a federal judge halted the freeze until February 3rd, ruling that the courts need more time to consider the potentially far-reaching ramifications of the Administration’s order. Despite this temporary respite, organizations and communities across the country still face extreme uncertainty and confusion.

###