Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Me.) at a Rally in Monument Square, Portland Several Years Ago.

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME) a top Appropriator in the House, released the following statement on the Trump Administration memo to the Office of Management and Budget, pausing all Federal funding:

“I am outragesd by President Trump’s reckless directive to freeze federal funding.  This is an unprecedented and unlawful assault on Congress’s constitutional power of the purse and a dangerous overreach that puts federal programs in limbo.  Aside from Social Security and Medicare benefits, all other federal funding – from critical housing and food assistance to public safety and health care services – is essentially choked off by this illegal action.

I understand the appeal of cutting government spending.  But the impacts of an indiscriminate, across-the board freeze like this will have profound consequenes for millions of taxpayers.  In Maine, federal funding plays a critical role in transforming and supporting our communities every day…………………………………………..”

The Trump Administration’s actions are fragantly illegal – full stop.  The Supreme Court, Department of Justice and Government Accountability Office have repeatedly struck down claims that presidents can utilaterally impound congressionally appropriated funds.  This fundamentally violates how our government must function.”