Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-1st-ME) joined colleagues in demanding answers from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) over the Trump administration’s illegal federal freeze on funding – which is already causing significant harm to America’s farmers, foresters and rural communities according to a press release issued by her office this afternoon.

A letter sent to Acting Secretary Gary Washington, underscores the critical importance of USDA funding – especially for rural America – and calls on the agency to provide the rationale and legal justification for halting funding for awardees.

“To be clear, the people impacted by this funding freeze are hardworking, rural Amerians and small businesses.  These grant recipients operate on thin margins and were relying on these funds to continue critical research, operate their businesses and support farmers,” the members wrote to Acting Secretary Washington.

“Pulling the plug out from these recipients runs counter to the mission of the USDA and will quickly and significantly cripple economic development in America, with a ripple effect that hurts businesses and jobs that indirecly benefit from federal investment.”

The letter requested a written response from USDA by February 14, 2025.

Other members of Congress signing this letter are:  Angie Caig (D-MN) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA).