Indian American democrats strongly opposed President Donald Trump’s sweeping federal funding freeze, which aims to halt trillions of dollars in grants and loans.
The controversial move, which was temporarily blocked by a federal judge on Jan. 28, has drawn sharp criticism for its potential impact on critical public services nationwide.
Representative Pramila Jayapal denounced the funding freeze as “blatantly unconstitutional,” accusing President Trump of overstepping his authority.
“Donald Trump’s latest stunt steals vast amounts of Congressionally approved federal funds away from the American people,” Jayapal said in a statement. “The Constitution is clear that President Trump cannot freeze this funding. Congress, not the President, has the power of the purse.”
Jayapal warned that the freeze would devastate working-class families, senior citizens, and vulnerable communities, adding that it aligns with the administration’s broader agenda to undermine democratic institutions. “This is exactly what Donald Trump laid out in his draconian Project 2025 agenda,” she said. “Democrats will fight this with everything we have.”
My full statement on Donald Trump’s attempted chaotic, cruel, and unconstitutional federal funding freeze, which was temporarily stayed by a federal judge: pic.twitter.com/pbmNTdd2tP
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) January 29, 2025
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi echoed similar concerns, calling the funding freeze “a blatantly unconstitutional power grab” that threatens essential public services.
“President Trump’s illegal freeze will directly cut off funding for working families, making it more expensive to afford rent, a mortgage, groceries, or to see a doctor,” Krishnamoorthi said. He vowed to use “every tool at my disposal” to restore funding and protect affected communities.
Following the federal judge’s ruling, Krishnamoorthi urged Trump to abandon the effort, emphasizing that the court’s decision was only a temporary measure. “This ruling is only a brief reprieve from an unconstitutional disruption to funding for Medicaid, Head Start, disaster relief, veterans’ programs, and more,” he warned.
My statement on President Trump's decision to freeze trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans. pic.twitter.com/gKAiPUBdBk
— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) January 28, 2025
Representative Suhas Subramanyam, a member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, described the freeze as reckless and deeply harmful to Americans who rely on federal aid.
My response to @POTUS’ shutdown pic.twitter.com/3olbTSLwj2
— Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) (@RepSuhas) January 28, 2025
“People have been calling my office scared, concerned, and rightfully confused by these dangerous and unnecessary federal funding freezes,” Subramanyam said. “Shelters have said they may have to close, veterans may not receive their benefits, seniors will not receive medical care, and kids will go hungry at school.”
In a video message posted on social media, Subramanyam likened the situation to a “mini government shutdown,” urging constituents to reach out to his office for assistance. “We’re going to fight this,” he assured.
My thoughts on President Trump’s shutdown. pic.twitter.com/8V6fNvU5Xc
— Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) (@RepSuhas) January 28, 2025
Representative Ami Bera said,“This decision has far-reaching implications, potentially slowing or halting the delivery of critical services.” While the administration claims programs like Social Security and Medicare will remain untouched, he warned that the freeze introduces uncertainty and could destabilize essential support systems.
Bera pledged to work closely with local organizations and individuals affected by the funding halt, vowing to “ensure that Sacramento County residents receive the vital funding and support they rely on.”
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