UPDATE- Pushback was so beyond belief that the White House Leadership had to retreat on this threatened Sunding shutdown.
Updates:
Rescission of the OMB memorandum on January 29. News outlets reported that on Wednesday, January 29, Matthew Vaeth, the acting OMB Director, notified federal agencies that the January 27 Federal financial assistance program funding freeze memo has been rescinded. See:
Acting Director Vaeth’s brief memo to the heads of executive departments and agencies said simply that: “OMB Memorandum M-25-13 is rescinded. If you hae questions about implementing the President’s Executive Orders, please contact your agency General Counsel.”
It was a wild day on Capitol Hill and in States across the US after the Trump Administration issued a statement that Federal agencies “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal” via a memo from the White House Office of Management and Budget. The implications were that all Federal funds were going to be cut off indefinitely, which would cripple agencies and programs across the fruited plains.
The latest update on this matter just broke at 4:13 PM on CNN.
https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-presidency-news-federal-grants-01-28-25/index.html
Federal Judge Loren Alikhan issued a stay on the new orders until Monday when she will hear additional testimony. According to NBC News, the order applies only to the pause of disbursements in open grants.
Oregon’s State Treasurer responded today to calm nerves as much as possible. This apparent powerplay by Trump comes as more of his cabinet picks are coming up for confirmation. In the ultimate game of leverage, this uncertainty feeds into an atmosphere of fear and panic.
Breaking News
January 28, 2024
Contact Information
Robb Cowie
Phone: 503-559-4624
Treasurer Steiner Issues Statement on Trump Administration’s Funding Shutdown
(Salem, OR) Oregon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner issued the following statement in response to last night’s directive from the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to temporarily stop and review the disbursement of federal funds to states and other entities:
“I am working closely with Governor Kotek, Attorney General Rayfield and other state leaders to assess the impact of the Trump administration’s sudden funding shut down. Through the state’s responsible fiscal management, the state treasury has an adequate balance of funds to sustain vital federally funded programs in the short term.
Oregonians depend on federal funds to ensure public safety, keep early learning programs and schools open, deliver health care, support farms and small businesses, maintain roads, care for seniors and other vulnerable people, fight wildfires and more. These funds support thousands of jobs in Oregon.
I am working with other state and congressional leaders to keep programs running and minimize any harms people across the state may experience. I call on the administration to immediately release these congressionally appropriated funds to Oregon and other states.”
Did I miss something in political science as a high school student? I was certain that, while he can influence decisions for the next fiscal year, it is not legal to reneg on already appropriated funds. And, I thought this was in the hands of the Senate and House, and not under the control of the president, anyway. I wish his minions would grow some balls and take back the power they were given when voted into their positions.
I’m so glad he is doing this. Just a general reset and review.
Sounds like typical Oregon…. Spend the money even when you don’t have it.
So basically our state government is using other non-federal funds to keep federal programs working. Can’t wait for the auditors to light up the state for this violation with the get their single audits (A-133) performed at year end.
Good thing to take place in cutting the budget of waste .
Some people rely on that to survive. Some with life threatening illnesses on OHP. And some of you are applauding it? I take it then that you have no problem with the homelessness problem we have because it’s about to get worse.
It was bound to happen at some point. It was abrupt, but this needs to happen! 72 million taxpayers asked for action and action is being taken.
Those of you who work for us are having to stand up, to be accountable for the ways you spend our hard earned money. I’m sure this is upsetting for you, but the time is long over due! You are very aware that this is temporary and this freeze only applies to open grants. Not one penny is being taken from social services and you are very much aware of that aren’t you. The purpose of this is to seek out waste. Meaning, if it doesn’t align with America First (like they found today in the federal budget for example, $500 million
for condoms for Gaza)
That $500;million alone can be better spent on US citizens including vaterans who are experiencing homelessness today, right here on our own soil. And we’re just getting started! It’s okay to be accountable. This is a positive thing….
Megan –
Please site your sources or we must remove your comment. You are welcome to weigh in but we expect accuracy of statements. To be a part of a meaningful discussion we must require facts to be checked.
Well articulated and accurate!
Well articulated!