Hayes Statement on Trump Administration Funding Freeze Chaos

WATERBURY, CT – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05 ) issued the following statement after the Office of Management and Budget rescinded the memorandum issued on January 27 directing federal agencies to pause the disbursement of Congressionally-approved funding as required by law. “Today, after two days of confusion and the intervention of a federal judge, the Trump Administration has rescinded the Monday OMB memo that ordered federal agencies to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance." Further adding to the confusion, 44 minutes later the White House issued  a follow up statement to say’ “the Executive Orders issued by the President on funding reviews remain in full force and effect and will be rigorously implemented by all agencies and departments.” The Monday OMB memo sent shock waves of fear through our state agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions. My office was contacted by constituents from all parts of the Fifth District, uncertain how this memo would affect operations or staff. OMB followed up by sending a two-page question-and-answer document that gave little information or guidance. The subsequent statements issued today by the White House exacerbate this sense of confusion. This lack of transparency or clear direction sets the tone for distrust between the American people and federal agencies. I will continue to provide updates as they are made available, however at this time there is very little clarity from the Trump administration to guide our next steps.”