A second federal judge on Thursday extended a block barring President Donald Trump’s administration from freezing grants and loans potentially totaling trillions of dollars.
U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island granted the preliminary injunction in the lawsuit filed by nearly two dozen Democratic states including Maine after a Trump administration plan for a sweeping pause on federal spending stirred up a wave of confusion and anxiety across the United States.
In his ruling, McConnell said the executive branch was trying to put itself above Congress and by doing so “undermines the distinct constitutional roles of each branch of our government.”
“The Executive has not pointed to any constitutional or statutory authority that would allow them to impose this type of categorical freeze,” McConnell wrote.
The states say a litany of programs are still waiting for federal funds or some clarity on whether the money is going to be delivered. McConnell also said the states had demonstrated standing in this case.
In a statement, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey called the decision “a major win for research institutions and the people that rely on their critical work here in Maine and across the country.” He has focused on the effects of medical research funding cuts floated by the Republican president’s administration that would cost Maine’s public universities $7.5 million.
“My colleagues and I will do everything in our power to continue to fight this irresponsible attack on vital public health research,” he said.
Among the funding impacted is billions of dollars that would fund rooftop solar power in low-income neighborhoods, subsidizes low- and moderate-income households’ purchase and installation of electric heat pump water heaters and grants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants.
The White House previously said the temporary funding halt would ensure that the payments complied with Trump’s agenda, which includes increasing fossil fuel production, removing protections for transgender people and ending diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
The Republican administration has since rescinded a memo outlining the funding freeze. Still, many state governments, universities and nonprofits have argued federal agencies continue to block funding for a range of programs.
U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan in Washington has also extended an order blocking the funding freeze. AliKhan granted a preliminary injunction requested by groups representing thousands of nonprofits and small businesses.
Story by Michael Casey. BDN writer Michael Shepherd contributed to this story.
