Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has taken legal action against President Donald Trump's administration by filing a lawsuit to unfreeze federal funds. This move places Pennsylvania among the 24 states and the District of Columbia challenging the alleged 'unconstitutional' freeze on federal funding imposed by the Trump administration.
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a directive on January 27 instructing agencies to halt federal funding. As a result, Pennsylvania state agencies have been unable to access $1.2 billion in federal funds, with an additional $900 million awaiting federal review, as stated in the lawsuit filed by Shapiro.
The lawsuit specifically names several federal officials, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and OMB Director Russell Vought in their respective capacities.
Shapiro emphasized that the federal government had committed to providing billions of dollars in Congressionally approved funding to address critical needs in Pennsylvania, such as public health protection, energy cost reduction, clean drinking water provision, and job creation in rural areas. The Governor asserted that the funding freeze breached this contract, prompting his legal action to safeguard Pennsylvania's interests.
In response, the Trump administration characterized the legal challenges as attempts to undermine the will of the American people, dismissing Shapiro's lawsuit as part of the 'Left's resistance.'
Shapiro highlighted that the frozen federal funding posed a risk to essential Pennsylvania projects, including mine land reclamation, orphan well capping, and consumer cost reduction, while the Commonwealth continued to accumulate debt on federally approved initiatives.
Notably, Pennsylvania has joined over 23 states and Washington, D.C., in suing the Trump administration to unfreeze federal funds. While federal judges have issued temporary restraining orders in states with ongoing litigation, Pennsylvania's lack of legal action initially spared it from the funding freeze order.
Shapiro underscored the necessity of his lawsuit to enforce the federal judge's order and ensure the release of funds for Pennsylvania's benefit. Democratic groups swiftly voiced their support for Shapiro's legal action, emphasizing the importance of protecting Pennsylvanians and vital community initiatives.
Evergreen Action, a progressive climate action organization, commended Shapiro for his advocacy on behalf of Pennsylvanians, urging the immediate restoration of critical funds to support communities and economic stability.
