A second federal judge on Thursday extended a block barring the Trump 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 Democrat states 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,” McConnel wrote. “The Court is not limiting the Executive’s discretion or micromanaging the administration of federal funds. Rather, consistent with the Constitution, statutes, and caselaw, the Court is simply holding that the Executive’s discretion to impose its own policy preferences on appropriated funds can be exercised only if it is authorized by the congressionally approved appropriations statutes.”
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.
Among the funding impacted is billions of dollars that would fund rooftop solar power in low-income neighborhoods and subsidize low- and moderate-income households' purchase and installation of electric heat pump water heaters. Also affected are 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 President Donald 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The Republican administration has since rescinded a memo outlining the funding freeze.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.