Pennsylvania governor sues Trump administration over federal aid freeze News
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Pennsylvania governor sues Trump administration over federal aid freeze

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro filed a lawsuit Thursday against President Donald Trump and his administration over the federal aid freeze policy, claiming that it is unconstitutional for the executive branch to suspend money that Congress has already approved. The lawsuit specifically details the funds the federal government has withheld since January 27, namely the $3.1 billion in aid owed to Pennsylvania for fiscal years 2022 to 2026. It asks the court to prohibit the Trump administration from interfering with congressionally approved funds.

The lawsuit is one of many brought by other states and associations. The American Bar Association launched a lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of various non-government aid groups also protesting the use of executive power to cease federal funding.

An additional 22 state attorneys general from democratic states also filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts against the Trump administration for this widespread freeze in federal funding, naming it “unlawful” and decrying the detrimental effects this policy will have on the livelihoods of many of their constituents.

Federal judges have already issued temporary restraining orders against the Trump administration for this policy. Pennsylvania’s lawsuit accuses the White House of violating this federal order along with others who lodged lawsuits.

Another federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore foreign federal aid that they abruptly once Trump took office. US District Judge Amir Ali stated that the blanket 90-day freeze caused irreparable harm to the foreign contracts and groups that rely on the US’s foreign funding.

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