PA governor says $2.1B in federal funding restored after suing Trump admin
Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro made headlines on Monday when he announced that $2.1 billion in federal funds had been unfrozen and restored to Pennsylvania. This came after Shapiro filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on February 13, joining a coalition of states challenging Trump’s alleged illegal federal funding freeze. Shapiro emphasized that legal action was necessary in order to secure Pennsylvania’s federal funding.
During his visit to Washington for the National Governors Association (NGA) last week, Shapiro personally urged senior members of the Trump administration to unfreeze the federal funds. His direct engagement with the administration proved successful, with Pennsylvania now having access to the funds that were owed to them.
The White House Office of Management and Budget had directed agencies to halt federal funding on January 27 in compliance with Trump’s executive orders. However, federal judges issued a temporary restraining order blocking the funding freeze, allowing states involved in litigation against the Trump administration to access the unfrozen funds.
Shapiro’s lawsuit and continued pressure on the administration resulted in the restoration of $2.1 billion in federal funding. This funding will support critical programs and infrastructure projects in Pennsylvania, including plugging abandoned wells, cleaning waterways, protecting farmers from runoff water, repairing mines, and delivering clean water to residents. Additionally, several projects that were previously halted have been restarted, and federal employees are back to work.
Governor Shapiro emphasized that it is his duty to protect Pennsylvania’s interests and ensure that federal funds are used to benefit the state. He stated that legal action was the only way to unfreeze the funds and deliver for Pennsylvania. The ongoing legal battle between the state and federal governments highlights the challenges of Trump’s executive actions and the need for judicial intervention.
As Democratic governors across the country challenge Trump’s executive authority through litigation, the battle over federal funding continues. Governor Shapiro’s success in restoring Pennsylvania’s funds sets a precedent for other states facing similar challenges. The Trump administration has yet to respond to the restoration of Pennsylvania’s federal funds.
In conclusion, Governor Shapiro’s efforts to secure federal funding for Pennsylvania demonstrate the importance of standing up to unconstitutional actions and fighting for the interests of the state. The ongoing legal battles between states and the federal government highlight the need for checks and balances to ensure that executive actions comply with the law.
