Dean Criticizes Federal Freeze Before It's Rescinded

GLENSIDE, PA —U.S. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean has spoken out about President Trump’s order to freeze federal grant and loan payments, calling for the administration to immediately reverse course.

The Democrat —who represents the Fourth District of Pennsylvania —spoke out about the freeze on CNN during an interview on Wednesday morning after issuing a statement the day before.

The federal freeze was rescinded by The White House Wednesday afternoon.

“I am alarmed and deeply concerned by the Trump Administration’s freeze on federal grants and loan payments — an administrative move to sow chaos, uncertainty, and fear," Dean said. "While we do not know the full scope of this abrupt, unlawful halt in critical resources — we do know that seniors, families, children, and the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians will suffer."

Dean is calling upon President Trump and his administration to "immediately reverse course and uphold the rule of law and our Constitution."

Dean said Congress has "the power of the purse, and hardworking families must not pay the price for the Trump Administration’s overreach."

Dean said she has contacted Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office to better understand how federally-funded state programs — like public schools, counties, municipalities, and police departments — will be impacted.

"The news is overwhelming, yet I am determined to support Pennsylvania families in any way I can and ensure they receive the resources they are entitled to by law,” she said.