Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order on OMB Freeze

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Relations

Ruling is the latest setback For Trump-Vance administration in court and is a lifeline for people and communities who have had essential services in limbo

Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted a temporary restraining order of the OMB’s freeze on federal grant disbursements that has put essential services across the nation in jeopardy, in response to a suit filed by Democracy Forward on behalf of the National Council of Nonprofits, the American Public Health Association, Main Street Alliance, and SAGE.

“Nonprofits across the country have been left in limbo by the Trump administration’s callous actions. Now, they finally have some needed clarity and can continue to do their essential work,” said Diane Yentel, chief executive of the National Council of Nonprofits. “We are determined to continue to do all we can to prevent this administration’s reckless attempt to halt funding that would put people’s lives and safety at risk, from pausing research on cures for childhood cancer to halting food assistance, safety from domestic violence and closing suicide hotlines.”

“A halt on federal agency grants would mean state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments don’t get what they need to fund public health and prevention programs and research,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association. “Today’s ruling is a major victory towards continuing these vital programs. We will continue to work with partners to protect funds for public health, which were approved by Congress and are making the difference between life and death.”

“Small businesses across America are counting on federal funding for services like infrastructure development, workforce training, and childcare programs that allow small businesses to thrive,” said Richard Trent, Main Street Alliance Executive Director. “Main Streets in America can’t afford for these services to crumble, and this ruling is a welcome step in the fight to protect the funding small businesses count on.”

“Restricting federal grants and loans would severely impact the lives of older Americans, including LGBTQ+ elders, who are more vulnerable to health issues, disabilities, and social isolation, and often struggle to access the care and services they need,” said Michael Adams, SAGE CEO. “We are grateful for this ruling, which protects our older neighbors, friends, and loved ones from the harmful freeze on federal grants and loans.”

“The Trump administration’s OMB grant freeze memo plunged people and communities across the country into chaos and uncertainty as they waited to see if critical programs–from childcare, to eldercare, to food services, to health programs, to community initiatives–would continue. This order is a lifeline that provides the breathing room needed for our clients to continue to provide services people across this country rely on,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “We look forward to pursuing this case on its merits in court on the behalf of our clients and the American people.”

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Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.