HARRISBURG, PA – February 13, 2025 – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that he will be filing suit to challenge President Trump’s unconstitutional freeze on $1.2 billion that the US Congress appropriated to Pennsylvania, along with an additional $900 million requiring an undefined review by federal agencies.
Governor Shapiro’s suit seeks to restore access to funding to PA agencies that provide critical services to Pennsylvanians, including LIHEAP, energy and clean water infrastructure, and plugging orphan wells, among other programs that benefit the commonwealth.
In support of this lawsuit, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Democratic Appropriations Chair Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) release the following:
“I am proud to support Governor Shapiro in his fight to demand what is constitutionally ours from an overreaching federal executive,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “My offices have been inundated with calls from constituents who are concerned, confused, and scared that the programs that keep their heat on and their homes livable will be taken away at a moment’s notice. In these unprecedented and destabilizing moments, I am grateful for the leadership of a Governor who does not run away from fights but takes them head-on. I look forward to supporting his efforts to deliver the funding that is rightfully, constitutionally, Pennsylvania’s.”
Senator Vincent Hughes, Democratic Appropriations Chair, said, “Right now, Pennsylvania can’t access billions of dollars for home repairs, clean water, public health, and rural jobs. This money has already been approved by Congress. It is intended for programs and services that have a real impact on millions of Pennsylvania residents. The current federal disregard for our constitution and the people we serve cannot continue.
This lawsuit is justified and a needed step to untangle the confusion that has been caused by the Trump Administration’s federal funding freeze. We must put the lives of Pennsylvania’s people first. With this lawsuit, Gov. Shapiro is doing that.
I applaud Governor Shapiro for standing up for the people of Pennsylvania and what they need and deserve, and for standing up for the rule of law in our country. His steady leadership in this time of chaos and confusion in Washington, is exactly what Pennsylvania needs.”
Learn more about the Pennsylvania Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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