Statement from CAPAC Chair Meng on the Trump Administration’s Decision to Freeze Federal Financial Assistance

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s decision to freeze the disbursement of federal financial assistance for hardworking Americans.

“President Trump’s attempt to suspend federal financial assistance is appalling. At a time when many Americans are struggling to make ends meet, the Trump Administration is raising costs and undermining vital programs that all Americans, including Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI), depend on. Programs that provide nutrition for pregnant mothers and newborns, economic development for small businesses, money to ensure safe drinking water, and funding to pay teachers and first responders are just a few examples of what would be impacted by this unlawful freeze.

“This decision also jeopardizes funding for millions in the AANHPI community, including funding for healthcare access, public safety programs to combat anti-Asian hate crimes, and housing. Let me be clear: federal financial assistance is not a diversity initiative, and hardworking Americans deserve a functioning government and access to the programs that they have paid for with their taxes. CAPAC will stand up to any attempts to reduce federal resources for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

“President Trump must reverse course and release the federal financial assistance that has already been appropriated by Congress and enacted into law. Millions of hardworking Americans are counting on it."