DeLauro Highlights Impact of Funding Freeze on American Families

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, spoke on March 6, 2025, about the adverse effects of funding freezes initiated under President Trump’s administration and influenced by billionaire Elon Musk.

DeLauro emphasized that this freeze has directly harmed communities nationwide, saying, “We are here today to reveal the direct and significant harms brought to the American people by the actions of Elon Musk and President Trump.” She criticized the administration for impounding funds vital for families, children, and educational programs while giving tax breaks to the wealthy.

“These brazen actions are unconstitutional,” DeLauro added, referring to the apparent disregard for Congress’s role in determining federal spending as outlined in Article I of the Constitution. According to her, some lawmakers appear more aligned with billionaire donors than with their constituents. “They believe if they remain silent, they can blend in with the statues and monuments,” she stated.

Amid the press conference, she showcased the faces of those most affected by the funding cuts, including families at the Dixwell Farmers Market in New Haven, Connecticut, operated by CitySeed. This organization provides access to fresh food, culinary training, and economic opportunities for residents. DeLauro emphasized the importance of such programs for community health and stability, noting, “Children cannot learn and grow if they are hungry.”

She expressed concern that the cessation of funding for programs like the U.S. Department of Agriculture‘s Local Food Promotion Program would lead to chaos for community organizations like CitySeed, which have been without critical funding since January 20. “Without CitySeed’s programs, farmers and bakers will suffer. And most outrageously, hungry children will suffer,” she said.

The congresswoman highlighted stories from across the nation, noting the dramatic financial impact on families due to the administration’s policies. She critiqued the government’s approach, which she described as a “slash-and-burn” strategy leading to destabilization in various sectors, including education, food access, and healthcare. “From farmers markets to schools, from community centers to medical facilities, Americans are seeing the direct effects of the Administration’s funding freeze and impoundments,” she stated.

DeLauro also referenced her recent visit to Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge, Connecticut, where federal funding cuts halted technology development and teacher compensation. She stated, “Over half of the nation’s public schools are Title I-eligible. Hundreds of thousands of classrooms have a teacher standing inside them because of this funding. With a snap of his fingers, Musk threw Amity and thousands of schools like it into chaos.”

Emphasizing the disparity, she remarked, “Donald Trump’s kids will not suffer. Elon Musk’s kids will not suffer. But millions of children’s futures hang in the balance.” The congresswoman underscored that the policies enacted by Musk and the Trump administration would continue to inflict pain on everyday Americans as long as Republican lawmakers remained complicit.

“So long as House Republicans continue to stand silent and frozen, the American people will continue to pay the price,” DeLauro concluded, rallying her colleagues to take action against the funding freezes. She thanked those who shared their stories and reiterated the fight for community support and basic needs.