Civil Rights Organizations Respond to Administration's Federal Funding Freeze

LEADING CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS RESPOND TO ADMINISTRATION'S FEDERAL FUNDING FREEZE, APPLAUD CONGRESSIONAL EFFORTS TO PROTECT COMMUNITIES

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, as lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders unite for a Day of Action, our coalition of leading civil rights organizations strongly condemns the reckless attempt to freeze critical federal funding. This sweeping action threatened the stability of communities nationwide, by interfering with the delivery of critical programs, raising costs for families and making it harder to access housing, healthcare, education, and other essential services.

Cutting off funding for schools, first responders, food assistance, and housing programs is not just harmful—it is an abdication of the government’s responsibility to the people it serves.

The Constitution is clear: Congress, not the President, controls the appropriation of federal funding. This overreach undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent that must be rejected.

While the administration has rescinded its memo, the executive orders underpinning it remain in place – including those that eliminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, programs, and activities across the federal government. We will continue to advocate for equity-centered programs, policies, grants, and contracts, as they make America stronger and more resilient.

Our coalition stands united with lawmakers, advocates, and communities across the country in demanding a lawful, rational, deliberative approach to federal spending. We will not waver in the fight to protect vital federal resources for the people who need them most.

 

National Urban League

National Action Network

National Coalition on Black Civic Participation

National Council of Negro Women

NAACP

NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights