EveryChild CA Member Update: Executive Order Pausing Federal Program Funding

Date postedJanuary 28, 2025
Posted By: Nina Buthee News and Updates,

Member Update: Executive Order Pausing Federal Program Funding 

Updated: January 29, 2025 

UPDATE: OMB Memo 25-13 Rescinded

As of this morning, the OMB has rescinded Memo 25-13 which paused Federal Program Funding. According to reporting on the rescission from Politico:

“The memo’s rescission does not rule out a new memo from the White House budget office on another spending freeze, with administration officials arguing that such an action falls within the power of the executive branch.

The Wednesday memo, which was only two sentences, offered no specifics about why the Office of Management and Budget so quickly decided to rescind its original directive, saying only that any questions about implementing the president’s executive orders should be directed to each agency’s general counsel.”

We know that in the face of fast-moving directives like we saw yesterday and today, it can be difficult to keep up. EveryChild California staff and board members are here in the thick of it - seeking clarity on the implications of directives as they are published, advocating for your programs, and offering a steadfast and strong voice for all of California’s children and families. We are committed to serving you, and will continue to provide updates and information on the topics that matter to you.

UPDATE: Judge Blocks Spending Freeze

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/28/donald-trump-freeze-blocked-00201082 

UPDATE: View OMB Q&A 25-13 by Clicking Here . This update importantly notes:

“Any program not implicated by the President’s Executive Orders is not subject to the pause…Any program that provides direct benefits to Americans is explicitly excluded from the pause and exempted from this review process. In addition to Social Security and Medicare, already explicitly excluded in the guidance, mandatory programs like Medicaid and SNAP will continue without pause. Head Start and other similar programs will not be paused. "

Original Update Below:
Last night, President Trump’s administration issued a temporary pause on all federal grants and other funding programs, except Social Security and Medicare, in the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memo 25-13. This directive impacts the entire Federal government, all types of programs, agencies, and businesses, with the biggest impact on low-income households, educational institutions, state and local governments, and others.   

 

Federal law and past court cases clearly state that Presidents cannot unilaterally delay or cancel funding appropriated by Congress. Numerous groups are already challenging the OMB ’s actions.  

 

 

While much is unclear, we know that this will significantly impact CCDBG, Head Start, SNAP, WIC, and other social benefit programs.  

 

The National Head Start Association reported this morning that their payment system has been temporarily shut down, and the Office of Head Start has “been ordered not to be in communication with anyone externally until further notice.” 

The temporary pause will become effective on January 28, 2025, at 5:00 pm EST. No later than February 10, 2025, agencies shall submit to OMB detailed information on any programs, projects, or activities subject to this pause. No end date is included in the memo.  

California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that California is “reviewing the Trump Administration’s sweeping federal funding directive. Make no mistake—any pause to critical funding would hurt families and threaten public health and safety. We’re prepared to protect California’s people and programs from POTUS’ reckless and dangerous actions.”  

 

EveryChild California will continue to update members as we hear more clarity in days to come.  

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