Pennsylvania Challenges Federal Funding Freeze in High-Stakes Legal Move

Man speaking at podium with American flags behind

Pennsylvania sues Trump administration over $1.2 billion federal funding freeze, citing constitutional violations and ignored court orders.

Quick Takes

Governor Josh Shapiro files lawsuit against Trump administration for blocking $1.2 billion in federal funding
Lawsuit claims funding freeze violates U.S. Constitution and Administrative Procedure Act
Funds are crucial for environmental projects, infrastructure, and utility bill relief
Trump administration accused of ignoring court orders to restore access to suspended funds

Pennsylvania Takes Legal Action Against Trump Administration

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has initiated legal proceedings against the Trump administration over a substantial funding freeze affecting more than $1.2 billion in federal aid designated for the state. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Philadelphia, alleges that the funding block contravenes the U.S. Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by overstepping legal boundaries and ignoring judicial directives.

The legal action names several federal agencies as defendants, including the White House Office of Management and Budget, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of Interior and Transportation. Governor Shapiro argues that the funding freeze is jeopardizing vital projects focused on environmental restoration, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

Gov. Josh Shapiro on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s funding freeze, and claimed Pennsylvania isn’t able to get $1.2 billion that it’s owed. https://t.co/OsNBJyy8sD

— Pittsburgh Business Times (@PghBizTimes) February 13, 2025

Impact on Pennsylvania’s Projects and Residents

The suspended funds are critical for various environmental initiatives in Pennsylvania, including reclaiming abandoned mine land, maintaining water treatment systems, and responding to emergencies. Additionally, the funding supports plugging abandoned wells and providing utility bill relief to approximately 28,000 residents. The fiscal halt has led to debts and obligations in federally approved projects that Pennsylvania cannot cover with reserve funds.

“To protect Pennsylvania’s interests and the funding appropriated to us by Congress, I’m left with no choice but to pursue legal action to defend our Commonwealth,” the governor said.

The lawsuit claims that at least $3.1 billion in funds through 2026 and another $2.69 billion for 2027-2037 have been restricted. In total, the complaint alleges that federal agencies’ actions have jeopardized at least $5.5 billion committed to Pennsylvania.

Legal Challenges and Administration’s Response

Despite federal judges ordering the restoration of funding access, the Trump administration has not complied. The lawsuit describes the actions of the federal agencies as “flagrantly lawless” and accuses them of lacking legal authority to withhold congressionally appropriated funds over policy disagreements.

“Despite that work, and despite two temporary restraining orders requiring federal agencies to restore access to suspended funds, federal agencies continue to deny Pennsylvania agencies funding that they are entitled to receive.” – Source

The Trump administration maintains that the suspension is a critical measure to rectify unnecessary expenditure. A spokesperson for the Trump campaign, Harrison Fields, stated, “Radical Leftists can either choose to swim against the tide and reject the overwhelming will of the people, or they can get on board and work with President Trump to advance his wildly popular agenda.”

Ongoing Friction Between State and Federal Governments

This legal battle underscores the persistent friction between state governance and federal financial policy decisions. The lawsuit argues that new conditions cannot be added to federal aid after acceptance and that aid cannot be shut off without legal justification, citing a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s spending clause.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Pennsylvania’s ability to access crucial funding for environmental and infrastructure projects hangs in the balance. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the relationship between state and federal governments regarding the allocation and management of congressionally approved funds.