Live Updates:

Federal Funding Freeze

Last Updated: February 27, 2025, 10:00 AM ET

There has been a flurry of activity for grant seekers, awardees, and those who are in the middle of grant-funded projects. The CFS team is closely monitoring executive orders, official memos and releases, and press updates to provide you with accurate information on real-world implications and what to expect next.

To ensure you are informed about the latest updates on these changes and how they will be implemented, we have created a dedicated landing page to provide you with comprehensive information as it becomes available. Below, you will find a summary of recent activity that will continue to be updated live on the site. Bookmark this page to stay current.

February 27, 2025 | 12:00 PM ET

Wednesday night, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Implementing the President’s Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative.” This order aims to enhance transparency and accountability in federal spending by mandating reviews of contracts, grants, and loans. Key provisions in the EO relating to discretionary spending include:

Centralized Payment Justification System: Agencies are required to establish systems that record every payment made under covered contracts and grants. Each payment must include a brief, written justification from the approving employee.

Review and Termination of Existing Agreements: Agency heads must assess all existing contracts and grants in consultation with their Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Team Leads. Where appropriate, they are to terminate or modify agreements to reduce federal spending or reallocate funds to enhance efficiency and align with the administration’s policies. This review prioritizes funds disbursed to educational institutions and foreign entities, focusing on identifying waste, fraud, and abuse. Heads of agencies must complete the reviews within 30 days of the date of the order.

Contracting Process Evaluation: Agencies must conduct comprehensive reviews of their contracting policies, procedures, and personnel. During this evaluation, the issuance or approval of new contracting officer warrants is suspended unless deemed necessary by the agency head.

The executive order excludes certain areas from its directives. These exemptions include direct assistance to individuals and expenditures related to immigration enforcement, law enforcement, the military, public safety, and the intelligence community. Additionally, this order excludes “critical, acute, or emergency” spending, as determined by the relevant agency head.

Source: White House

February 27, 2025 | 10:00 AM ET

Yesterday, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts issued an interim order pausing a federal judge’s mandate that required the Trump administration to disburse nearly $2 billion in foreign aid funds by 11:59 p.m. that night. This decision responds to an urgent appeal from the administration, which argued that compliance with the deadline was not feasible. Chief Justice Roberts’ stay temporarily allows the administration to maintain the freeze on these funds. This order follows a series of legal challenges concerning the administration’s suspension of foreign aid, including previous orders by U.S. District Judge Amir Ali aimed at unfreezing the funds to prevent harm to ongoing humanitarian efforts.

Source: Reuters

February 26, 2025 | 11:45 AM ET

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has announced a second round of canceled grants totaling over $60 million in federal funding. According to the EPA press release, the 20 rescinded grants were mainly related to DEI initiatives and environmental justice programs, although specific details on which grants were canceled were not provided.

Meanwhile, U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan in Washington, D.C., issued a preliminary injunction at the request of thousands of nonprofits and small businesses to prevent the Trump administration from freezing grants and loans. In her ruling, AliKhan noted that while some funds had been released since she first issued a temporary block on the administration’s spending freeze, there was still a risk that the administration might attempt to halt funding again.

Source: EPA, Reuters

February 25, 2025 | 3:30 PM ET

Today, the USDA Rural Development office released a newsletter highlighting reopened funding opportunities, indicating that the federal government is starting to resume applications for funding for paused programs.

Source: USDA

CFS Weekly Debrief: February 21, 2025

Early Friday morning, the Senate ended its 10-hour voting marathon by approving a budget resolution 52-48. The resolution is the first of two key pieces of legislation that Senate Majority Leader John Thune is using to pass President Trump’s first-year agenda. Senate Republicans have noted that this is merely a “Plan B” if the House is unable to find enough votes to pass their own budget, which is beginning to look more like a possibility. Congress has until March 14th to pass a budget to avoid a government shutdown.

As we noted in an earlier post, the slight thaw in the funding freeze has continued as newly confirmed cabinet positions have begun their assessment of their respective programs. Legal pressures are also mounting against the departments to resume payments for congressionally authorized programs. Notably, U.S. District Court Judge Amir Ali issued a seven-page order directing officials: “To the extent Defendants have continued the blanket suspension, they are ordered to immediately cease it.” There is also growing concern that federal departments may not have the staff capacity to quickly resume funding in light of the mass federal layoffs over the past few weeks.

All eyes will be on the House for the next three weeks to see when, or if, they are able to pass a budget to fund the government.

February 21, 2025 | 11:00 AM ET

Yesterday, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the release of approximately $20 million in previously frozen funds to honor existing contracts with farmers. This funding will support programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). These programs are designed to assist farmers and promote environmental conservation efforts. The release of funds follows a federal court order mandating the unfreezing of federal grants and loans that had been paused during a comprehensive review of over 400 USDA programs. While this $20 million represents a fraction of the suspended funds, it signifies a step toward resuming financial assistance to the agricultural sector.

Source: Reuters

February 20, 2025 | 12:00 PM ET

E&E News reported that a Department of Energy memo now requires a “senior political appointee” to review recent Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law awards before payments are made. This directive follows a U.S. district court ruling last month that ordered the administration to lift its blanket freeze on federal program spending.

Source: E&E News by Politico

February 13, 2025 | 3:00 PM ET

In a 72-28 vote, Brooke Rollins has been confirmed as the US Secretary of Agriculture. Ms. Rollins will oversee a nearly $200 billion budget, with many funding programs targeted at rural areas.

Source: Politico

February 13, 2025 | 12:00 PM ET

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) following a narrow 52-48 Senate vote. Kennedy will now oversee the department, which has a $1.7 trillion budget and encompasses agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and National Institutes of Health (NIH). Kennedy’s leadership could significantly influence the allocation of federal grants within the health sector by shifting agencies’ funding priorities, potentially affecting grants related to public health initiatives and medical research.

Source: Associated Press

CFS Daily Brief: February 12, 2025

Today, the Trump administration faced a significant legal setback as the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rejected its emergency request to reinstate a blanket freeze on federal funding. This decision upholds U.S. District Judge John McConnell’s earlier ruling, which ordered the administration to lift the freeze. The legal battle, initiated by 22 Democratic state attorneys general, marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle over executive power and government spending.

Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, The Senate confirmed former Representative Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in a narrow 52-48 vote. As the head of the 18-agency intelligence community and President Trump’s top intelligence advisor, Gabbard’s leadership could shape national security policies and funding priorities. While her role primarily focuses on intelligence operations, potential budget reallocations or policy shifts may indirectly impact federal grants, particularly those supporting national security, cybersecurity, and research initiatives.

February 12, 2025 | 12:00 PM ET

A federal appeals court has rejected the Trump administration’s emergency bid to lift restrictions on its blanket freeze of federal spending. The unanimous decision by the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals marks the first appellate defeat for the administration in this executive-power dispute. The matter remains with U.S. District Judge John McConnell, who previously ordered the freeze lifted and issued a second rebuke on Monday, citing noncompliance by officials.

Source: Politico

CFS Daily Brief: February 11, 2025

Federal funding programs remain in limbo today. The Trump Administration and Department of Justice asked the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to halt a Rhode Island judge’s ruling that barred the administration from freezing billions in federal grants, loans, and other financial aid. The judge had found that the administration defied a previous order to resume disbursing funds, prompting the DOJ to claim “intolerable judicial overreach.” The legal fight over federal spending restrictions is now set to intensify in the appellate courts.

February 11, 2025 | 8:00 AM ET

Monday night, federal district judge Angel Kelley of Massachusetts issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to cut biomedical research funding in 22 states. The order prevents the National Institutes of Health from implementing a newly announced policy that would drastically reduce indirect cost funding for universities and research institutions. Attorneys general from the affected states argue the cuts violate the Administrative Procedure Act, warning of immediate disruptions to research, layoffs, and halted clinical trials. Meanwhile, major universities and higher-education associations, including the University of California system and institutions like MIT and Johns Hopkins, have filed a separate lawsuit, broadening the legal fight against the funding changes.

Source: Washington Post

CFS Daily Brief: February 10, 2025

Legal challenges against the Trump Administration escalated on Monday, as 22 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Trump Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services. The lawsuit contests the agency's new policy for all grants, which caps all indirect costs at 15%, arguing that it violates the Administrative Procedure Act.

Meanwhile, a federal judge in Rhode Island reaffirmed that the funding freeze is unconstitutional, ruling that the Trump Administration continues to improperly withhold federal funds despite prior court orders blocking the pause on grant payments.

On Capitol Hill, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) announced the creation of the “Rapid Response Task Force and Litigation Working Group” to combat executive overreach and unconstitutional actions. The task force may pursue legal action against the Trump Administration as well.

As legal battles intensify and congressional opposition mounts, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the future of federal funding and the limits of executive authority.

February 10, 2025 | 3:30 PM ET

A federal judge in Rhode Island ruled that the Trump administration continues to improperly freeze federal funds despite a previous court order blocking the pause on grant payments and other programs. U.S. District Court Judge John McConnell, Jr. stated that the freeze is “likely unconstitutional” and has caused “irreparable harm,” ordering the administration to restore the frozen funds immediately.

Source: NPR

February 10, 2025 | 12:45 PM ET

Today, 22 Attorneys General filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for unlawfully cutting funds that support advanced medical and public health research at universities and research institutions nationwide. The attorneys general argue that reducing these indirect cost rates violates the Administrative Procedure Act, specifically a directive from Congress enacted during President Trump’s first term, which aimed to prevent his earlier proposal to cut research reimbursements significantly. This statutory language, which remains in effect, prohibits the NIH from imposing categorical and indiscriminate changes to indirect cost reimbursements. The coalition seeks a court order to prevent the Trump Administration and NIH from implementing these cuts.

Source: Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General

CFS Weekend Brief: February 8-10, 2025

On Saturday, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced a sweeping policy change, implementing a standardized 15% indirect cost rate (IRC) for all NIH grants, effective Monday, February 10, 2025. This new policy applies to both new awards and existing grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs), marking a significant shift in how the agency funds research. Previously, indirect cost rates were negotiated individually, averaging between 27% and 28%, with some institutions receiving rates exceeding 50%. By capping indirect costs at 15%—in line with major private foundations—NIH aims to direct more funding toward research activities. As a result, institutions relying on discretionary NIH grants must now reevaluate their budgeting and financial strategies to adapt to this funding model.

Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Congress is ramping up negotiations to finalize the 2025 federal budget, with the current stopgap funding measure set to expire on March 14. Democrats, citing concerns over blocked funding priorities, are approaching negotiations cautiously, prompting Republicans to accuse them of stalling talks to manufacture a government shutdown. With funding debates intensifying, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Congress can reach a deal or if another short-term extension will be necessary to keep the government running.

CFS Daily Brief: February 7, 2025

Budgets. Budgets. Budgets. That seemed to be the end of the week focus as the House and Senate weigh their options to deal with the looming March 14 deadline to pass a final budget for FY25. While the budgeting process typically originates in the House, slim margins and Republican infighting are appearing to force the Senate’s hand to get a budget resolution drafted.

The Senate voted 53-47 to confirm Russell Vought as administrator for the Federal Office of Management and Budget. Some within the Beltway expect him to move quickly to issue new guidance on the funding freeze. Given the significant scrutiny that OMB received after its initial funding freeze memo, Super Bowl Weekend may provide the perfect opportunity to release updated directives.

CFS Daily Brief: February 6, 2025

It will be a late night for the Senate as they are set to vote on President Trump’s nominee, Russell Vought, to lead the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This is shaping up to be a more contentious vote than one would have previously thought after OMB released a memo in January putting a pause on all federal aid. The memo created confusion and chaos across the federal programs and was eventually rescinded by OMB after public outcry. Republicans maintain a majority in the Senate, so it is likely to see Vought confirmed across party lines. Luckily, Trump’s cabinet picks have not wasted any time getting to work so clarity from OMB may soon be in our future.

February 6, 2025 | 9:00 AM ET

Yesterday evening, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright signed his first order directing the Department of Energy to take immediate action to promote American energy initiatives in alignment with President Trump's executive orders. The directive outlines nine key actions that signify a strategic shift in federal funding priorities within the energy sector to “pursue a culture of transparency, performance, and common sense to succeed.” The DOE is expected to reallocate resources to support initiatives that bolster fossil fuel production, expedite energy infrastructure permitting, and strengthen grid resilience

Secretary Wright has directed the DOE to 1) Advance Energy Addition, Not Subtraction, 2) Unleash American Energy Innovation, 3) Return to Regular Order on LNG Exports, 4) Promote Affordability and Consumer Choice in Home Appliances, 5) Refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), 6) Modernize America’s nuclear stockpile, 7) Unleash Commercial Nuclear Power in the United States, 8) Strengthen Grid Reliability and Security, and 9) Streamline Permitting and Identify Undue Burdens on American Energy.

Source: Department of Energy

CFS Daily Brief: February 5, 2025

A few recent signs are starting to point to a slight thaw in the federal funding freeze. Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) resumed funding a handful of programs funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Late last week, the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) re-released the NOFO for its marquee Port Infrastructure Development Program, which is also funded in part by the IIJA. Reading between the tea leaves, it appears that late Spring may be a busy time in the competitive funding space (assuming, of course, Congress can get a budget passed).

February 5, 2025 | 9:00 AM ET

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has resumed funding for certain programs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This decision follows the restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan, which blocked the Trump Administration's pause on funding. In an internal memo, Gregg Treml, the acting Chief Financial Officer of the EPA, announced that the agency's financial system would begin processing payments for programs that have obligated financial assistance. These programs include the State and Tribal Assistance Grants, Brownfields, and Superfund. However, it is important to note that some funding remains on hold, specifically the EPA’s $7 billion Solar for All program and the $5 billion climate pollution reduction program.

Source: Politico

CFS Daily Brief: February 4, 2025

Ten of the cabinet positions within the Trump 2.0 administration have made their way through the confirmation process. As they settle into their new roles, we are starting to gain insight into what changes they will make within their respective agencies to advance the President’s goals.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin released his “Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative” today, outlining the agency’s plan to balance environmental protection while fostering economic growth. This follows a similar tone that Interior Secretary Doug Burgum used in six new orders to DOI employees, directing them to “Unleash American Energy.”

Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright is surprisingly quiet. Aside from publishing a court-mandated order, he has not released any new guidance or directives regarding the department's funding policies. Billions of dollars are potentially at stake as current grantees and future applicants await insight into how the department will distribute funds authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA/BIL).

February 4, 2025 | 4:30 PM ET

Doug Burgum has officially begun his tenure as the 55th Secretary of the Interior, marking the start of a new era focused on advancing American energy independence and ensuring the responsible stewardship of the nation’s public lands and resources. He met with department officials to outline his key priorities and announced six new orders as a part of the President’s directive to “Unleash American Energy.”

The six new orders are titled:

1. Addressing the National Energy Emergency

2. Unleashing American Energy

3. Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost-of-Living Crisis

4. Announcing President Trump’s revocation of former Outer Continental Shelf Withdrawals

5. Achieving Prosperity Through Deregulation

6. Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential

Source: Department of Interior

February 4, 2025 | 11:00 AM ET

Today, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin unveiled the Powering the Great American Comeback initiative, outlining the agency’s priorities under President Trump’s administration. This initiative focuses on five key pillars aimed at advancing environmental protection while fostering economic growth:

Clean Air, Land, and Water for Every American – Ensuring access to clean resources while supporting emergency response efforts.

Restore American Energy Dominance – Driving energy independence and lowering costs for families and businesses.

Permitting Reform, Cooperative Federalism, and Cross-Agency Partnership– Streamlining regulatory processes to boost investment and job creation.

Make the United States the Artificial Intelligence Capital of the World – Positioning the U.S. as the global hub for artificial intelligence development.

Protecting and Bringing Back American Auto Jobs – Strengthening domestic manufacturing and bringing back industry jobs.

Source: EPA

February 4, 2025 | 8:00 AM ET

Monday evening, U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to implement a widespread freeze of federal financial assistance. This extends the temporary stay that she ordered last week on behalf of advocacy groups receiving federal funding. In her decision, she stated that the executive branch attempted to “run roughshod over a 'bulwark of the Constitution' by interfering with Congress's appropriation of federal funds” and "attempted to wrest the power of the purse away from the only branch of government entitled to wield it."

Source: NPR

CFS Daily Brief: February 3, 2025

Another week is kicking off in the Capitol, and with it comes a new Executive Order—this one calling for the creation of a sovereign wealth fund for the United States. Subject to congressional approval, details of the fund will be ironed out over the next 12 months. These state-sponsored funds are typically used as a financial vehicle to make direct investments with government dollars. Investments in supply chain resiliency, nationally significant infrastructure projects, and even social media have been floated as possible portfolio items.

Elsewhere, there is increased discussion about the future of the Department of Education. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) has reintroduced a bill to abolish the agency by the end of 2026. It is unclear how the funding that is currently administered by the agency would be diverted and what mechanisms would be in place to get it into the hands of States and local school districts.

Sweeping changes to Department of Transportation grant, loan, and contract programs were announced via a new order from Secretary Sean Duffy. The document outlines new policy shifts from the department with a renewed focus on benefit-cost analysis for ALL projects, additional preference for projects being developed in Opportunity Zones, and project outcomes being tied to increased access to jobs, healthcare, and primarily benefitting families and communities.

February 3, 2025 | 1:55 PM ET

Following the closure of the USAID headquarters on Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed reporters that he will temporarily serve as the agency’s acting administrator. Lawmakers have joined protests outside the agency's headquarters, arguing that the executive branch does not possess the legal authority to dissolve federal agencies, which are established and funded by Congress. Although foreign assistance administered by USAID accounts for less than 1% of the federal budget, the Trump Administration aims to reduce wasteful spending by reevaluating current programs to align with the new administration's priorities.

Source: New York Times

February 3, 2025 | 8:57 AM ET

The Department of Energy published a Notice and Order via the OCED Exchange to notify all department employees, contractors, and grantees of the temporary restraining order released last Friday in response to the OMB memo. Key points in the Notice include:

1. Federal agencies cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel, or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB Memo or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.

2. This prohibition applies to all awards or obligations and also applies to future assistance (not just current or existing awards or obligations).

3. Agencies may exercise their own authority to pause awards or obligations, provided agencies do so purely based on their own discretion and provided the pause complies with all notice and procedural requirements in the award, agreement, or other instrument relating to such a pause.

4. Out of an abundance of caution, all federal agencies should comply with the above-referenced terms

Source: Department of Energy

CFS Weekend Brief: February 1-2, 2025

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) found itself under scrutiny from the Trump Administration this weekend. The agency's website has gone dark amid a foreign aid funding freeze, which has halted most of its programs and put dozens of senior officials on leave. Some news outlets have hinted that the administration is considering absorbing the agency into the State Department, which it had planned to do in 2017, or substantially reducing the scope and scale of its activities. This bout between agency and administration officials may set the tone for how the White House plans to restructure federal departments deemed to be at odds with administration goals.

CFS Daily Brief: January 31, 2025

A week of questions and ambiguity has come to an end with U.S. District Chief Judge John McConnell issuing a temporary restraining order to block the Trump administration’s freeze of federal aid earlier in the week. While a separate but similar ruling was issued on Tuesday evening, that order was set to expire on February 3. The new ruling will extend until Judge McConnell can consider the state’s request for a longer injunction, which is anticipated to be filed.

This points to a foreseeable legal battle that may clarify the President’s executive authority and Congress’ “power of the purse.” This could have vast implications for how the remaining funds of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (also referred to as the IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or “BIL”) are able to be accessed.

January 31, 2025 | 4:45 PM ET

U.S. District Chief Judge John McConnell has granted the request for a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration's Monday night memo, which ordered a wide-sweeping pause of federal funding. The guidance was challenged by 22 states and the District of Columbia, who argued that the memo issued by the Office of Management and Budget violated Federal law and the Constitution.

Source: The Hill

January 31, 2025 | 9:00 AM

On Thursday night, Doug Burgum, the former governor of North Dakota, was confirmed as the Secretary of the Interior with a 79-18 vote. He will manage federal lands and natural resources, focusing on expanding fossil fuel production and reducing support of clean energy initiatives from the previous administration, particularly offshore wind power development.

Source: Politico

CFS Daily Debrief: January 30, 2025

With eyes in the Capitol turned towards emergency response and confirmation hearings, today seemed eerily quiet after what has been a tumultuous week for those in the federal funding space. Late Wednesday night, President Trump released two executive orders directed at the Department of Education. While most of the text has implications on formula funding programs, certain sections suggest there will be an emphasis on educational choice and a removal of “divisive” content that will impact competitive funding applicants.

Additionally, newly confirmed Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, released a memo to Department of Transportation employees, directing them to halt activities around “climate change activism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, racial equity, gender identity policies, environmental justice, and other partisan objectives.”

With the recent confirmation of Lee Zeldin as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we would not be surprised to see updated agency guidance on EPA funding programs coming in the next few days.

January 30, 2025 | 11:30 AM ET

The Trump Administration issued two executive orders Wednesday night directed at the Department of Education. Collectively, these executive orders aim to reshape the allocation and conditions of federal funding in education.

The first EO, titled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling,” will increase scrutiny of how discretionary funding is spent to ensure that federally funded initiatives do not promote what the administration calls “divisive” content, including critical race theory and gender identity education. Programs with DEI initiatives could see their funding reduced or eligibility requirements altered.

The second EO, titled “Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families,” will shift federal education funding toward school choice initiatives, or “educational freedom,” that expand access to charter schools, private schools, and voucher-based programs. The order calls for reviews and guidance on how existing federal funds can be used to expand educational choices for low-income families, military-connected families, and students eligible for Bureau of Indian Education schools.

Future applicants to the Department of Education should be prepared to align proposals with these updated federal priorities.

Sources: Executive Order to Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling – White House

Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families – White House

January 30, 2025 | 8:00 AM ET

The newly confirmed Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, signed a memorandum titled “Woke Rescission,” directing Secretarial Officers and Heads of Operating Administrations to identify and eliminate all Biden-era programs, policies, activities, rules, and orders that promote climate change activism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, racial equity, gender identity policies, environmental justice, and other partisan objectives.

Source: Department of Transportation

CFS Daily Debrief: January 29, 2025

Today, the Office of Management and Budget released a clarifying memo rescinding Monday’s original guidance to temporarily pause federal aid programs. In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted via X, “This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze. This is simply a rescission of the OMB memo.” Legal challenges to President Trump’s federal spending freeze also intensified today as a second federal judge signaled plans to block the policy, citing conflicting White House messaging. As the situation develops, agencies have been directed to consult their legal teams on implementing the executive orders, which remain active and in place.

January 29, 2025 | 4:45 PM ET – A federal judge has indicated plans to block President Trump’s recent federal spending freeze, citing conflicting messages from the White House regarding its implementation. This follows a previous temporary halt by another judge, as legal challenges to the freeze continue.

Source: Politico

January 29, 2025 | 2:00 PM ET – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X following OMB’s new guidance, saying, “This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court’s injunction. The President’s EO’s on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”

Source: Washington Post

January 29, 2025 | 1:00 PM ET – OMB has rescinded its initial memorandum, M-25-13. The new memo published by OMB states, in full, “OMB Memorandum M-25-13 is rescinded. If you have questions about implementing the President's Executive Orders, please contact your agency General Counsel.”

Source: Associated Press

January 29, 2025 | 9:00 AM ET – The National Science Foundation (NSF) released a special notice in response to the Office of Management and Budget memo pausing all review panels and new awards. NSF has created an “executive order implementation webpage” to update its community as it receives additional guidance.

Source: National Science Foundation

CFS Daily Debrief: January 28, 2025

What has been a 36-hour whirlwind has finally come to a (temporary) end for the federal funding world. A vaguely worded two-page memo released by the Office of Management and Budget directing federal agencies to temporarily freeze all federal funding by 5:00p Tuesday evening. However, that guidance was stayed by U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan after a suit was filed by three advocacy groups at-risk of losing funding. The freeze has brought up important questions around perceived election mandates, aligning existing federally funded programs to new administration priorities, and the impact of the Impoundment Control Act on executive branch powers. As the situation evolves, staying informed and connected with funding agencies will be key. The Capitol Funding Solutions team is dedicated to bringing you the most up-to-date information on federal funding programs. Check back to our live updates page to stay informed on the latest updates.

January 28, 2025 | 4:45 PM ET - An order from U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan has temporarily blocked the funding pause released by Office of Management and Budget. The judge's administrative stay will expire Monday afternoon.

Source: Associated Press

January 28, 2025 | 4:00 PM ET - A motion for a temporary restraining order was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Tuesday by three advocacy groups.

Source: Reuters

January 28, 2025 | 2:15 PM ET - Attorneys General across nine states announced they will seek an injunction blocking the Trump administration from freezing as much as $3 trillion in federal grants, loans and aid.

Source: Law 360

January 28, 2025 | 12:00 PM ET - Office of Management and Budget releases clarifying memo stating that any program which provides direct benefits to individuals is not subject to the pause. It also clarifies that the pause "may be as short as a day", it does not apply across-the-board to federal agencies, and they do not believe it violates the Impoundment Control Act.

Source: OMB Q&A M-25-13

January 28, 2025 | 9:00 AM ET - Office of Management and Budget provides additional guidance to departments on how to report program activities and planned funding activities. This included a comprehensive list of Federal programs including anticipated obligations or funding disbursements through March 15 and "eight yes/no" questions to determine if programs may be implicated by the new executive orders.

Source: Support Document for M-25-13

January 27, 2025 | 10:45 AM ET - US Department of Energy Office of Science releases an email highlighting how the agency is moving aggressively to implement Executive Orders. The Department announced the suspension of DEI policies and procedures; requiring, using, or enforcing Community Benefits Plans (CBPs); and the suspension of enforcing Justice40 requirements in any loans, grants, and other sources of financial assistance.

Source: Department of Energy

January 27, 2025 | 9:15 AM ET - Office of Management and Budget releases a memorandum to heads of executive departments and agencies implementing a temporary pause of agency grant, loan, and other financial assistance programs effective January 28, 2025, at 5:00p ET. The memorandum requires Federal agencies to identify and review all Federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities consistent with the President’s policies and requirements. OMB also directs Federal agencies to pause all activities associated with open NOFOs, such as conducting merit review panels. Agencies will have until February 10, 2025, to submit detailed information on activities and programs subject to this pause.

Source: OMB M-25-13

January 20, 2025 | 3:00 PM ET - President Trump signs an executive order titled "Unleashing American Energy," aimed to enhance U.S. energy production. The order rescinds a number of executive orders from the Biden Administration on energy and works to terminate the "Green New Deal". It also specifically calls on agencies to immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (also referred to as the IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or "BIL").

Source: Unleashing American Energy - The White House

January 20, 2025 | 3:00 PM ET - President Trump signs executive order titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," ordering all executive departments and agencies to terminate "discriminatory and illegal preferences, mandates, policies, programs, activities, guidance, regulations, enforcement actions, consent orders, and requirements." It also instructs the Office of Management and Budget to remove references to DEI and equity principles from Federal acquisition, contracting, grants, and financial assistance procedures.

Source: Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity - The White House