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The latest in politics and policy. Direct to your inbox. Sign up for the 12:30 Report newsletter Subscribe {beacon} This is a big, big deal:President Trump took the extraordinary step of freezing nearly all federal assistance programs to determine whether it aligns with Trump’s agenda.
There is an exception: Social Security and Medicare benefits should not be affected by the upcoming halt — and neither should the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Why this matters: There haven’t been many details yet, but this order, which will be effective at 5 p.m., appears to be extremely wide-ranging.
Keep in mind: The Hill’s Brett Samuels noted that “a senior Trump administration official asserted the memo did not amount to a funding freeze. They argued that if an agency found its funding was not in conflict with Trump’s agenda, it would be disbursed without issue.”
Democrats are ‘extremely alarmed’ by this: Top Democrats are already questioning the legality of this move. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) slammed the move as “blatantly [disobeying] the law” and questioned how temporary it may be.
What are Dems doing about it?: Senate Democrats are demanding that Republicans postpone Thursday’s scheduled vote on Thursday on Russell Vought, Trump’s nominee to head the Office of Management and Budget.
^ But they do not have enough votes to hold back Vought’s nomination — and a spokesperson for Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said the committee “will proceed with Mr. Vought’s nomination as scheduled.”
Republicans, on the other hand …: They're less concerned, with some even welcoming the move. Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and the No. 3 Republican in the Senate, Whip Tom Emmer (Minn.), both defended the move, with Emmer saying Trump was elected “to shake things up.”
➤ PLUS — TRUMP MADE SOME MAJOR CHANGES WITHIN THE MILITARY:
Trump signed four new executive orders Monday evening that could have significant effects on the U.S. military.
Ban transgender people from serving in the military.Reinstate service members who were forced out over COVID-19 vaccine mandates. “Abolish” every diversity, equity and inclusion office within the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security.Allow the development of a missile defense shield to protect the U.S. (Think: Israel’s Iron Dome) Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( 12:30 Report — Alarm bells go off over federal funding freeze order )
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