Dear Domonique,

After a very busy week, welcome back to your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.

Last week, the Trump Administration Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memorandum ordering federal agencies to temporarily pause all activities related to the obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance. The memo sent shock waves of fear through state agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions. The Connecticut Congressional delegation, in partnership with Governor Ned Lamont, and state and local leaders quickly mobilized.  Additionally, following the news of the federal funding pause and the most recent executive orders, I met with immigration stakeholders across Connecticut to discuss their impact on immigrant communities.

More from the week: On Monday, I attended the Thomaston Youth Summit, an opportunity for high school students to connect with their government representatives. Also, I reintroduced the Closing the College Hunger Gap Act, legislation to combat food insecurity on college campuses. I am also including an update on student nominations to the Service Academies Class of 2029.

For my full update, please read below. 

Trump Administration Federal Funding Pause 

On Monday, the Trump Administration Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memorandum ordering federal agencies to “temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance.” This unlawful order put vital programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Medicaid, and Head Start at risk, hurting our most vulnerable neighbors.

The memo sent shock waves of fear through state agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions. My office was contacted by constituents and stakeholders from all parts of the Fifth District, uncertain how this memo will affect operations and staff.

Throughout the chaos, the Connecticut Congressional delegation, in partnership with Governor Ned Lamont, and state and local leaders, quickly mobilized.

On Tuesday, I was joined by the federal delegation, Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Attorney General William Tong, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, and local elected officials for a press conference at the Connecticut State Capitol Building.

 During the press conference, we shared the resources in place for Connecticut residents, as well as steps our state is taking to combat the unlawful federal funding pause. Additionally, Attorney General William Tong announced Connecticut joined a coalition of 22 other states in seeking a federal court order to immediately stop the enforcement of the OMB policy and preserve essential funding. 

On Wednesday, following two days of chaos and confusion, and after the intervention of a federal judge, the Trump Administration rescinded the Monday OMB memo. Further, as of today, the White House maintains that the “President’s executive order on federal funding remains in full effect and will be rigorously implemented.” This lack of transparency or clear direction sets the tone for distrust between the American people and federal agencies.

I will continue to provide updates as they are available, however at this time, there is still very little clarity from the Trump administration to guide our next steps.

Meeting with Immigration Stakeholders

On Thursday, I met with immigration stakeholders across Connecticut. In the wake of the executive orders signed by the President, uncertainty and anxiety continue to grow, particularly for immigrant communities.

During the meeting, I heard directly from constituents and local leaders as they described the specific impact of these actions within their communities. Our discussion focused on the work of their organizations, possible immigration enforcement in schools, and resources available for families. 

The Connecticut Office of the Governor has developed a Family Preparedness Plan toolkit for families who have concerns about immigration enforcement. The toolkit is available here. 

Thomaston Youth Summit

I was thrilled to attend a Youth Summit at Thomaston High School, a collaboration between the Town of Thomaston, the Thomaston Board of Education, and the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) last week. The event provided 60 high school students an opportunity to engage directly with elected officials and participate in government policy brainstorming sessions.

As the town implements a plan for conservation and development, students were able to add their voices early in the process.

Closing the College Hunger Gap Act

Last week, I reintroduced the Closing the College Hunger Gap Act, legislation to combat food insecurity on college campuses. 

Specifically, the legislation directs the Secretary of Education to notify college students of their eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) based on information reported through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Nearly 41 million people in the United States rely on SNAP. Despite widespread participation, too often, eligible individuals, including college students, are unaware of the program or how SNAP can improve access to nutritious foods. Ensuring students are informed of their eligibility is a first step in addressing food insecurity on college campuses. 

Service Academy Nominations

Our service academies prepare young people with the skills to lead our country.

Thrilled to announce student nominations to the Service Academies Class of 2029!

Join me in congratulating them on this exciting journey.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As always, please continue to share your thoughts and priorities with me. 

And that’s a wrap. 

Jahana Hayes
Member of Congress