Tong Announces Temporary Restraining Order Against Federal Funding Freeze, Ensuring Continued Services

by Karla Ciaglo CTNewsJunkie

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong on Friday announced an initial victory against the Trump administration and said that the state has successfully secured a temporary restraining order against the federal government’s recent freeze on appropriated funds.

The ruling, issued by a U.S. District Court in Rhode Island, prevents the executive branch from withholding federal financial assistance that Congress has allocated to the states.

“The court’s ruling reaffirms that the executive branch cannot unilaterally withhold federal funding that Congress has already appropriated,” Tong said. “This decision ensures that Connecticut and other states can continue providing essential services without disruption.”

The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr., found that the federal government’s decision to pause the disbursement of funds exceeded executive authority and likely violated both constitutional and statutory provisions. Citing Supreme Court precedent, the court emphasized that federal agencies have no authority to act outside the bounds set by Congress.

“It is no exaggeration to say that an agency literally has no power to act unless and until Congress confers power upon it,” the decision stated, referencing Louisiana Public Service Commission v. FCC (1986). The ruling underscored that any executive action beyond its statutory limits is considered ultra vires, or in excess of authority, and violates the Administrative Procedure Act. Judge McConnell pointed to the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, which requires the president to seek congressional approval to rescind funds rather than acting unilaterally. The decision also cited a 2013 ruling from then-Judge Brett Kavanaugh, stating that even the president does not have unilateral authority to refuse to spend appropriated funds without congressional approval.

The court found that the funding freeze posed a significant threat to state-administered programs, ranging from infrastructure and education to public health and disaster relief. Connecticut and other plaintiff states presented evidence showing that without immediate access to federal funds, critical services, including highway construction, special education, and disaster recovery efforts, would face severe disruptions.

“The abrupt pause in funding could have left states scrambling to cover shortfalls, putting essential programs at risk,” Tong said. “The court recognized the urgency of the situation and ruled accordingly.”

The federal government argued the case was moot due to the rescission of an Office of Management and Budget directive ordering the funding freeze. However, the court found the policy remained in effect, citing ongoing statements from executive agencies and White House officials, including a social media post from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming the freeze. The court found that these statements contradicted the federal government’s assertion that the issue had been resolved, reinforcing the need for judicial intervention.

The temporary restraining order remains in effect while the court considers a forthcoming motion for a preliminary injunction. During this period, the federal government is prohibited from delaying, blocking, or otherwise impeding the disbursement of funds to Connecticut and other affected states. Attorney General Tong stated that his office will continue to monitor compliance with the ruling and take further legal action if necessary to protect Connecticut’s access to federal funding.

“This ruling is a victory for the rule of law and for Connecticut residents who rely on these vital programs,” Tong said.