DeSaulnier ready for ‘bumpy ride’ after federal funding pause

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Feb. 19, 2025) — The unprecedented late January action by President Donald Trump to halt federal funding to programs nationwide prompted hundreds of calls to flood Congressman Mark DeSaulnier district offices from worried constituents.

A court injunction issued in the ensuing hours prompted a pause, which subsequently was upheld. But those swept up in the presidential action felt pain and uncertainty, according to DeSaulnier, a Democrat who represents California’s 10th District.

“It ranged from parents wondering where they could take their kids because they think HeadStart wouldn’t be open,” he said of the anecdotal evidence being collected, “to recipients of Meals on Wheels calling to find out if they would get their food.

“They are older shut-ins, and they count on this for their nutrition. But it is also the relationships with the volunteers who go out and serve them,” DeSaulnier continued.

Other callers worried about providing services, included entities representing survivors of domestic abuse, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), medical research, cities, public universities, veterans groups, family engagement centers, community centers, county transportation services and workforce development.

Critical partnership

DeSaulnier sees the moment as a reminder of the critical partnership that exists between the federal government, the state and the county.

“Most of the funding for the county budget for its two biggest departments – health and human services – comes from the federal government,” he said.

So when the money stops flowing, “people don’t get those services, including doctors,” he said.

According to DeSaulnier, Trump’s pause in funding was so egregious that it was easy for the courts to act accordingly. But that might not be the case if challenges reach the Supreme Court, given its current makeup.

DeSaulnier expressed hope that Chief Justice John Robets will follow precedent and side with the Democrats should this be the first of many legal challenges. He cited the opinion that Justice Antonin Scalia wrote against President Richard Nixon, stating “you can’t take all the money that Congress has appropriated and reverse it.”

But DeSaulnier is ready for a bumpy ride.

“The next two years, to be honest, we are going to be in court,” he said.

Presidential powers

Not only did the funding freeze prompt concerns about its impact on individuals and their communities, it also led to worries about the powers of the presidency.

“This funding was approved by Congress, and people and organizations depend on it. When they can’t trust that, what can they trust?” DeSaulnier asked.

While grateful that a federal court extended a block on the funding pause, he called on everyone to remain vigilant as the administration ignored two previous court orders on this same matter.

“If people become aware that their funding is being withheld, they should immediately reach out to our office for assistance,” DeSaulnier said.

David Scholz

David Scholz is back in journalism as a freelance writer and photographer after nearly two decades in education. Prior to moving into teaching in 2000, he worked as a full-time journalist since 1988 for rural community and small daily newspapers in Central Ohio and Northern Nevada, and later in California with The Business Journal in Fresno and dailies in the Bay Area, including The Oakland Tribune and The San Francisco Chronicle. More recently Scholz also worked in an editing, writing, and page layout role with the Rossmoor News.