Federal Aid Freeze Lifted, but Senate President Pushes for Contingency Planning

Despite the White House reversing Trump’s funding halt, Senator Potter urges proactive measures to address potential disruptions in federally funded programs.

  • Staff Consortium
  • February 04, 2025
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Senate President Milton Potter Photo Credit: V.I. LEGISLATURE

A week after the White House Office of Management and Budget rescinded President Donald Trump's federal aid freeze—reversing the directive that temporarily halted federal grants and loans—Senate President Milton Potter is still seeking an urgent meeting with Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to discuss the implications of the now-rescinded order.

A press release issued on Monday indicated that Mr. Potter had formally requested a meeting with the governor and his financial team to address concerns over the freeze in federal financial assistance. Such a pause, the Legislature says, would significantly affect local government departments including Health, Human Services, Education, Planning & Natural Resources, and Justice.

“These departments are particularly vulnerable, as they rely heavily on federal funding to carry out essential services,” said the Senate president. “It is imperative that we fully assess the potential consequences for these sectors and begin planning for any disruptions that may occur.”

Lawsuits had prompted at least two district judges to block the implementation of Mr. Trump's spending pause before the White House OMB took action to reverse it.

Despite these actions, Mr. Potter wants to move forward with contingency plans and preparations. In his letter to Governor Bryan, Potter also requested that potentially impacted departments “submit detailed impact analyses ahead of the proposed meeting.”

The lawmaker believes the matter should be treated with urgency, suggesting that the meeting take place within the next week. “The people of the U.S. Virgin Islands depend on these services, and we must ensure that we do everything possible to preserve the continuity of these critical programs,” Senator Potter said.

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