Sen. Chuck Schumer is sharply criticizing the Trump administration over a move that could cut off billions in child care funding for New York families.
Schumer says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is freezing $10 billion in federal funds for child care and social services in five states, including New York. The funding supports low-income families and child care providers that many parents rely on to stay in the workforce.
In a statement released Tuesday, Schumer accused President Trump of using children and working families as leverage in a political fight.
“To threaten to rip away billions for child care and other critical support for working families and their kids for political gain is beyond disgusting,” Schumer said. He added that the freeze could leave parents “high and dry with no option for child care.”
Schumer says the administration’s action would upend the lives of working families and punish children who depend on the programs. He called on the president to reverse course immediately.
“President Trump must immediately unfreeze this funding to ensure that children, families, and child care providers who rely on this funding to keep the lights on can continue to operate without delay,” Schumer said.
According to reports confirmed by the Office of Management and Budget, the administration is pointing to allegations of social services fraud in Minnesota as justification for the funding freeze. Child care providers in affected states are already bracing for delayed payments and potential cuts.
Schumer urged the administration to focus instead on lowering costs and expanding access to child care, rather than cutting what he described as essential support for families.
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