Van Hollen Statement on OMB Memo

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), released the following statement on the Trump Administration OMB memo:

"President Trump is engaged in mafia-style blackmail, with his threats ultimately harming the American people. He is threatening to double down on the failed actions of Elon Musk and his chainsaw - going after patriotic civil servants that provide Americans with critical services - despite having to rehire many of these workers after Americans experienced the negative impact of those cuts. These dedicated workers have nothing to do with the ongoing political and policy disputes that have brought us to the brink of a shutdown. These threats are not only an attack on Americans' services and benefits, they're also likely illegal. We'll be fighting back with every tool we have."