Democrats ask congressional watchdog agency to probe Trump’s funding freezes

President Donald Trump froze a $4.7 billion federal program for cleaning abandoned oil and gas wells. It paused funds for states like Wyoming, California and New Mexico that had begun cleanup efforts.

A letter from Pennsylvania Rep. Brendan Boyle and Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley requests an investigation into the Trump administration’s potential violations of the Impoundment Control Act.

Lawsuits argued that the Trump administration cannot legally block already appropriated funds and that delays could worsen environmental issues.

The Government Accountability Office plans to investigate the administration’s funding freezes, with the potential for court action if it finds violations.