Democratic and independent members of the U.S. Senate hold a press conference on January 28, 2025.

The Democratic lawmakers addressed a freeze in federal funds that has been ordered by President Donald Trump. They called the action a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

“In a brazen and illegal move, the Trump administration is working to freeze vast swaths of federal funding passed into law by Republicans and Democrats alike," said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Washington), the Democratic vice chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

“The scope of this illegal action is unprecedented and could have devastating consequences across the country for real people," said Murray.

Speakers included:

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York)

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Washington)

Sen. Jeff Merkeley (D-Oregon)

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota)

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut)

Sen. Andy Kim (D-New Jersey)

Sen. Angus King (I-Maine)