Advocacy Update: Monitoring Federal Grant and Loan Pause

UPDATE 8:10 a.m. Jan. 29: A federal judge has issued a temporary stay blocking the Trump administration’s directive to pause all federal financial assistance, preserving funding at least until Monday at 5 p.m. EST. The ruling follows a lawsuit from nonprofit and public health organizations challenging the administration’s authority to halt grant disbursements.

While this decision provides temporary relief, uncertainty remains. The court will hold another hearing Monday to determine whether a longer pause should be granted. The Justice Department has argued that the directive does not apply across the board and has pushed for the stay to be as brief as possible.

Jan. 28: The Irrigation Association continues to monitor this situation closely, as federal funding plays a critical role in supporting irrigation research, conservation programs, and infrastructure projects. We will provide updates as the legal process unfolds. If your business or organization is impacted by this situation, please contact lukereynolds@irrigation.org.

The Irrigation Association is closely monitoring the recent directive from the White House Office of Management and Budget, which temporarily pauses all federal financial assistance, including grants and loans. While the scope and duration of this pause remain unclear, it has the potential to impact programs critical to irrigation businesses, such as farm loans and water management funding.

If your business is experiencing challenges or delays due to this directive, please email us at Lukereynolds@irrigation.org. The IA remains committed to advocating for policies that support the irrigation industry and ensuring our members have the resources they need to thrive.

We anticipate litigation on this action, as well as further clarifying guidance from federal agencies. Stay tuned for updates as we learn more.