Attorney General Neronha, coalition secure win preventing Trump Administration from blocking billions in disaster preparedness funding

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Attorney General Peter F. Neronha and a coalition of 19 other states today won their lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its unlawful attempt to shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) bipartisan Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, designed to protect communities from natural disasters before they strike.  

“For the fourth time in three weeks, we have successfully defended the American people from the harms their federal government wishes to inflict,” said Attorney General Neronha. “These wins have meant continued funding for programs that support victims of sexual assault and domestic violence; continued support for crucial agencies upon which Americans rely; continued development of wind energy; and now, continued funding for disaster mitigation. And that’s just within the last month. We will continue to fight on behalf of Rhode Islanders, and Americans everywhere, to prevent the Trump Administration’s worst instincts from coming to fruition.”

Today’s court decision affirms the coalition’s position that FEMA’s decision to abruptly terminate the BRIC program is in direct violation of Congress’ decision to fund it, and that the Executive Branch has no lawful authority to unilaterally refuse to spend funds appropriated by Congress. The judge also concluded that FEMA’s actions violate Separation of Powers, the Appropriations and Spending Clauses, and the Administrative Procedures Act. 

The decision prevents FEMA from terminating the BRIC program and requires the restoration of these critical funds to the communities relying on them.  

Joining Attorney General Neronha in this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the governor of Pennsylvania.