1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned Washington resident regarding the recent decision by the Trump administration to pause approximately $259 million in Medicaid funding to Minnesota over alleged fraud concerns, as reported by PBS NewsHour. While combating fraud is important, a sweeping halt of congressionally appropriated Medicaid funds raises serious constitutional and federalism concerns. Medicaid funding is authorized and appropriated by Congress. Unilateral executive action to withhold those funds — particularly without transparent statutory grounding or due process — risks undermining the separation of powers and threatening essential health care services for vulnerable residents. If this precedent stands, it could endanger funding stability for states nationwide, including Washington. I respectfully urge you to take the following actions: 1. Publicly affirm Washington’s position that federal Medicaid funds must not be withheld outside lawful statutory processes. 2. Direct state agencies to assess Washington’s exposure should similar funding pauses be attempted here, including contingency planning to protect beneficiaries. 3. Coordinate with other governors and state attorneys general to explore a multistate response or legal challenge if executive overreach continues. 4. Advocate at the federal level — including with Washington’s congressional delegation — to reinforce congressional authority over appropriations and ensure states are not subjected to politically driven funding threats. Washington families depend on Medicaid for essential care. Funding uncertainty creates instability not only for patients, but also for providers, hospitals, and local economies. Please let me know what specific steps your administration is taking to protect Washington from similar actions and to support states facing unconstitutional funding freezes. Thank you for your leadership during this critical time.