The Trump administration is bringing its fight to pause federal loans and grants to a federal appeals court in Massachusetts.
The appeal follows a ruling last week by a federal judge in Rhode Island that extended a block against the administration’s funding freeze, finding that the move undermined Congress’ appropriations power.
Justice Department attorneys on Monday notified the court that they are bringing the case to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The 1st Circuit has already rebuffed one bid by Trump’s DOJ to withhold federal funds. The appeals court last month turned away the administration’s attempt to lift temporary restraining orders issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island — including one that warned the government that it risks being held in criminal contempt if it doesn’t restore funding.
