Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to a federal court’s ruling temporarily blocking President Donald Trump’s March 4th Executive Order (EO) aimed at reducing the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) federal workforce and eliminating the agency altogether.

The preliminary injunction requires the Trump Administration to reverse any policies, directives, or actions intended to comply with the “Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy” EO, reinstate employees placed on leave or terminated, and restore of paused, canceled, or terminated MBDA grants and contracts.

“The Court’s decision to block the Trump Administration’s cruel and unlawful effort to dismantle the MBDA is a major victory for minority-owned businesses, underserved communities, and the dedicated federal employees who work tirelessly to support them. This ruling also sends a clear message that Trump’s reckless and ill-conceived attempts to chip away at the very federal institutions that empower small businesses and promote equity will not stand in Court.

“Since its creation under President Nixon, the MBDA has been a cornerstone of support for minority-owned businesses, helping them access capital, federal contracts, and other vital resources. We must fight tooth and nail to protect the agency's crucial mission from Trump’s assault. While this week’s ruling is a victory, our fight is far from over, as the Administration will not stop here. Rest assured, I and my Democratic colleagues in Congress will continue to stand up against these senseless attacks and use every tool available to defend our nation’s hard-working small businesses and our public service employees.”

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