RICHMOND, VA – Today, the Virginia House Democratic Caucus held a press conference to address President Donald Trump’s federal funding freeze and its harmful impact on Virginians. Caucus leaders warned that Trump’s reckless decision jeopardizes critical resources for housing, veterans, law enforcement, and economic development across the Commonwealth.
During the press conference, House Democrats outlined their legislative efforts to support Virginians, including two key bills:
- HB1958, to give first-time homebuyers up to $10,000 to purchase a home.
- HB1701, to extend the housing opportunity tax credit set to expire at the end of 2025 to 2030.
“Trump’s cuts and political games will hurt real people—their livelihoods, their health, and their futures. He’s betrayed the hardworking people of Virginia, leaving communities exposed, families vulnerable, and costs soaring,” said Speaker Don Scott. “This decision is confirmation of Project 2025 in action, and Governor Youngkin is backing it while Virginians are worried about where their next meal will come from, if they’ll get paid tomorrow, or if they’ll still be able to sleep in their homes. Where is the leadership from Attorney General Miyares and Lt. Governor Sears? Virginians deserve better than passive observers—they need bold leaders who will stand up to Trump’s illegal actions and fight for the people of Virginia.”
“Let’s be clear: the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and sweeping cuts to popular, meaningful programs that people rely on are not just cruel, it’s unpopular. These cuts take away real help that everyday people across this country and across the Commonwealth rely on,” said Del. David Bulova. “House Democrats are laser-focused on real solutions to help people weather this storm.”
“We’ve introduced HB 1598, [to] give homebuyers a $10,000 one time nonrefundable tax credit to purchase a home. We really want to make sure that people have the ability to live and get into homes,” said Del. Josh Cole. “This damnable evil that President Trump has released […] throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and all throughout the nation, is hurting working class people […]. House Democrats in Virginia are protecting working class citizens, and you can take that to the bank and cash it— just like you’ll be able to take [the HB1598] tax credit to the bank and cash it once we get it passed.”
“Many of Virginia’s public safety programs rely on federal funding. That means resources for our police officers, support for victims of crime, programs that help combat the opioid and fentanyl crisis, and even the Attorney General’s own Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Delegate Joshua Thomas. “I find it unacceptable that one reckless decision in Washington would defund the tools we need to keep our communities safe. We’re not just going to sit back and let this happen. We’re fighting to build a family-first economy, to protect our communities, and to make sure Virginia stays on the path to being the best place to live, work, learn, and raise a family.”
“We are seeing the fear, chaos, confusion, and concern that the President is causing by choosing to freeze federal funding—parents already feeling economic stress are now even more worried about how they’ll get health care, child care, food and shelter for their kids, students who should be focused on their studies, are wondering how they’re going to be paying for their education, and seniors who should be enjoying retirement are worrying about their next meal if Meals on Wheels stop operating,” said Chair Kathy Tran. “House Democrats are laying out the real life consequences of this dangerous decision and some of the legislation that we’re championing to help Virginians, efforts to invest in affordable housing, lower costs and building a family first economy that works for everyone, because while they play political games with people’s lives, we are focused and we are leading to deliver results for the people of Virginia.