U.S. Representatives Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Summer Lee (PA-12) are pushing back against what they call illegal and damaging terminations of federal grants and contracts to several Western Pennsylvania cultural and environmental organizations.

In joint letters to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the lawmakers demanded the reinstatement of funds that were recently withdrawn by the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

The cuts affected prominent institutions including the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Museums, Phipps Conservatory, and environmental nonprofits such as New Sun Rising, 412 Food Rescue, and Riverwise.

“It’s outrageous that DOGE is plundering our government, illegally ripping away funding that we in Congress authorized,” said Rep. Deluzio. “We won’t stop fighting for Western PA.”

Rep. Lee added: “DOGE has made illegal, dangerous, and reckless cuts to Congressionally authorized funding. Our people deserve better.”

Among the rescinded support was over $6.4 million meant for the EPA’s Thriving Community Grantmaking Program, threatening local environmental and workforce initiatives.

Deluzio recently secured reinstated funding for a mural restoration project in Pittsburgh and hopes similar efforts will restore additional funding.

Both lawmakers pledged to continue holding the administration accountable and advocating for communities across Western Pennsylvania.