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Laconia council narrowly approves resolution objecting to federal grant freeze after heated debate
Summary
The city council approved a resolution March 24 that objects to a federal executive action to freeze certain appropriated federal funds; the item prompted an extended debate about budget priorities and passed after roll-call votes.
The Laconia City Council voted March 24 to approve a resolution formally objecting to a reported federal freeze or impoundment of funds that have been appropriated by Congress.
Councilor Hoffman introduced the resolution, saying it was intended to ‘‘state our objection to the blanket freezing of federal funding’’ and to ask New Hampshire’s federal and state officials to protect funds owed to the city. The resolution directs the city to forward copies to the city’s federal and state elected officials and to state executive officers.
Nut graf: The item provoked extended comment on the council floor. Some councilors and speakers said the city must protect promised federal funding for critical local services; others urged the council to acknowledge concerns about federal waste, fraud and abuse and to be precise about which programs should be defended. The discussion included partisan statements and sharp rebuttals from other members.
During debate Councilor Cheney and others urged precision and cautioned against partisan rhetoric. Councilor Soucy and others said the council needed to protect programs that local residents rely on. Councilor Hoffman said the resolution sought protection of funds already appropriated by Congress and asked the city’s congressional delegation and state officials to “do everything in their power” to protect Laconia’s interests.
The council first voted to advance a first reading; that motion passed on a voice/roll-call vote. When a motion to adopt the resolution was called, the clerk recorded a roll-call vote with multiple ‘‘yes’’ and ‘‘no’’ votes; the resolution passed with a majority. (Roll-call tallies were recorded in the meeting minutes.)
Ending: The council forwarded the resolution to the officials named in the document and scheduled no additional public hearing. The debate underscored council divisions about federal budget priorities and the balance between oversight and protecting locally administered programs.
