Dozens of Head Start programs, which provide childcare and preschool education to low-income children, have been unable to access previously approved federal funding, putting some programs at risk of having to close their doors in the coming days,

The problem that first surfaced last week during President Donald Trump’s aborted effort to freeze federal grants.

The Justice Department has said that it told federal agencies to comply with a court's restraining order against the freeze.

Last week’s proposed federal funding freeze has left a lasting impact on many organizations across the country, including one that oversees Head Start programs in Monroe County. Action for a Better Community (ABC) is one of the only organizations of its kind to have full responsibility over the daily functions of

But on Wednesday, Senator Schumer called on the United States Department of Health & Human Services to fix the payment system so that the Head Start programs can continue their work. According to Schumer, the freeze may "shutter" Head Start programs or force them to lay off staff.

A funding freeze is causing significant disruptions for Head Start programs across the nation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer addressed the issue in a press conference Wednesday, highlighting the ongoing challenges.