Trump Administration to Release Remaining Withheld Education Funding Following Pressure from Adams, Colleagues
WASHINGTON, DC— After illegally withholding $7 billion in education funding approved by Congress, officials within the Trump Administration have announced they will release the remaining funds. The restored funding comes after pressure led by Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) and other House Democrats.
“I’m proud to see these Congressionally approved education funds finally released so we can better support our students, schools, and communities,” said Congresswoman Adams. “When it became clear these funds were being illegally withheld by the Trump Administration, House Democrats acted swiftly to ensure our school districts received the resources they were owed. Today, we won that fight but make no mistake, the work isn’t over. We will continue holding this administration accountable because our children’s educational future depends on it.”
This release of these funds follows coordinated efforts by House education leaders including Reps. Adams, Lucy McBath (GA-06), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and House Education & Workforce Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03), to release these funds.
“I am deeply relieved that schools and students will finally receive the full funding they are counting on. This money is critical for teachers, classrooms, and the millions of children who rely on these programs to succeed. This is a victory for those who care for and educate future generations,” said Rep. Lucy McBath. “The Trump Administration’s delay put the success of our students in serious jeopardy. Districts were left in limbo, forced to plan without knowing if they’d have the resources to keep staff or offer basic educational services. That is a disservice to the American people. Their children should never be caught up in political games.”
“With less than one day’s notice to grant recipients or to Congress, the Trump Administration inexplicably and unlawfully announced it is withholding billions of dollars in education funding from schools nationwide, including Congressionally appropriated funding for teacher training, after-school programs, classroom technology, English learners, and migratory children and youth. With only a few weeks until the start of the new school year in some jurisdictions, states and districts were having to make difficult decisions about how to move forward without the funding they were guaranteed. Further, the Trump Administration was refusing to obligate funds for adult education and literacy programs, which help adults and legal immigrants learn how to read, write, and enter the workforce,” Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce.
On July 10, Rep. Adams co-led a 150 House Democrat letter to the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Management & Budget calling for the unfreezing of the funding, leading to 10 Republican Senators joining in the demands. On July 24, Rep. Adams led another letter, signed by 93 House Democrats, urging House Appropriations leaders to join these calls.