House Republicans are moving to slash federal education spending by $11 billion, endorsing a $72 billion package that falls $14.5 billion below the Biden administration’s budget request.
The FY 2025 bill, approved by an appropriations subcommittee, would reduce funding for Title I state grants by 25%, hurting schools that receive supplemental aid for enrolling 40% or more children from low-income families, according to a bill summary. The GOP-led House reasoned that student test scores continue to decline despite year-over-year increased funding and a nearly $200 billion boost in pandemic-based aid.
Furthermore, any program “support[ing] organizations that seek to undermine the unity of our country and… that are duplicative or narrowly tailored to a small set of recipients” will be axed. For example, programs related to advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities through the federal government will not be eligible for funding, according to the bill.
Lastly, weekend teacher training workshops would be eliminated in the measure, which must next be approved by the full Appropriations Committee.
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Democrats raised dire alarms, accusing its GOP counterpart of abandoning low-income students.
“When we cut here, and we fail to build strong children, we pay a higher price for their dysfunction and their failure to be positive participants in our society,” U.S. Rep Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), said during the markup session.
“Republicans are in the midst of a full-scale attempt to eliminate public education,” Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) said in a statement.
Beyond the budget: Will Title IX be left unenforceable?
While Republican-led states try to block the Biden administration’s Title IX expansion, the appropriations subcommittee aims to settle the legal battle at the federal level, proposing that none of the funds provided to the Education Department could be used to enforce its regulations. The bill would bar transgender students from athletic programs that contradict their biological sex.
Helpful budget increases
Despite the slashes, several facets of K12 could see elevated funding, including:
- STEM education: $135 million
- New grants for school safety infrastructure: $135 million
- Special education: $30 million
- School resource officer training: $20 million
- Charter schools: $10 million
- Career and technical education state grants: $10
- Impact Aid Program: $5 million
“The bill pushes back on the Biden Administration’s out-of-touch progressive policy agenda, preventing this White House from finalizing or implementing controversial rules or executive orders,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) said in the markup session. “Each dollar is directed toward initiatives that truly help our communities, students and workforce.”
