U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, joined 150 House Democrats in demanding that the Trump administration release almost $7 billion in “illegally withheld, Congressionally-appropriated federal funding” meant for education-related programs such as after-school programs, teacher training and adult education.
In a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, members outlined the impact that this decision is having on schools, teachers and families across the country and demanded transparency from administration officials.
Funds for these programs are typically released annually on July 1 to help school districts plan and budget for the upcoming school year. As a result of the Trump administration’s decision to block them, school districts in Alabama are missing out on $89.9 million in federal funding, or 13.4 percent of the total Department of Education funding for Alabama’s K-12 schools.
The members wrote, “On June 30, 2025, just one day before these funds become available for obligation, the Department notified states that they would not receive these funds by July 1 and that ‘[g]iven the change in Administrations, the Department is reviewing the FY 2025 funding … and decisions have not yet been made concerning submissions and awards for this upcoming academic year.’
“This late-breaking decision, which provided no timeline for which states can expect a final decision, is leaving states financially vulnerable and forcing many to make last minute decisions about how to proceed with K12 education in this upcoming school year. The education funding withheld by the Administration reflects resources provided by Congress that are designed to help schools with a variety of issues, including student learning and achievement, after-school programs, and teacher training.”
The letter continued: “There is no legitimate reason why any review of these programs should prevent the Administration from fulfilling its responsibility to the American people on time. No more excuses—follow the law and release the funding meant for our schools, teachers, and families.”
The full text of the letter can be found here.
