(LOOTPRESS) – A group of Senate Republicans is pressing the Trump administration to immediately release billions in delayed federal education funding, warning that the continued freeze threatens critical school programs and contradicts the president’s own education policy promises.
In a letter sent Wednesday to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought, ten GOP senators criticized the administration’s decision to withhold approximately $7 billion in congressionally approved funds. These funds, paused as of July 1, support a wide range of initiatives including after-school programs, teacher development, and education for migrant students.
“Withholding these funds will harm students, families, and local economies,” the senators wrote. “The decision to withhold this funding is contrary to President Trump’s goal of returning K-12 education to the states.”
The letter was led by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and co-signed by Republican Senators Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Jim Justice (W.Va.), Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Katie Britt (Ala.), Mike Rounds (S.D.), John Hoeven (N.D.), Deb Fischer (Neb.), and John Boozman (Ark.).
The education funding freeze stems from a broader review within the Trump administration targeting programs allegedly connected to immigration advocacy and LGBTQ+ content. OMB officials claim that some states, including New York and Washington, have misused federal grants to promote what they describe as “radical left-wing agendas.” Specific examples cited by the administration include school seminars on queer art and scholarships directed toward undocumented students—though details remain vague.
Despite these claims, the Republican senators challenged the rationale behind the freeze. “We share your concern about taxpayer money going to fund radical left-wing programs. However, we do not believe that is happening with these funds,” the lawmakers stated, emphasizing that the grants in question fund longstanding, bipartisan programs that benefit working families and communities.
The administration’s review has left states and school districts in limbo. Many rely on this funding to maintain summer and after-school programs, hire staff, and provide essential support for underserved students. The delay has sparked confusion and concern across the country—particularly in rural and low-income districts, many of which are represented by Republicans in Congress.
New estimates from the policy group New America show that Republican-led districts could be hit hardest, losing on average 1.6 times more funding per student than districts represented by Democrats.
Though the Trump administration has hinted that the grants could become part of a future rescission effort—allowing the government to cancel previously approved spending—lawmakers warn that further delays risk undermining public education and contradict the administration’s public stance on states’ rights in education.
The OMB has not yet commented on the senators’ letter or provided a timeline for concluding its review. Meanwhile, local education officials continue to prepare for the school year with mounting uncertainty.
