WASHINGTON — Democratic U.S. Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Delia Ramirez of Illinois joined advocates outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to protest proposed cuts to education spending. The proposed $12 billion reduction in Education Department funding aligns with President Donald Trump’s priorities to reduce federal involvement in education. The protest, organized by Popular Democracy, included a march from the Education Department to the Capitol, ending with a press conference where Tlaib and Ramirez voiced their opposition.
Trump outlines ‘winding down’ of agency
President Trump seeks to significantly reduce the federal role in education by cutting $12 billion from the Education Department’s budget for fiscal 2026. The department’s budget summary claims these cuts are part of a “responsibly winding down” process. Tlaib criticized this move, stating it is both “despicable” and “unconstitutional.” She emphasized the department’s critical role in supporting individuals with disabilities and diverse communities, warning that eliminating it would leave many children without necessary educational resources.
House and Senate bills differ
The House and Senate Appropriations committees present contrasting bills for the Education Department’s funding. The Senate’s bipartisan bill, which advanced in July, largely rejects Trump’s proposed cuts, ensuring the department maintains staffing levels and retains its programs. In contrast, the House’s bill endorses the president’s agenda, aligning with his spending cut priorities. Ramirez criticized the House bill for potentially dismantling support for English language learners, teacher training, and community schools. She argued that Republicans are working to reduce over $12 billion from public education, threatening equal opportunity programs.
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