03.25.25

Ranking Member Scott’s Statement Following Concerning Reports of States Attempting to Avoid their Title I Obligations

“That is why the Department of Education was established: to ensure students’ rights were upheld and that education was provided to all on equal grounds. If states had provided quality education to all, we would not need the Department.”

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, released the following statement in response to reports of Republican-led states asking the Department of Education’s Secretary, Linda McMahon to consolidate school’s federal aid into a single grant with little to no spending requirements.  To see how this action is part of President Trump’s Project 2025 Agenda to benefit billionaires at the expense of workers, students, and families, read page 352 of Project 2025 here.

“Allowing states to block grant federal education funds is not only illegal but extremely dangerous.  Converting these funds will make it virtually impossible for the federal government to hold states accountable for providing all students with a high-quality education free from discrimination.  

“Before the Department of Education was established, states were not adequately educating students with disabilities, they were not making strides to close racial achievement gaps, and they were not equitably distributing resources to schools in low-income or rural areas.  

“That is why the Department of Education was established: to ensure students’ rights were upheld and that education was provided to all on equal grounds.  If states had provided quality education to all, we would not need the Department. 

“A major initiative of the Department of Education is Title I funding which requires states to distribute resources to areas where the need is greatest.  Under Project 2025, Title I is slated for elimination. If the Secretary approves these waivers, the Trump Administration will again signal they have little regard for the irreparable harm inflicted on our students or the rule of law.”

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