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Last night, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) joined Representative Lucy McBath (GA-6) and 149 other House Democrats in pressuring the Trump Administration to 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, Members outline the impact that this decision is having on schools, teachers, and families across the country and demand transparency from Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought.

The funding is typically released annually on July 1 and represents at least 10% of federal K-12 funding in every state. The failure to release this funding on time is disrupting school and district planning, jeopardizing the education of millions of students, and is already resulting in layoffs, program delays, and cancellations for students and their families.

El Paso Matters recently wrote an article about the local impact to the Trump administration’s funding freeze. The five largest school districts in El Paso County – El Paso, Socorro, Ysleta, Clint and Canutillo – were expecting more than $19 million combined from the five grants put on hold by the U.S. Department of Education. The Trump administration justified illegally withholding this funding because “many of these grant programs have been grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda.”

The Members write: “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.”

“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,” they continue. “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.