U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon faced tough questioning this week as she defended the Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts for the Department of Education. The proposal aims to reduce the department’s funding by 15% for the fiscal year 2026 while preserving key federal programs for K-12 schools. However, other educational initiatives, such as the TRIO programs, which support low-income and first-generation college students, would see cuts.
McMahon appeared before lawmakers on both Tuesday and Wednesday, speaking to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee and the House Education Committee.
Rising Criticism on Education Department’s Effectiveness
During the Senate hearing on Tuesday, Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma asked McMahon to define “insanity,” citing the country’s declining test scores. McMahon responded by describing insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome.” Mullin’s criticism was clear: the current approach to education isn’t working.
Republicans have repeatedly used this argument to push for significant cuts to the Education Department, claiming that the department’s policies have failed. However, some critics argue that the department cannot be held responsible for the nation’s educational shortcomings, as it does not directly control what is taught in schools.
Senator Katie Britt of Alabama highlighted her state’s educational improvements in recent years, a success story echoed by NPR, as evidence that progress is possible under the right circumstances.
Student Loans: Shifting Responsibility to Colleges
McMahon also discussed the student loan crisis, suggesting that colleges should share responsibility for unpaid loans. “Loans are not forgiven or just go away, they’re just shouldered by others,” McMahon stated. The administration’s proposal, supported by House Republicans, would require colleges to contribute to loan repayment if their students default.
Additionally, McMahon echoed concerns voiced by Republicans like Rep. Randy Fine of Florida, who argued that students should only take loans for degrees that lead to practical, well-paying careers. Such reforms would require major changes to the current student loan system.
Mental Health Funding Cuts Draw Democratic Outrage
The proposed budget also eliminates a $1 billion funding initiative for mental health professionals in schools. Democrats expressed strong opposition, with Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut condemning the cuts as “cruel.” McMahon justified the decision, citing concerns that some of these programs were influenced by controversial diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ideologies.
McMahon suggested that local and state governments are better equipped to handle mental health initiatives, emphasizing the administration’s preference for sending funding directly to states through block grants, reducing federal oversight.
TRIO Programs Face Potential End
Another point of contention was the administration’s plan to eliminate the TRIO programs, which support low-income and first-generation college students. McMahon faced bipartisan pressure to preserve these programs, with Senator Susan Collins of Maine highlighting her personal connection to TRIO. Collins pointed out that three of her staff members had benefited from the program, which she argued had changed the lives of many disadvantaged students.
McMahon responded by citing concerns over accountability, claiming that the Education Department lacked the resources to properly audit the programs. Despite this, several lawmakers, including Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, urged McMahon to find solutions without eliminating TRIO altogether.
Workforce Development Programs Draw Mixed Reactions
The proposed consolidation of workforce development programs also sparked debate among lawmakers. Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia asked McMahon for clarity on the scale of the proposed cuts, but McMahon did not provide specific figures, instead reiterating the administration’s belief that workforce development should be funded outside of federal government support.
Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens emphasized the need for federal investment in engineering and apprenticeship programs, citing Michigan’s competitive manufacturing industry. In response, McMahon highlighted successful public-private partnerships, such as a collaboration between West Virginia community colleges and Toyota, which trains students for careers in the auto industry.
The ongoing debate over the Education Department’s budget proposal continues to spark discussions on the role of the federal government in education and workforce development.
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