Velázquez, Gillibrand, and Schumer Lead NY Lawmakers in Demanding Release of Withheld Education Funds
NEW YORK — Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) led members of the New York congressional delegation in a letter to the Trump administration calling for the immediate release of over $400 million in federal education funding owed to New York public schools. The funding is part of nearly $7 billion in nationwide education grants that have been withheld by the administration despite their appropriation by Congress.
“This reckless delay of over $400 million dollars, which accounts for 10% of federal K-12 funding in New York is alarming local educators and program directors throughout the state,” wrote the lawmakers. “It is also disrupting school and district planning, jeopardizing programming for millions of students, and could result in layoffs and program cancellations.”
In the letter addressed to Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, the lawmakers raised concerns over the withholding of nearly $7 billion in federal education funding already enacted for Fiscal Year 2025.
The delayed funds include support for after-school programs, summer learning, teacher training, and services for English learners and migrant students. Although fully funded by Congress and signed into law by President Trump as part of the FY25 continuing resolution, states were informed on June 30 that the expected July 1 disbursements would not be made.
The letter also raises legal concerns that the continued withholding of funds could violate the Impoundment Control Act. The lawmakers question what legal justification the Department of Education and OMB are relying on to delay the disbursement of these formula grant funds, despite clear direction from Congress.
In the letter, the lawmakers call for the Department of Education and OMB to release the funding immediately and provide clarity to states, districts, and community partners. It also requests a legal explanation for the delay and asks whether the administration intends to submit a formal rescission request to Congress.
“The Department of Education’s mission is to promote student achievement and ensure equal access to education. Delaying congressionally approved funding deeply undermines that goal and threatens to widen existing opportunity gaps particularly for English learners, low-income families, and communities of color,” continued the lawmakers. “We urge you to disburse all $6.9 billion dollars currently being reviewed and provide immediate clarity to states, districts, and community partners who are now facing chaos in their planning and programming. Our students deserve better.”
In addition to Rep. Velázquez, Senator Gillibrand, and Senator Schumer, the letter was signed by Reps. Yvette Clarke (NY-9), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Daniel Goldman (NY-10), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), George Latimer (NY-16), John Mannion (NY-22), Gregory Meeks (NY-5), Grace Meng (NY-6), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Josh Riley (NY-19), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), and Paul Tonko (NY-20).
For a full copy of the letter, click here.
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