On Friday evening, the Senate passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government until September 30th. In a 54-46 vote, the Senate passed the House Republican-led bill, which increased defense funding by $6 billion but cut nondefense spending by $13 billion. President Trump is expected to sign the bill, thus keeping the government open for the remainder of the 2025 Fiscal Year. The bill does not include Congressionally directed spending, thus giving the Administration broad power as to where to spend the appropriated funds.
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies saw a modest increase of $3.8 billion from the previous fiscal year, bringing the total for FY25 to $198.2 billion. Most education programs will continue to receive funding at FY 2024 levels, as the CR generally extends existing funding without adjustments for inflation or program growth. The bill also preserved nutrition assistance programs aimed at supporting children, including a $500 million increase to WIC.
Additionally, the CR grants the Administration increased flexibility in allocating funds, potentially allowing for reallocation among programs or withholding funding from certain initiatives without explicit congressional approval. Further changes within the Department are not known at this time.
On March 11, under the newly installed Secretary Linda McMahon, the U.S. Department laid off 1,300 employees, thus reducing the Department’s workforce by 50%, an action noted in the Secretary’s first agency memo, Our Department’s Final Mission. As a result, close to two dozen state attorney generals have filed suit against the Administration to stop the layoffs, which are slated to go into effect on Friday, March 21st.
With the passed resolution through the rest of the federal fiscal year, services for children, youth, and families will continue.
We will keep our networks updated on the latest news affecting the Department and education implications.
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