Congress Adjourns for August Recess Without New COVID Bill

On Friday, Congress went into their traditional month-long August recess without coming to an agreement on a much-anticipated COVID-19 relief package that had the potential to send additional aid to people and systems impacted by the virus, including the education system.

As schools and programs across the country finalize or begin implementing their plans for the fall, it is clear that whether in-person, virtual, or a hybrid of the two, there are myriad additional costs to bringing education and services to infants, toddlers, children, and youth. Congress has signaled its support for additional federal education funding but has fallen short of crafting a deal.

Negotiations between congressional leaders and the White House will continue, but if a deal is not struck, Congress will not return to Washington, D.C., until the end of their recess—which is scheduled to last through the Labor Day long weekend.

Action Alert

CEC continues to sound the alarm in support of dedicated emergency funding for IDEA, keeping public funds in public education and supporting the work of educators to serve students, whether in-person, remotely, or through a hybrid model because all students deserve support.

Keeping the pressure on lawmakers is critical to seeing priorities in the next COVID-19 relief package. As Congress continues to negotiate a final COVID-19 response package, lawmakers need to hear from you.

Please follow this link to our 1-step action alert to make your voice heard.