Congress Temporarily Reopens Federal Government, Reinstate OSERS Personnel
This week, the longest federal government shutdown on record (43 days) ended when Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government through January 30, 2026. The temporary stopgap measure will allow Congress more time to deliberate on spending levels for Fiscal Year 2026, which began on October 1. It also reinstates the federal employees fired during the shutdown, including nearly everyone at the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services within the Department of Education (ED). While the reopening of the government will enable critical work to begin again, collateral damage cannot be ignored. Head Start centers serving more than 65,000 children nationwide, including many young children with disabilities, had their funding withheld in October and November, forcing some centers to close, their futures unclear. Furthermore, while their jobs are temporarily restored, the mass termination of special education experts at ED has left a clear message to them and the field about how the Administration values special education, a law that has a uniquely federal role.
This month and for the coming year, CEC will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which was enacted into law on November 29, 1975. As we reflect on the progress that has been made over the last five decades and look ahead to the possibilities to come, we must not stop advocating or settle for moving backwards in the education of children with disabilities.