Education Funding for the Fiscal Year Nears Finish Line, Education Department Central Issue of Debate

Despite being nearly a third of the way through Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, Congress is still actively debating how to appropriate funds and whether to add any additional requirements this year. Under a tight deadline (the current extension will expire on January 30), appropriators appear to have struck an agreement on funding levels, and special education funding does not appear to be at risk. The sticking point, as reported in the news, is whether to prohibit the Department of Education (ED) from transferring education programs to other agencies. Both House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole (R-OK) and Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) have expressed optimism that a deal can be reached as soon as this weekend. It is unclear how the debate around restricting ED will be resolved.

In November, ED announced seven agreements between federal agencies to shift the management of programs, including programs housed within the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Higher Education Act, and more, to the Department of Labor and other agencies. ED is currently considering additional agreements, including those under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and in civil rights enforcement. On Thursday, CEC Executive Director Chad Rummel joined a panel on the radio show 1-A to discuss past and potential changes at ED and their impact on special education, reiterating CEC’s concerns with moving special education away from ED and stressing the need for better investments.

To listen to the 1-A segment, go here.