~ Resolution condemns any executive or congressional action to dismantle the Department of Education, highlights historical role of federal government in public education ~
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and 17 colleagues in introducing a resolution condemning President Donald Trump's recent illegal executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. In addition to condemning this move to gut the department, the resolution also blasts actions to reduce federal education funding and freeze federal education grants–including for public schools–while highlighting the importance of public schools in providing opportunities for all children across the country to succeed. Last week, Senator Hirono also released a statement condemning President Trump’s Executive Order.
“Through his illegal attempt to abolish the Department of Education, Donald Trump will continue his focus on crippling our government and sowing chaos in schools and communities across the country, eliminating important programs that our children rely on—all under the guise of supporting our students and increasing government efficiency,” said Senator Hirono. “A strong public education system is critical to our country’s success and these programs are crucial to supporting low-income students and students with disabilities, helping to prevent discrimination in the classroom, providing meals for kids in need, and ensuring access to quality education for every student in our country. As Trump and Elon Musk continue their attempts to gut crucial government functions to pay for massive tax cuts for their billionaire buddies, we must do everything in our power to protect our students, educators, and families from this chaos.”
In addition to Senators Hirono and Schiff, this resolution is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). A companion resolution was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and has over 100 cosponsors.
The resolution is endorsed by A Way Home America, American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Center for American Progress (CAP), the Council of Administrators of Special Education, the Council of the Great City Schools, The Education Trust (EdTrust), the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), the National Education Association (NEA), the National Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and SchoolHouse Connection.
The full text of the resolution is available here.
Senator Hirono is committed to improving opportunities for students and helping to ensure that our youth receive the quality education they deserve. Last week, Senator Hirono joined ten of her colleagues in urging Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to immediately restore all fired Federal Student Aid (FSA) employees responsible for reviewing student aid complaints and refrain from taking any measures to deter the submission of complaints. Last month, Senator Hirono took to the Senate floor to speak out against McMahon’s nomination to serve as the next Secretary of Education. During her speech, Senator Hirono raised concerns with Mrs. McMahon’s lack of qualifications to lead the Department and her unwavering loyalty to President Trump in helping to execute the plan laid out in Project 2025, including completely abolishing ED. Earlier that month, Senator Hirono sent a letter to Acting Secretary of Education Denise Carter, raising concerns about the Department’s response to inquiries by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) requesting access to millions of student loan borrowers’ personal data. In January, Senator Hirono also reintroduced the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act, legislation to put Congress on a fiscally responsible path to fully fund Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on a mandatory basis.
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