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Issue Explainer

Education Funding and Budget

Congress funds critical programs serving the students most in need through the annual budget process. The federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30.
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Published: November 7, 2025

Article I of the Constitution invests Congress with the power of the purse. It also specifies that no public monies are to be spent unless they are appropriated by Congress.

However, the Trump Administration’s actions have made it harder to reach a funding deal to keep the government open. The Trump Administration’s actions to break the March 2025 funding deal are undermining lawmakers’ ability to negotiate future funding deals, which have led to our current government shutdown. This year the executive branch has illegally withheld billions in appropriated funds for education, public health, medical research and more. Additionally, there have been unilateral, illegal rescissions by this Administration, including withholding funds until they expire despite being legally obligated to spend the money.

Lawmakers cannot make a deal if one side refuses to honor it. To ensure funds appropriated by Congress are spent in accordance with the law, include guardrails in FY2026 education funding bills.

Here's What's at Stake in your State

See how much your state could lose—in IDEA and Title I funding, Pell Grants, and career and technical education grants—if Trump shutters the Department of Education. Please also see how federal funding supports public schools in your area.

Letters & Testimony

NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.

Bills in Congress

Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools

  • Support

    HR 8798 Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 www.congress.gov

    Introduced on May 13, 2026

    The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 would offer free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to every student in America — regardless of income — and eliminate school meal debt while incentivizing local food in schools.

  • Support

    S 4518 Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 www.congress.gov

    Introduced on May 13, 2026

    The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 would offer free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack to every student in America — regardless of income — and eliminate school meal debt while incentivizing local food in schools.

  • Support

    S 4377 Climate Change Education Act www.congress.gov

    Introduced on April 22, 2026

    This bill would establish a Climate Change Education Program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide grants and technical assistance to state and local education agencies, institutions of higher learning, professional associations and academic societies, and youth corps organizations. The legislation would help ensure that graduating students are trained to live, work, and lead in a world increasingly impacted by climate change. It would also support climate literacy by authorizing $50 million per year, from fiscal years 2027 to 2032, for grants and cooperative agreements between NOAA and education entities. The bill stipulates that 40 percent of the funds for higher education institutions and youth corps organizations would be directed to environmental justice communities.

We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.

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Speak Up For Students and Public Schools

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