Exercise the Power of the Purse

On June 30, the Department of Education announced via two emails that it is withholding $6.8 billion in funding previously slated for distribution starting July 1.  

The first email suspended $6.2 billion in funding for K-12 programs for summer and before-and-after-school, exposure to a well-rounded education, English learners, students from migrant families, and teacher training (Titles I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, and IV-B of the Every Student Succeeds Act). The second email suspended $729 million in funding for adult basic and literacy education.

The $6.8 billion shortfall could force states to choose between slashing student services—including some mandated by federal law—and other priorities at a time when Congress is also making historic cuts in federal support for Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

By law, the Trump administration cannot withhold funding—the official term is “impoundment”—just because it disagrees with policies set by Congress. It must file an official “rescission” request.

Article I of the Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse. The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 underscores that power. Tell Congress to exercise it!