Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon testifies in front of Senate HELP Committee

On February 13, nominee for Secretary of Education Ms. Linda McMahon testified in front of the Senate HELP Committee, answering an array of questions from Senators. Ms. McMahon repeatedly stated her support for public education as well as parent choice, and responded several times that it is Congress’ decision, not the President’s, whether to eliminate the Department of Education. The hearing included discussion about antisemitism on college campuses, funding and grants under the new administration, and ways to combat declining educational results. A full recording of the hearing is available.

In opening remarks, Chairman Cassidy (R-La.) welcomed the nominee and noted the declining NAEP scores, emphasizing the need to reform education. He highlighted declining K-12 performance, criticizing the Biden administration’s regulations on charter schools and excessive bureaucracy that hinders school funding. Concerns were raised about rising college costs, student debt, and poor workforce preparation, and the Chair emphasized the need for school choice, reduced federal interference, and reforming education under President Trump and Ms. McMahon’s leadership.

Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) followed the Chair, beginning by thanking teachers around the country, and emphasizing the need to support teachers and strengthen public education, highlighting the challenges students face, particularly in high-poverty areas. He criticized the efforts to cut education funding and defended the Department of Education, arguing it provides essential resources for disadvantaged students. Instead of abolishing it, he called for making it more effective. He also stressed the importance of raising teacher salaries, expanding afterschool and summer programs, and increasing mental health support for young people.

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In her testimony, Linda McMahon thanked the Committee and President Trump for her nomination, emphasizing her commitment to education reform, school choice, and workforce development. McMahon commented on declining student performance, rising campus violence, and increasing student suicides, attributing these issues to federal overreach. She advocated for funding education freedom rather than government-run systems, empowering states over Washington bureaucrats, and prioritizing career-focused education, particularly in STEM, tech, trades, and healthcare. She vowed to work with Congress to realign the Department’s priorities, reduce bureaucracy, and invest in teachers, students, and workforce readiness.

During the question and answer portion of the hearing, Senators repeatedly raised questions about how programs like Title I and other formula funding for states and ultimately schools would be managed if the Department of Education were abolished or reorganized. McMahon reassured Senators that funding for these programs would continue, as they are appropriated by Congress and distributed to states. She did suggest certain programs like IDEA might be better served under a different agency with broader oversight of health and disability issues. Concerns were also raised about reduction in staff at the Department and the cancelling of contracts and withdrawing of funds. McMahon acknowledged the need to evaluate these decisions further.

In particular, Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) questioned McMahon on a Trump administration executive order restricting federal funding for DEI programs, highlighting confusion among schools. He cited cases where institutions canceled Black History Month events and ethnic clubs. McMahon stated that celebrating Black History Month is appropriate but avoided firm stances on other scenarios, saying she needed to review the order’s scope. Murphy warned that uncertainty could leave schools scrambling.

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) questioned McMahon on the importance of public education, particularly in rural Alaska, emphasizing the need for investment in schools and education equity. McMahon agreed, stressing the role of public education but also supporting school choice where feasible. Murkowski then pressed McMahon on local control and the limitations of federal influence under Every Student Succeeds (ESSA), the federal law that governs K-12 education. She asked how McMahon would balance federal policies with state autonomy. McMahon acknowledged ESSA’s restrictions but argued that U.S. education is failing and needs reform focused on core academic skills.

A Committee vote and full Senate vote on McMahon’s nomination is expected in the coming weeks. During this time when much is up in the air with regard to federal education funding in general, afterschool advocates can reach out to their members of Congress to emphasize the importance of afterschool and summer programs and the difference programs are making in local communities.