Protect IDEA Funding and Restore Special Education Staff

Protect IDEA Funding and Restore Special Education Staff I am writing to urge you to protect the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and ensure full funding for the 7.5 million disabled children who depend on this program. The Trump Administration's decision to fire nearly all staff responsible for administering IDEA threatens a program with deep bipartisan support that has served students and families across every state since President George H.W. Bush signed it into law in 1990. The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) distributed $15 billion in federal grants to schools in 2025, funding special education teachers, aides, speech and occupational therapists, assistive technology, and early intervention services for infants and toddlers. Without OSEP staff, no one will review and certify states' grant applications or ensure lawful distribution and appropriate use of these critical funds. Approximately 15 percent of students receive services under IDEA for conditions including vision and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, autism, Down Syndrome, and intellectual disabilities. IDEA requires the Education Department to verify that states lawfully support students with disabilities before granting funds and to require corrective action when they fail to comply. School districts already struggle to meet the law's requirements, making OSEP's oversight and assistance essential. The Administration's action creates needless uncertainty and turmoil by eliminating staff without any plan for fulfilling these statutory responsibilities. Congress has the constitutional authority to ensure the Administration faithfully executes the laws you pass, including requirements for federal agency structure, functions, and personnel. The Administration lacks legal authority to dismantle the Department of Education or move IDEA administration elsewhere without an act of Congress. The 2026 education funding bills approved by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees maintain the Department's legal responsibility to implement IDEA. I urge you to assert your authority, restore OSEP staffing, and fully fund IDEA to protect disabled students' rights and ensure they receive the accommodations and services they need to succeed.