As reported in the July 11 NSTA Legislative Update, earlier this month the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) informed state education agencies it would withhold almost $7 billion in FY25 federal K–12 grants that Congress approved in March and that were expected for distribution on July 1. OMB claimed the programs misuse funds to promote a “radical leftwing agenda.” The funding being withheld included

• $376 million for Title I-C migrant education state grants
• $2.190 billion for Title II-A supporting effective instruction state grants
• $890 million for Title III-A English language acquisition grants
• $1.33 billion for Title IV-B 21^st century community learning centers
• $1.38 billion for Title IV-A student support and academic achievement grants
• $715 million for adult education state grants

In response, state attorneys general and Democratic governors from two dozen states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for these funds.  For several days advocacy from various education organizations (including NSTA) argued that holding the funds would threaten rural and high-poverty districts, force program eliminations well into the 2026–2027 school year, and directly harm students, families, and local economies. Several Senate Republicans also argued that withholding these funds contradicts Trump’s stated goal of restoring K-12 education control to the states, noting these programs have long enjoyed bipartisan support.

On July 18, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reversed course and released to states almost $1 billion for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program (Title IV, Part B).

On July 25, after releasing funds to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, the White House said it would release the additional federal funds that continue to be withheld. Read more.

NCTM, NCTE, NCSS, and NSTA Issue Joint Statement on Withholding of Education Funding

As mentioned earlier, NSTA partnered with colleagues from the other discipline groups to protest the Trump Administration's decision to withhold Congressionally approved funds for K-12 education. The statement said these funds “support teachers with professional development and essential instructional resources,” and the loss of these funds would have an immediate impact on thousands of schools and districts nationwide. Read the joint statement here.

Lift Your Voice, Here’s How

NSTA is a member of, and works closely with, the STEM Education Coalition, which, for over 20 years, has worked with NSTA and is considered the leading advocate in Washington, DC, on all things science and STEM education. The STEM Education website has advocacy tools to allow you to share your story and advocate for science education with your senators and representatives. Now, more than ever, it’s time to lift up and support K-12 education. 

• Reject STEM Funding Cuts
• Support NSF

Supreme Court Temporarily Allows Ed Layoffs, Restructuring

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision allowing the Department of Education (ED) to proceed with mass layoffs and a major restructuring effort that shifts core responsibilities to other agencies. The unsigned order lifts lower court injunctions that had temporarily blocked the termination of more than 1,300 employees and halted program transfers. However, the ruling is temporary and remains in effect while courts continue reviewing the legality of President Trump’s plan. The 19-page dissent argued that President Trump’s efforts to dismantle ED exceed presidential authority, asserting that only Congress can abolish a cabinet-level agency. The decision clears the way for the administration to resume layoffs initially delayed in May.

Administration Releases AI Action Plan 

Last week, the White House announced the release of its AI Action Plan. The AI in Education Initiatives and announcements will be housed on this website. The education and workforce goals start on page 9.

Legislators Debate Funding in FY2026 Science Bills 

Before adjourning for summer break, the House of Representatives advanced a number of spending bills, including the FY 2026 Commerce, Justice and Science bill, which includes funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF). The bill proposes more than $2 billion in cuts to the NSF and completely eliminates STEM education programs within the agency. 

The Senate subcommittee version of this spending bill appropriates a total of $9 billion for NSF (a decrease of $ 60 million from FY 2025) and $1 billion for the STEM Directorate (a decrease of $172 million from FY 2025).  The bill also expresses “dismay” in numerous sections related to the cancellation of various STEM-related grant programs. More here.

And finally, earlier last month, the administration cut funding for the Presidential Awards in Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, citing DEI references in winners' bios, which critics argue will harm education and innovation. Read more here.

For the latest advocacy and policy updates, be sure to check out our Legislative Updates blog series, which is featured in our e-newsletters, NSTA Reports, and NSTA Weekly. You can also access the articles directly on the NSTA Blog. 

The mission of NSTA is to transform science education to benefit all through professional learning, partnerships, and advocacy.