Sewell demands that the Trump Administration release $89.9 million in withheld education funding for Alabama schools.

July 11, 2025 - WASHINGTON D.C. - Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07) joined 150 House Democrats in a letter demanding that the Trump Administration release almost $7 billion it has withheld from school systems across the country – with $89.9 million of that money withheld designated for Alabama schools.

The letter was addressed to Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought.

Sewell and the other Members wrote: "On June 30, 2025, just one day before these funds become available for obligation, the Department notified states that they would not receive these funds by July 1 and that '[g]iven the change in Administrations, the Department is reviewing the FY 2025 funding ... and decisions have not yet been made concerning submissions and awards for this upcoming academic year.' This late-breaking decision, which provided no timeline for which states can expect a final decision, is leaving states financially vulnerable and forcing many to make last minute decisions about how to proceed with K12 education in this upcoming school year. The education funding withheld by the Administration reflects resources provided by Congress that are designed to help schools with a variety of issues, including student learning and achievement, after-school programs, and teacher training."

The letter continues: "There is no legitimate reason why any review of these programs should prevent the Administration from fulfilling its responsibility to the American people on time. No more excuses-follow the law and release the funding meant for our schools, teachers, and families."

The funding is normally released to school systems on July 1. It has not come leaving school administrators scrambling to fund ongoing and planned programs.

The freeze affects several major grant programs:

- 21st Century Community Learning Centers – Supports after-school and summer programs

- Title II-A – Professional development for teachers

- Title III-A – Services for English learners

- Title IV-A & IV-B – Academic enrichment and community learning centers

- Title I-C – Education for migrant children

- Adult literacy and civics education – Including programs for adults without high school diplomas

Members claim that this decision is impacting schools, teachers, and families across the country.

Sewell's office said that as a direct result of the Trump Administration's decision to block them, school districts in Alabama are missing out on $89.9 million in federal funding, or 13.4 percent of the total Department of Education funding for Alabama's K-12 schools.

"There is no legitimate reason why any review of these programs should prevent the Administration from fulfilling its responsibility to the American people on time. No more excuses-follow the law and release the funding meant for our schools, teachers, and families."

The Department of Education claims the funding is under programmatic review to ensure alignment with President Donald J. Trump's priorities. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) stated that some grants were "grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda," citing examples like:

- Advocacy for undocumented immigrants

- Seminars on "queer resistance in the arts"

- Scholarships allegedly diverted from American students

Legal challenges are expected if the money is not released next week.