The Senate returns from recess on Monday and the House on Wednesday, leaving just days to enact four FY2024 appropriations bills whose funding expires Friday at midnight. Funding for the rest of the government, including the Department of Education, expires March 8.

MAGA Republicans continue to block progress and oppose compromising with Democrats. Instead, they are demanding the inclusion of policy riders opposed by most Americans and their elected representatives in Congress—among them, prohibiting funding for the implementation of gun registries and red flag laws.

The education funding bill could include a long list of “poison pills” from a bill previously introduced but not passed by the House—among them, blocking the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) repayment plan President Biden approved just last week. Through more than two dozen executive actions, the administration has cancelled $138 billion in student debt for almost 3.9 million borrowers—more than any president in U.S. history. 

To avert a government shutdown, Congress must act quickly. Speaker Mike Johnson could push for another stopgap bill or compromise with Democrats and pass a “suspension” bill, which requires the support two-thirds of those present. But MAGA Republicans are threatening to remove him as Speaker if he does.

Tell Congress what you think!

In solidarity,