The new administration, predictably, began with a flurry of executive orders and actions that could endanger students and educators.

“Rather than listen to parents or work with educators to strengthen public schools, [Donald Trump] is prioritizing the extreme Project 2025 playbook that aims to divide us and ignoring what we know is needed to ensure every student has the opportunity and resources to grow into their full brilliance,” said NEA President Becky Pringle.

It is important to remember—especially in this space, where we focus on Congress—that many additional substantive moves require congressional action and will unfold at a slower, more deliberate pace. For example, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee has not yet scheduled confirmation hearings for either Secretary of Labor nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer or Secretary of Education nominee Linda McMahon.

GOP leadership still seems divided on legislative strategy for moving their big tax package as well as “pay fors”—potential cuts to free up funds for tax giveaways to billionaires.

And, for at the least the first 100 days, the House GOP will have the tightest margin since the 1800s. As many as three Republican members are leaving to join the administration, which will create a 217-215 margin. That means Speaker Johnson can afford to lose just one Republican if every member is present and votes.

In other words, there’s a long road ahead. 

Last week, we asked you to weigh in on S. 9, which would exclude transgender students from activities and opportunities that should be open to ALL students. Despite swift passage by the House, the Senate has yet to vote. Tell Congress what you think!

In solidarity,

THIS WEEK’S CHEERS AND JEERS

JEER: 64 senators and 263 representatives voted for S. 5, which directs federal immigration enforcement to detain and deport individuals without legal status who are charged with minor theft or shoplifting.