After late-night drama and a nine-hour floor speech by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries—the longest in the chamber’s history—Republicans fulfilled President Trump’s wish to have the budget reconciliation bill, H.R. 1, on his desk by July 4.

The final version, crafted by the Senate, shreds the social safety net while adding at least $3.3 trillion to the national debt—far more than the $2.4 trillion the House version of the bill would have added.

Even for some Republicans, it went too far. In the Senate, Vice President Vance had to break a tie. In the House, the vote was 218-214 with two Republicans joining every Democrat in opposition.

“This isn’t just a policy failure—it is a moral disgrace,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “They’re not just slashing budgets—they’re taking food away from hungry children by cutting SNAP. They’re stripping health care from millions by dismantling Medicaid.”

Our work is not done. It continues. And your advocacy will be critical to success in the battles ahead.

Just days ago, the Department of Education announced that it is withholding nearly $7 billion in funding for K-12 programs for summer and after-school, exposure to a well-rounded education, English learners, children from migrant families, teacher training, and more.

With so much bad news emanating from Congress, a recent victory in the Supreme Court has not gotten the attention it deserves. In a 6-3 ruling issued on June 27, the court ensured the survival of the E-Rate program that provides affordable and accessible high-speed broadband and telecommunications services—a win for students and educators everywhere.

Tell Congress what you think!

In solidarity,