NEA and the Federal Education Association, the NEA affiliate representing educators employed in the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, lobby to strengthen measures in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that affect DoDEA schools. They highlight the unique challenge of keeping military-connected students engaged as students’ families endure frequent deployments and relocations.
Last week, we had reason to celebrate. During the House Armed Services Committee’s markup of the legislation, amendments we advocated for passed. One blocks the Trump administration from terminating employees of DoDEA schools or Department of Defense childcare facilities. Another restores the bargaining rights for DoDEA and DoD federal employees. Those rights were restricted by a Trump administration executive order earlier this year.
As we acknowledge the NDAA victory, we know tough times remain. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on July 14 that the Trump administration can proceed with dismantling the Department of Education. The court’s decision will advance a selfish, mean-spirited ideology that puts at risk the future of the 90% of students in public schools.
At the same time, the administration is withholding nearly $7 billion in congressionally appropriated funding from public schools that should have been released on July 1 (note the “Cheers” below for members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, calling on those funds to be released). Serious funding battles continue in Congress that will determine whether America’s students will get the support they need, or not.
The administration’s cascading overreach and efforts to demolish crucial public services are testing our mettle. But together, we have the strength and heart to take on all challenges.
Tell Congress what you think!
In solidarity,
Kimberly Johnson Trinca
National Education Association
CHEER:Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Turner (R-OH), and Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) supported an NDAA amendment by Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) to prohibit the use of NDAA funds to carry out the president’s executive order that restricted collective bargaining for federal employees, including educators in DoDEA schools. The amendment passed during the markup of the FY 2026 NDAA in the House Armed Services Committee (HASC).
CHEER:Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) introduced an amendment during HASC’s markup of the NDAA that would effectively block the Trump administration from terminating employees of DoDEA or Department of Defense childcare facilities. The amendment passed.
CHEER:Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)led a Republican letter calling on the Trump administration to release nearly $7 billion in congressionally approved funds that are being withheld from public schools and were to be released on July 1. The letter was joined by Sens. Susan Collins (ME), John Boozman (AR), Katie Britt (AL), Deb Fischer (NE), John Hoeven (ND), Jim Justice (WV), Mitch McConnell (KY), Lisa Murkowski (AK), and Mike Rounds (SD).
CHEER:Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA), House Committee on Education and the Workforce; Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), House Appropriations Committee and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee; Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee; Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; and Ranking Member Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, issued a statement criticizing the Trump administration for illegally moving Department of Education career, technical education, and adult education programs to the Department of Labor as part of efforts to dismantle the Education Department.
CHEER:Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM)led a letter demanding the release of the funds being withheld, noting the withholding of $12 million intended for Albuquerque, NM public schools. The letter was signed by 150 members of the House.
CHEER:Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Norma Torres (D-CA)led a delegation letter from lawmakers in their state to the Department of Education and Office of Management and Budget demanding the release of the withheld funding, emphasizing the $900 million intended for California’s public schools.
