The Advocate January 2025: New Year, New Congress

2025 will usher in significant changes in Washington. However, as one of the oldest and most effective nonpartisan education organizations in the country, AASA has successfully navigated all combinations of political leadership. The incoming Republican trifecta is no exception. We stand ready to help both Congress and the Trump Administration know better, so they can do better, as it relates to policy and funding that strengthens public schools. 

In January the start of a new Administration and Congress will mean a renewed focus on executive actions and regulatory changes that can impact public education both directly and indirectly. It is expected that the President will make good on his promise to begin the process of repealing the Title IX regulations on Day 1. However, similar to the Biden Administration's swift efforts to start rescinding Title IX regulations early in his term, the process of rolling back regulations can be quite lengthy. Consequently, it is unlikely that we will see new Title IX regulations before 2027. 

In addition, the President is expected to reinstate the 1776 Commission, which would have the goal of promoting "patriotic education" and to counter what Trump sees as a “radicalized" view of American history. He is also likely to sign a Presidential Declaration of School Choice week the week of January 26th to further propel action by Congress to move forward with the first national voucher program.  

Trump has indicated plans to sign multiple executive orders aimed at tightening immigration laws. This could include measures to increase deportations, restrict asylum applications, and enhance border security. Of note for superintendents is whether schools remain “protected areas” for ICE enforcement activities. This designation – which states that to the extent possible ICE cannot conduct immigration actions on school campuses – can be easily eliminated by the new Administration, creating fear among students and families. Additionally, we are following other regulations that may impact DACA recipients while the program’s legality continues to be litigated in court. On January 15 at 2pm, AASA is hosting a webinar: Immigration Policy and Enforcement in 2025: What Superintendents Should Understand. The webinar will feature an immigration law expert to discuss the various issues within immigrant and will provide guidance on how to prepare your students and staff in the coming months. We have already reached capacity, but you can register to receive the recording here.  

Despite holding a majority, the Republican Party is not monolithic. There are significant ideological differences between more moderate Republicans and the far-right factions. This can lead to internal conflicts and make it difficult to pass significant legislation. The new Senate Majority Leader, John Thune, will have to expend significant capital in ensuring Trump’s cabinet is confirmed quickly while at the same time shepherd the first of two reconciliation packages which will focus on border and energy issues. Speaker Mike Johnson also will have a tough job cobbling together the first reconciliation package for his caucus as the House ratio is currently 219 Republicans to 211 Democrats with five vacancies.   

In addition to working on the border-energy bill, Congress will begin the process of re-introducing legislation like their Parents Bill of Rights bill, the Kids Online Safety Act, the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools program and many other bills that AASA closely tracks. We also expect to see a variety of new and old school voucher proposals re-emerge quickly and receive considerable support.

All of these new priorities and ambitions for the 119th Congress exist amongst the backdrop that FY25 funding (which began on October 1, 2024) still needs to be completed. The current continuing resolution expires on March 14, giving Speaker Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Thune very little time in the grand scheme of things to get their caucus aligned on spending and pass full year funding. The FY25 proposal from the House cut Title I by 25% and eliminated Titles II and III. However, that bill was never brought to the floor given its unpopularity and any spending bill will need bipartisan support to get past the Senate due to the filibuster. We are prepared for a fight to protect federal investment in education underscoring the important role these funds play in their schools, communities and districts – creating jobs and ensuring students are prepared for the future workforce. Cuts to education funding is unpopular among the majority of Americans, we must let Congress know that we are paying attention. Your engagement in advocacy for FY25 and FY26 will be critical.