“IDEA Full Funding Act” Bill Reintroduced by Reps. Huffman, Thompson and Sen. Van Hollen to Fully Fund Special Education

lwade@aasa.org

Alexandria, Va. – April 3, 2025 — Today, U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) reintroduced the IDEA Full Funding Act. This legislation would fulfil Congress’ commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In 1975, Congress passed IDEA to ensure that every child with a disability has access to educational opportunity. This law was a historic step forward, but since its passage Congress has failed to provide the funding it promised.

Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education. However, that pledge has never been met, and current funding is right around 10 percent. The IDEA Full Funding Act provides for regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet the obligation to America’s children and schools. Eight other Representatives signed on as original cosponsors: Reps. Neguse, Fitzpatrick, Criag, Stauber, Bynum, Bacon, Swalwell and Bost.

The full press release from the bill’s sponsors can be found here.

This legislation is crucial in strengthening our nation’s schools and ensuring all students—regardless of ability—have the opportunity to access a high-quality education.

“While we’ve made substantial progress to fund special education services in recent years, we still have important work left to do to live up to the original commitment Congress made,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “All children – no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor – should be able to access a full, exceptional education, and this legislation will help school districts provide the necessary resources to make this vision a reality. The current chronic underfunding leaves an unfair burden on students, teachers, schools, and families. Our bill holds up the federal government’s end of the bargain to fully fund special education services on a permanent basis and set all students up for long-term success.”

"For too long, the federal government has fallen short on its commitment to share the cost of education with states for individuals with special needs, placing an unfair burden on schools, teachers, and families,” said Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA). “The IDEA Full Funding Act reaffirms our promise and makes IDEA whole over the next 10 years. This is a positive step toward ensuring every student with disabilities receives the support and resources they need to thrive.”

“Fifty years ago, Congress passed the IDEA Act, and with it, made a promise to children with disabilities and their families – but we have fallen short of that promise every year since. While Donald Trump and Elon Musk are illegally gutting public education in America, we are fighting to strengthen it. Our bill will ensure that Congress finally meets its commitment to fully fund IDEA, putting us closer to delivering equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country,” said Senator Van Hollen. 

This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of over 50 national organizations, including AASA, The School Superintendent Association.

“AASA is proud to support the IDEA Full Funding Act being introduced today. This legislation is crucial in strengthening our nation’s schools and ensuring all students—regardless of ability—have the opportunity to access a high-quality education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) represents a critical commitment in leveling the playing field for students with disabilities. Congress passed IDEA 50 years ago, pledging to fund 40% of the additional costs associated with educating these students. As Congress has yet to meet this obligation, we are proud to endorse the IDEA Full Funding Act, being introduced in both the House and Senate and thank Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Thompson and Huffman for their leadership on this important issue.” said Executive Director of AASA, David. R. Schuler, Ph.D.

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About AASA 
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.