Bill Cassidy - Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Bill Cassidy - Ranking Member of the Senate HELP Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), the ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has called for a hearing with Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona to address concerns regarding the Department of Education's proposed fiscal year 2025 budget and its failure to meet congressional mandates.
In a letter to HELP Chair Bernie Sanders, Cassidy expressed worries about President Biden's budget proposal, which includes cuts to essential education programs. The budget reduces funding for charter schools, impacting families' educational choices, and maintains stagnant funding for programs benefiting Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, and rural communities. Additionally, there are concerns about increased support for students learning English and the allocation of funds to full-service community schools that could potentially involve controversial services.
Cassidy highlighted the Department of Education's history of prioritizing politically motivated projects over congressionally-mandated initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access for Americans. He specifically mentioned the mishandling of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program, causing delays in crucial financial aid information for students and families. Furthermore, Cassidy criticized the administration's focus on student loan policies that could burden taxpayers who did not pursue higher education or have already repaid their loans.
Calling for a public hearing with Secretary Cardona, Cassidy emphasized the importance of oversight in understanding the administration's budget priorities and addressing Departmental issues. He stressed the significance of engaging directly with Secretary Cardona to ensure transparency and accountability in serving American taxpayers.
Cassidy's letter to Chair Sanders and Secretary Cardona urged the Committee to fulfill its role in overseeing the Department of Education and advocating for the best interests of students and families.
For all news and updates from HELP Republicans, visit their website or follow them on Twitter at @GOPHELP.
Alerts Sign-up