Latest news with #Congressionally-mandated
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
This will ‘devastate scientific research': 16 states sue the Trump administration over National Science Foundation directive
Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Attorneys general from 16 mostly Democrat-controlled US states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration Wednesday, arguing that some of the federal government's attempts to gut National Science Foundation research programs are illegal. The suit, filed in federal court Wednesday afternoon, asks a judge to put a stop to NSF policies that are halting millions of dollars' worth of research spending. The move comes after the NSF announced in April that it would do away with hundreds of grants — mostly related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) and misinformation research — that amounted to more than $230 million. The cancellations have mounted since then, so far affecting a total of 1,753 grants worth nearly $1.4 billion across numerous areas of research, according to NSF data. Neither the National Science Foundation nor the White House responded to a request for comment. The agency also announced a new policy in May that caps how much researchers can spend on 'indirect costs,' which include operating expenses such as the use of laboratories, safety programs and equipment, at 15%. (The cap is currently on hold through June 13, pending a legal hearing.) The attorneys general argue such a policy would 'slash millions of dollars for groundbreaking scientific research across the country, jeopardizing national security, the economy, and public health,' according to a news release from New York State Attorney General Letitia James, who is coleading the suit with Hawaii State Attorney General Anne Lopez. The coalition's lawsuit also argues that the Trump administration's efforts to shutter research related to diversity is illegal. The NSF 'has a Congressionally-mandated focus on improving diversity in STEM fields,' according to the news release from James' office. 'Congress has instructed in law that a 'core strategy' of NSF's work must be to increase the participation of people who have historically been left out of STEM occupations.' A federal law states that the National Science Foundation should work to increase the 'participation of women and individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM.' The new lawsuit argues that recent NSF directives 'violate the Administrative Procedure Act and the Constitution by unlawfully changing NSF policy and ignoring Congress's intent for how NSF should function,' according to the news release. 'The lawsuit seeks a court order ruling NSF's new policies are illegal and blocking them from being implemented.' The National Science Foundation is a $9 billion agency charged with advancing discoveries across the scientific spectrum, largely by evaluating the scientific merit of grant requests and doling out dollars, mostly to universities and other research institutions. The agency's staff has been asked in recent weeks to ensure funding requests comply with Trump's executive orders that have sought to dismantle DEIA-related activities and a 'free speech' directive that argues efforts to combat misinformation can be 'used to infringe on the constitutionally protected speech rights of American citizens across the United States.' Many researchers, stakeholders, and institutions that work with the NSF have decried the new policies. The Federation of Associations in Behavioral & Brain Sciences, for example, said in an April 24 statement that the Trump administration's directives have put scientists in the 'middle of a political tug-of-war, wasting valuable time and resources.' Former NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan, who was tapped to lead the agency during Trump's first term, also resigned in late April — 16 months before his term was set to end. 'I believe I have done all I can to advance the critical mission of the agency and feel that it is time for me to pass the baton to new leadership,' Panchanathan said on April 24 in parting remarks, which were provided to CNN by an agency spokesperson. The White House has proposed a sweeping 55% budget cut for the NSF, and the agency could face sweeping layoffs. The coalition of states suing the Trump administration over NSF changes include New York, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and Washington. The lawsuit mirrors another filed May 5 by 19 states and Washington, DC, against the Trump administration for allegedly taking 'a wrecking ball to the Department of Health and Human Services.' The Trump administration had in late March announced plans to cut some discretionary federal health spending and transform several health agencies. The restructuring plans include consolidating the 28 agencies of HHS into 15 new divisions, including the Administration for a Healthy America. The lawsuit over the HHS changes alleges that the impacts of the restructuring already have been harmful, leading to the shutdown of some regional HHS offices that provide services to low-income families, children with disabilities, youth experiencing homelessness and preschool development programs.
Politico
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Nineteen states sue Trump over school funding threat
A coalition of 19 attorneys general sued the Trump administration on Friday to block its plans to withhold billions of dollars in federal funding from states that refuse to scrap diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in K-12 schools. The lawsuit , led by California, Massachusetts, Minnesota and New York, argues that an ultimatum delivered by the U.S. Department of Education earlier this month to comply with the Trump administration's interpretation of federal anti-discrimination law was unconstitutional and unlawful. To be in compliance, states were required to certify that schools were adhering to a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that prohibits the use of race in a range of decisions including admissions, financial aid and other aspects of education. While federal judges temporarily blocked Trump's order earlier this week in separate rulings, the attorneys general filed the lawsuit in hopes of winning a decisive ruling that bars the administration from withholding funding over its DEI demands. 'The federal Department of Education is not trying to 'combat' discrimination with this latest order,' California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. 'Instead it is using our nation's foundational civil rights law as a pretext to coerce states into abandoning efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through lawful programs and policies.' In all, the lawsuit claims Trump's directive puts more than $18.7 billion of federal funding for education at risk. California receives nearly $8 billion each year in funding from the Department of Education, which is mostly used to support programs for students from low-income families and special education services. New York receives more than $3 billion, of which around half goes to support low-income students. 'Every student has the fundamental right to learn in an environment that is welcoming and open to everyone,' said New York Attorney General Letitia James. Trump officials have argued they have the authority to control the spigot of federal school dollars. 'Federal financial assistance is a privilege, not a right. When state education commissioners accept federal funds, they agree to abide by federal antidiscrimination requirements,' said Craig Trainor, the department's acting assistant secretary for civil rights, in a statement when the order was announced. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in a statement that the Trump administration is attempting to 'illegally stop the allocation of these Congressionally-mandated funds in order to push a vague, anti-DEI agenda at the expense of some of the most vulnerable children in Illinois and across the country.' The states' lawsuit contends that the Trump administration has 'repeatedly failed to define the conduct that they seek to punish or prohibit' or what constitutes 'illegal DEI.' 'This ambiguity pressures Plaintiff States to curtail lawful, congressionally sanctioned and required, initiatives and programs that support diversity, equity, and inclusion, in order to dispel all fear of losing federal funds or becoming a target of enforcement,' the lawsuit states.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Jersey politicians react to Trump's order to dismantle Department of Education
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday looking to get rid of the the Department of Education. "We're going to eliminate it, and everybody knows it's right," Trump said. However, the White House acknowledged the president does not have the power to completely shutter the department. Trump's order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take "all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to the States," according to a White House summary. New Jersey elected politicians took to social media and email following the announcement to voice their opinion on the matter. Here's what they had to say: More: Trump wants to close the US Education Department. What does that mean for NJ schools? 'President Trump's directive to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education is unconscionable and unconstitutional. This Executive Order will have disastrous ramifications — especially for our nation's students. 'New Jersey receives approximately $1.2 billion in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education, the vast majority of which supports low-income students and students with disabilities. By signing this Executive Order, the Trump Administration is endangering vital resources for K-12 students and risking increased costs for those pursuing higher education. 'Simply put, the Trump Administration is going out of its way to create chaos and raise costs for our nation's families. I urge New Jersey's Congressional delegation to protect federal funding and preserve the legally prescribed functions of the U.S. Department of Education. My Administration will take every possible step we can to support their efforts.' "The genius of our young people is our nation's most precious resource. Eliminating the Department of Education is unconscionable to those of us who believe in the future of America. "We are robbing young people and educators of resources and guidelines that have built the most successful country on earth. It baffles me that at a time when we are trying to boost high-tech innovation and industry we are decimating the tools government has to level up our workforce. "Losing this much talent, not to mention illegally stealing funds from a Congressionally-mandated department, cannot easily be undone. The ignorance of President Trump, Elon Musk, and whomever is running DOGE will have devastating generational consequences. "I will not let this stop me from fighting for justice and opportunity for every American." 'President Trump's decision to dismantle the Department of Education is not just dangerous — it's a reckless and illegal betrayal of our families, students, and educators. As the son of a teacher, I understand the critical impact the Department of Education has on Jersey families. New Jersey claws back nearly $1 billion in critical education dollars from the federal government every year, including $463 million for students with disabilities and $465 million for underserved students and communities. These dollars help our schools and offset local contributions from our property taxes. The Department also provides essential resources to strengthen early childhood education and support our educators. These are the hard-earned tax dollars of Jersey families, and the Administration cannot jeopardize our children's education and futures by stripping them away. I'm all for efficiencies, but blindly taking a chainsaw to programs that Jersey families, students, and teachers depend on is not a strategy — it's pure stupidity. And it will hurt our students. I will always fight to protect our families and ensure our children have opportunities to learn and thrive.' "This is not just illegal, but also disastrous for New Jersey students. "First, let's get one thing straight: dismantling the Department of Education via executive order is illegal. The Department of Education was created by an act of Congress, and that's the only way it can be eliminated. Plain and simple. "New Jersey receives $1.2 billion from the Department of Education which goes towards closing the achievement gap among students, supporting teacher training, and supporting students with disabilities. Those are OUR tax dollars coming back to support OUR schools. "About half of that money goes towards Title I schools, which are schools where 40% of students are in our underserved communities. Cuts to that funding put nearly 4,000 teachers' jobs at risk, and harm at-risk kids in a state where nearly 500,000 students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. "The other half is a federal program called IDEA, which ensures that students with disabilities get appropriate public education tailored to their needs. "Without federal funding, New Jersey will have to prevent disadvantaged students and those with different learning needs from falling through the cracks. And with sky-high property taxes, families can't afford to pay more. "Eliminating the Dept. of Education is both cruel and shortsighted. Public schools are the foundation of the middle class and the distinctly American idea that everyone has a shot at working hard and building a good life. "So when I'm governor, you'd better believe the lawsuits are coming." "President Trump's executive order to abolish the Department of Education is unlawful and will be challenged in court. The power to eliminate this agency lies with Congress, but President Trump's careless actions will have real impacts on American families. "Cutting public education could mean losing student loans, a lack of support for students with disabilities, educators losing their jobs, fewer mental health resources, canceling after-school or summer programs, and so much more. "In this country, every student deserves the opportunity, resources, and support to reach their full potential. It's time for my Republican colleagues to step up and join me in fighting back against Trump's reckless actions." "Trump's plan to eliminate the Department of Education means mass teacher layoffs, overcrowded classrooms, and less support for students. It'll price millions out of college and increase local property taxes. Trump's billionaire Education Secretary doesn't care about public education, but the American people do. This must be reversed." "As a former educational leaders and the mom of an elementary schooler, I am outraged by Donald Trump's reckless decision to dismantle the Department of Education. "This is a disaster for the future of America's children and will only cause more problems in our education system. "The federal government should be increasing funding to our students, teachers and schools - but instead the Trump administration is ripping away necessary resources and existing infrastructure, leaving kids behind, and threatening the future of our economy and workforce. "Our children do no deserve this." "Trump can't abolish the Education Dept. This will play out in court, but it will do real harm to education across the country while it does. "Children with disabilities or who rely on financial aid will not receive an education. Who benefits from that? Nobody. "So let's be clear on what this really is: another shocking headline to distract us from Trump crashing economy and raising costs for working families. "Don't fall for it." USA Today contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on NJ politicians react to Trump's order to dismantle Education Department
USA Today
11-02-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Refugee resettlement groups challenge Trump's program freeze
Refugee resettlement groups challenge Trump's program freeze Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump cancels travel for refugees approved to enter US President Donald Trump canceled travel plans for refugees approved to travel in the United States with an executive order on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Fox - Seattle Several U.S. refugee resettlement organizations asked a federal judge on Monday to restore the U.S. refugee program, arguing President Donald Trump's indefinite suspension is unlawful and is causing irreparable harm. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington State, challenges Trump's pause of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The president said the break was necessary to determine if it 'aligns with the interests of the United States,' with a report due every 90 days on whether the program should be resumed. Trump's move closed the door on many already-vetted and approved refugees, including former Afghan allies who once aided the U.S. and refugee family members waiting to be reunified. The Trump Administration also stopped federal funding for faith-based U.S. resettlement organizations, crippling their ability to provide services, the lawsuit said. That can include help with housing, job placement and language courses. 'Shutting down this proven and Congressionally-mandated program irrevocably harms tens of thousands of vulnerable refugee families we have pledged to support,' Rick Santos, the head of Church World Service, one of the plaintiff agencies, said in a statement. The new litigation, which asks the court to declare Trump's suspension illegal, enjoin its implementation and restore refugee-related funding, was filed by Church World Service, HIAS, Lutheran Community Services Northwest and nine impacted individuals. That includes a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo whose family sold all of their belongings only to find their flight had been canceled days before they were set to leave, according to the groups. The State Department did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment. The lawsuit echoes the legal battle that unfolded in 2017, when federal courts intervened amid a Trump ban targeting refugees from Muslim-majority countries and those seeking family reunification. Still, during Trump's first term, he slashed annual refugee admittance caps, set by presidents, to a historic low of about 15,000. That in turn led to funding cuts that hobbled or closed some U.S. resettlement organizations. Former President Joe Biden restored the program that resettled more than 100,000 refugees in fiscal year 2024, reaching a 30-year high. Mark Hetfield, HIAS President, said that when the executive order was issued last month, nearly 44,000 of the 125,000 admissions ceiling set by Biden had been met for the current fiscal year that began Oct. 1. Although the refugee program has historically enjoyed bipartisan support and has resettled more than 3 million refugees fleeing persecution since 1980, Trump has long portrayed it as a security vulnerability and a strain on communities. But advocates say refugees admitted under the program constitute some of the country's most vetted immigrants, spending years going through security checks, medical exams and interviews before they're resettled with the help of local agencies. And they noted that a federal study found that over a 15-year period, refugees contributed $123 billion more than they cost the government. The lawsuit also aims to resume federal funding of refugee resettlement organizations, arguing that Trump's changes have already left them 'struggling to keep their lights on and their staff employed, let alone continue to serve the vulnerable refugees at the core of their missions.'
Bloomberg
29-01-2025
- Science
- Bloomberg
US Students' Reading Scores Drop to Worst in More Than 20 Years
US fourth- and eighth-grade students are struggling with reading comprehension with last year's nationwide testing showing the worst results in over two decades. Average reading scores deteriorated among students who took the Congressionally-mandated assessment in 2024, according to results released Wednesday from the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
