Huffman, Van Hollen Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Fully Fund Special Education

April 03, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02)and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) reintroduced the bicameral IDEA Full Funding Act to ensure all children with disabilities can access a free, high-quality public education.In 1975, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) to provide these essential educational opportunities, and this legislation ensures that Congress fulfills its commitment.

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 below 13 percent. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools. It is cosponsored by more than 30 Senators and over 60 House members. Text of the IDEA Full Funding Act can be viewed here.

“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 thenecessary 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 apermanent basis and set all students up for long-term success.”

“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.

Rep. Huffman requested $16.3 million for IDEA Part B Grants to States in FY2024, taking a key step toward securing full federal funding. He will continue to advocate for more federal funding in the upcoming FY2025 appropriations cycle, ensuring that every child can access the resources they need to succeed.

This bill is co-led in the House by Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Don Bacon (NE-02), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), and Mike Bost (IL-12). 

“As the Trump Administration slashes support for students with disabilities by dismantling the Department of Education, I am proud to join my colleagues in advancing legislation that mandates increased IDEA funding. Together with parents, teachers, and education advocates, we will hold the President accountable for his reckless attacks on accessible education and make sure every kid has the chance to learn, grow, and–ultimately–succeed,” said House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse.

“This bipartisan legislation is fulfilling a long overdue promise made by the federal government to support students with disabilities by funding 40% of the cost of special education,” said Rep. Don Bacon. “For far too long that commitment has gone unfulfilled, and now we are taking action to deliver on that promise. I’m honored to co-lead the reintroduction of the IDEA Full Funding Act.”

“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. "The IDEA Full Funding Act reaffirms our promise and makes IDEAwhole 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.

“As the mother of a child who benefited from special education, I know firsthand just how lifechanging these programs can be for Minnesota students and their families,” said Rep. Angie Craig. “I’m proud to be co-leading this bipartisan legislation to fully fund special education programs and ensure our special educators and paraprofessionals have the resources they need to keep up this critical work.”

“Every child, regardless of ability, deserves access to a high-quality education and a fair opportunity to succeed,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “For too long, the federal government has fallen short of its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), leaving schools and families to shoulder the burden. We’re working to change that through the bipartisan, bicameral IDEA Full Funding Act—legislation that will ensure students in Bucks and Montgomery counties, and across the nation, have access to the full range of resources, support, and high-quality education they need to reach their fullest potential.”

“Parents of kids with special needs are fresh off of fighting for their kids during COVID, and we won't stop. We know that every kid has needs – and gifts. No one is disposable and we're tired of having to fight for the crumbs. Fully fund IDEA. Now,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum.

“For many parents, raising a child with a disability is a full-time job. Every child, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, deserves the opportunity to develop skills that will help them lead fulfilling lives. That’s why I’m a proud co-lead of the IDEA Full Funding Act,” said Rep. Eric Swalwell. “Parents have to fight too damn hard to get their child the resources they need, and Congress has fallen short of our promise to support all students as they learn essential skills for adulthood. This bill would require regular mandatory increases in spending to match the needs of America’s classrooms. Fully funding IDEA is a big step in bringing down barriers and stepping up our students for success.”

“For too long, the federal government has fallen short of its funding commitment to students with special needs, forcing schools to subsidize rising special education costs with general education funds,” said Rep. Pete Stauber. “This leaves every student at a disadvantage. As the parent of a child with special needs, I am proud to continue the fight to ensure Congress fulfills its promise to our special needs students and their parents, so our educators can strengthen special education services while meeting the needs of every American student.”

This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of over 70nationaland localorganizations, including by theSchool Superintendents Association (AASA), theAssociation of School Business Officials International (ASBO), and the Council for Exceptional Children.

"I see firsthand the critical role special education plays in shaping the future of our students. With the growing needs of students with disabilities, it is more important than ever that we fully fund IDEA. Every child, regardless of ability, deserves access to the education and support they need to thrive. I urge Congress to please find it in their hearts to vote this critical legislation through and support all our beautiful children across this great nation,” said Jaime Green, Superintendent of Trinity Alps Unified School District (TAUSD).

“AASA is proud to support the IDEA Full Funding Act being introduced today. We strongly support this legislation as a key priority in strengthening our nation’s schools and supporting them in their work to ensure all students—regardless of ability—have an opportunity to access a high-quality education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) represents a critical commitment to help level the playing field for historically disadvantaged populations, students with disabilities. We are proud to endorse the IDEA Full Funding Act, being introduced in both the House and Senate this week, for its work to hold Congress accountable and create a clear path and plan of action. We thank Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Thompson and Huffman for their leadership on this important issue,” said AASA Executive Director Dr. David R. Schuler.

“School districts everywhere are facing significant financial strain as they strive to educate and serve all students, including those with disabilities. Fully funding IDEA would help schools keep up with rising costs to effectively assess and respond to increasing needs, attract and retain specialized instructional support personnel, and provide assistive equipment and technology to help students learn and succeed,” said Elleka Yost, ASBO Director of Advocacy & Research.

“As the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) turns 50 years old this year, now is the perfect time for Congress to make good on its pledge to fully fund IDEA," said Chad Rummel, executive director of the Council for Exceptional Children. "We thank Sen. Van Hollen, Reps. Huffman and Thompson, and all the bill cosponsors for introducing this bill to provide the resources needed to support the infants, toddlers, children and youth served under IDEA,” said Kuna Tavalin, Senior Advisor at the Council for Exceptional Children.

Additional cosponsors in the House include Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Mike Bost (IL-12), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Judy Chu (CA-28), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Jim Costa (CA-21), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jason Crow (CO-06), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Jim Himes (CT-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson Jr. (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), John Mannion (NY-22),Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DL-AL), LisaMcClain (MI-09), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07),Chellie Pingree (ME-01),Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08),Josh Riley (NY-19),AndreaSalinas (OR-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), PeteStauber (MN-08), Marilyn Strickland(WA-10), Eric Swalwell, (CA-14),Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), NikemaWilliams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

The bill is also supported by: TheSchool Superintendents Association (AASA), AFT, AFL-CI", American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Occupational Therapy Association, American PsychologicalAssociation, Assistive Technology Industry Association, Association of Educational Service Agencies, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators, Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, CAST, Center for Learner Equity, Coalition for Adequate Funding for Special Education, Coalition for Community Schools, Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA), Council for Exceptional Children, Council for Learning Disabilities, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, EDGE Consulting Partners, EdTrust, Education Reform Now, First Focus Campaign for Children, Higher Education Consortium for Special Education, Institute for Educational Leadership, Learning Disabilities Association of America, NAESPA (NationalAssociation of ESEA State Program Administrators), NationalAssociation for Music Education, NationalAssociation for Pupil Transportation, NationalAssociation of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, NationalAssociation of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS), NationalAssociation of Private Special Education Centers, NationalAssociation of School Psychologists, NationalAssociation of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society, National Education Association, National PTA, National Rural Education Association (NREA), NBJC, Teach For America, TheAdvocacy Institute, TheArc of the United States, TNTP.

The bill is also supported by these local and state organizations: ABC SELPA, ABC Unified School District, ACSA Region 5, Albany Unified School District, Anaheim Elementary SELPA, Antelope Valley SELPA, Arcadia Unified School District, Association of CaliforniaSchool Administrators, Berryessa Union School District, Bonny Doon Union Elementary School District, Briggs Elementary School District, Butte County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), CaliforniaAssociation of School Business Officials, CaliforniaSchool Boards Association, Clovis Unified School District, CTA, Duarte Unified School District, East San Gabriel Valley SELPA, EDGE Consulting Partners, El Dorado County Charter SELPA, El Monte Union High School District, Emery Unified School District, Fillmore Unified School District, Foothill SELPA, Franklin McKinley School District, Fresno County Charter SELPA, Fresno County SELPA, Garden Grove Unified School District, Garvey Elementary School District, Glendale Unified School District, Gonzales Unified School District, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, Humboldt-Del Norte SELPA, Kern High School District SELPA, King City Union School District, La Cañada Unified School District, Las Virgenes Unified School District, Live Oak School District, Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles Unified School District, Marin County SELPA, Merced County Office of Education, Merced County SELPA, Millbrae Elementary School District, Milpitas Unified School District, Monrovia Unified School District, Monterey County Office of Education, Monterey County SELPA, Moorpark Unified School District, Moreno Valley Unified School District, Mountain Elementary School District, Mountain View School District, MPUSD, NCCSE SELPA, North Monterey County Unified School District, North Region SELPA Director, North Santa Cruz County SELPA, North West SELPA, Oak Grove School District, Oak Park Unified School District, Oakland Education Association, Oakland Unified School District, Oakland Unified Special Education Department, Ocean View School District, Oceanside Unified School District, Office of the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Ojai Unified School District, Orange Unified SELPA, OUSD, Oxnard School District,Pacific Elementary School District, Pacific Grove Unified School District, Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, Placer County SELPA, Pleasant Valley School District, Rancho Santa Fe School District, Ravenswood City School District, Riverside Unified School District SELPA, RuralSchools Association of New York, Salinas Union High School District, San Antonio Union School District, San Diego Unified School District, San Gabriel Unified, San Joaquin County Office of Education,San Juan Unified School District, San Lorenzo Valley USD, San Luis Coastal Unified School District, San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, San Luis Obispo County SELPA, San Marino Unified School District, San Mateo Adult & Career Education, San Mateo County Office of Education, San Mateo County SELPA, San Miguel Joint Union School District, San Ramon Valley Unified School District/SELPA, Santa Barbara County SELPA, Santa Clara County Office of Education, Santa Clara Elementary School District, Santa Clarita Valley SELPA, Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Santa Paula Unified School District, Scotts Valley Unified School District, SELPAAdministrators of CA, Shandon Joint Unified School District, Sierra Sands SELPA, Simi Valley Schools, Simi Valley Unified School District, Siskiyou County Office of Education, SMCOE, Solana Beach School District, Sonoma County SELPAand Sonoma County Charter SELPA, Soquel Union Elementary School District, South East Santa Clara SELPA, South Monterey County JUHSD, South Orange County Special Education Local Plan Area, South Pasadena Unified School District, Special Education Teacher and Administrator, Spreckels Union School District, SUESD, Sunset Elementary School, Tehama County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) and Tehama County Department of Education (TCDE), Temple City Unified School District, Tri-City SELPA (Culver City, Santa Monica-Malibu, Beverly Hills Unified School Districts), Tri-Valley SELPA, Tuolumne County SELPA, VCOE, Ventura County Office of Education, Ventura County SELPA, West Contra Costa SELPA, West Contra Costa Unified School District, West San Gabriel Valley SELPA, Yolo County SELPA, Yuba County Office of Education.

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