The House Education and Labor Committee held a nearly four hour hearing on the “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the U.S. Department of Education with Secretary Miguel Cardona. The hearing was contentious with Chair Scott having to remind the committee that “all Members are advised to leave out questions of motive or character of other Members.”

Similar to their colleagues on the House LHHS appropriations subcommittee, Republicans asked Secretary Cardona about the proposed rules for charter schools with Ranking Member Foxx directly asking where the Department of Education has the authority to add these requirements. Republicans were interested in the Department’s plans on managing the student loan debt crisis, including PSLF, income-driven repayment plans, Operation Fresh Start, and the current repayment pause. Democrats also raised questions about the student loan crisis and would like to see more awareness about PSLF, the Administration to cancel student loans, and the Pell Grant doubled.

Reps. Grijalva and Courtney along with Committee Chair Bobby Scott specifically asked the Secretary to discuss the funding requests for adult education and CTE and for a reiteration of support for the programs. Reps. Kathy Manning and Teresa Fernandez highlighted how MSIs, including HSIs, are underfunded and emphasized the positive impact of these institutions.

Other areas discussed during the hearing included critical race theory, transgender sports, Title IX, gun violence/school safety, mental health, Section 504 – students with disabilities, defunding police, military or FBI’s domestic terrorism units at school board meetings, and data privacy.

View full memo here.