Van Hollen, Huffman Introduce Bill to Fully Fund Special Education

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02) reintroduced the IDEA Full Funding Act, legislation to ensure Congress finally fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 50 years ago, 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. Senator Van Hollen has been leading this push to put Congress on a fiscally responsible path to fully fund IDEA since 2005. The legislation is cosponsored by over 30 members in the Senate and more than 60 members in the House of Representatives and is endorsed by 60 organizations.

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. According to the Congressional Research Service, current funding is at less than 12 percent, and the IDEA shortfall in the 2024-2025 school year nationwide was $38.66 billion. Under full funding, Maryland alone would have received $671.6 million. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools.

“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.

“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.” 

The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The legislation is co-led in the House by Representatives G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.-15), Joe Neguse (D-Colo.-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Angie Craig (D-Minn.-02), Pete Stauber (R-Minn.-08), Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.-05), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-02), Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.-14), and Mike Bost (R-Ill.-12) and cosponsored by over 60 additional members of the House.

The full text of the IDEA Full Funding Act can be viewed here.

This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of over 50 national organizations, including The School Superintendent Association (AASA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Occupational Therapy Association, Assistive Technology Industry Association, Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Autism Society of America, Center for Learner Equity, Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Education Association, National School Boards Association, and The Arc of the United States.

It is also supported by the following Maryland-based organizations: Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals, Maryland State Education Association, Maryland Association of Boards of Education, Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals, and Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland.

“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. When Congress passed IDEA 50 years ago this year and opened the doors of educational opportunity to all students, regardless of ability, it recognized it would come at a cost and committed to providing 40% of the additional cost associated with educating these students. Congress has constantly failed to reach this commitment, and is in fact below 10%—less than one-quarter of its commitment—in the current fiscal year. 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 VanHollen and Representatives Thompson and Huffman for their leadership on this important issue,” said Dr. David R. Schuler, Executive Director, AASA.

“As the president and his allies work to dismantle the Department of Education and undermine opportunity, we must redouble our efforts to keep the promise America made to students with disabilities 50 years ago when the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was first signed. Students with disabilities must have access to safe and welcoming schools with individual supports tailored to meet their needs so they can acquire crucial skills to realize their full potential. Regrettably, the federal government has consistently fallen short of the funding goals set by Congress, and now this administration is further backtracking. The IDEA Full Funding Act would finally fulfill the pledge made to millions of kids and their families, and I urge its rapid passage,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten.

“We are proud to once again endorse the IDEA Full Funding Act,” said Marc Egan, Director of Government Relations at the National Education Association (NEA). “The IDEA Full Funding Act ensures that no matter the zip code, students with disabilities have equal access to a well-rounded, high-quality public education. We must do right by our children and Congress should fulfill its pledge towards their education, which also strengthens our nation. We commend Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Huffman for their leadership in addressing the chronic underfunding of IDEA.”

“The American Occupational Therapy Association strongly supports the IDEA Full Funding Act to ensure children with disabilities receive the services they need to thrive. Fully funding IDEA will provide schools with vital resources to deliver high-quality interventions, support educators, and foster inclusive learning,” said Katie Jordan, CEO, American Occupational Therapy Association.

“Full funding for IDEA would ensure that students with disabilities are provided the accessible assistive technology and other supports that pave the road from education  to employment. ATIA thanks the bill sponsors for understanding this great need and for championing the bill,” said David Dikter, Executive Director, Assistive Technology Industry Association.

"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 James Rowan, CEO/Executive Director, Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).

“It is more critical than ever that Congress fulfill its commitment to cover the 40% of additional costs required to educate students with disabilities, including those with Autism. The current rate of 11% leaves many states struggling to provide all necessary services to students. This investment is vital to ensure that every student has access to an equitable and attainable education,” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO, Autism Society of America.

“We appreciate the champions who continue to promote educational access and opportunity for students with disabilities by introducing a bill to fully fund our nation's special education law. American students are experiencing a learning crisis, and it's past time for Congress to fulfill their 50-year-old promise and fully fund their share of the cost to educate students with disabilities,” said Jennifer Coco, Interim Executive Director, Center for Learner Equity.

“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, 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.”

Denise Marshall, CEO, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates said, “We appreciate our champions who understand how essential full funding of IDEA is to promoting collaboration between schools and families so that students can receive specially designed instruction, therapies, services, and other supports as determined by their Individualized Education Program (IEP). We urge Congress to act now!”

“One thing every member of Congress should agree on is that our country benefits when students with developmental disabilities get the help they need to learn,” said Jill Jacobs, Executive Director, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities. “As our country debates the best path for educating our students, families, educators and advocates believe now is the time for this Congress to make good on the promises made to provide students with disabilities the services and support they need to succeed by fully funding IDEA.”

“2025 marks 50 years since the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a monumental law that ensures students with disabilities have access to a high-quality education,” said Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, CEO, National Center for Learning Disabilities. “It’s time for Congress to honor the promise made a half-century ago to fully fund IDEA. Our nation’s public schools need resources to fulfill their mission, thus the federal government must fulfill their promise. We’re grateful for Senator Van Hollen, Rep. Huffman, and Rep. GT Thompson for their leadership in addressing the chronic underfunding of IDEA.”

“It is especially important at this time that IDEA be fully funded. We appreciate the bill's House and Senate sponsors for their commitment to educating students with disabilities and introducing this legislation,” said Stephanie Smith Lee, Co-Director of Policy and Advocacy, National Down Syndrome Congress.

“For 50 years, the federal government has promised to fully fund IDEA, yet that promise has never been kept. Right now, federal funding covers less than 13% of the cost of educating students with disabilities—far below the 40% commitment Congress made. This chronic underfunding doesn’t just affect classrooms today; it limits opportunities for students’ futures. A fully funded IDEA means access to qualified teachers, individualized support, and inclusive education that prepares students for higher education, employment, and independent living. Every student deserves the chance to build a fulfilling life after school. This bill is a long-overdue step toward making that a reality,” said Robyn Linscott, Director of Education and Family Policy, The Arc of the United States.

“For decades, the federal government has failed to live up to its promise to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Educators in Maryland feel the impacts of this chronic underinvestment while working hard to deliver for our students every day. MSEA proudly supports the IDEA Full Funding Act and urges Congress to fulfill its commitment to our school communities,” said Paul Lemle, President, Maryland State Education Association.

“Our government works best when it serves its people – especially our most vulnerable communities. 50 years ago, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to support our children with disabilities and ensure they had access to an appropriate education – we built up our children, gave them protections and supports. Yet for years, IDEA has been underfunded, creating burdens for districts and threatening access to services for students and families. This President and his callous Administration is intent on tearing things down instead of building them up. Now, more than ever, we need to fully fund IDEA,” said Senator Alsobrooks.

“Our legislation makes necessary investments in programs that students with disabilities across the country depend on to access high-quality education that meets their individual needs. President Trump’s destruction of the Department of Education has made it all the more clear: we must fully and permanently fund special education services so that every student—no matter where they live—has the opportunity to succeed,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“Every student deserves to have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their disability status,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “At a time when the Trump administration is doing all they can to make it harder for people to get the resources and services they need, I am proud to support this legislation on behalf of students with disabilities and their families in Delaware and across the nation. I look forward to working with Senator Van Hollen and our colleagues to finally honor our commitment and fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.”

“Decades after the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act became law, the federal government has still not fully funded the law to help ensure children with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the classroom,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our legislation would help make long overdue investments in special education that would help support children with disabilities, their families and the educators who serve them.”

“Our nation’s children are our future, and we must ensure that every child has access to high-quality education that meets their individual needs. It is critical that we honor our commitment to properly fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,” said Senator Durbin. “That is why I am joining my colleagues in introducing the IDEA Full Funding Act to ensure students with disabilities are receiving access to high-quality services and education, which they are entitled to under law.”

“I am proud to cosponsor the IDEA Full Funding Act, which will ensure that our government upholds its responsibility to give every child with disabilities access to educational opportunities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “All students deserve a high-quality education and school systems with the resources to support them. This bill will help Congress fulfill its promise to fund special education programs, making sure that we meet our obligation to give every child the best chance at success.”

“We promised families we’d have their backs, and for decades, we’ve fallen short on that promise. Because IDEA hasn’t been fully funded, parents and teachers have been working overtime to make up for the missing resources their students desperately need,” said Senator Fetterman. “Making IDEA whole is how we guarantee students with disabilities get the support they need to thrive in school. I’m proud to join my colleagues in championing this legislation amid continued threats to public school students and educators.”

“As Donald Trump continues working to illegally dismantle the Department of Education, securing funding for crucial resources like IDEA is more important than ever,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation so Congress can finally fulfill its commitment to fully fund the IDEA for the first time since its passage in 1975. This investment in IDEA will help ensure that every student with disabilities in this country can receive the quality education they deserve.”

“Students with disabilities, like any student, deserve access to a high-quality public education,” said Senator Kaine. “The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a crucial component of making that ideal a reality, but the IDEA is underfunded, leaving Congress’ promise of equal opportunity to students with disabilities unfulfilled—and as a former Mayor and Governor, I’m acutely aware of how federal underfunding of the IDEA puts tremendous pressure on local and state budgets. It’s imperative that we fully fund the IDEA to help schools offer the education, services, and supports that help students thrive.”

“As Trump and Musk continue their assault on public education, Congress must act to ensure every student has equal access to learning across our country,” said Senator Kim. “Educators and parents across my state of New Jersey are terrified about what comes next for essential programs like IDEA while Trump dismantles the Department of Education. This legislation is critical to help secure schools the resources they need to support students with disabilities’ education and futures.”

“A half a century ago, Congress enshrined into law the right of students with disabilities to access free and quality public education. Yet, every year, Congress fails to appropriate the funding necessary to fulfill that promise and guarantee that all students are not only integrated into our education system, but thrive in it. And now, President Trump and Secretary McMahon are attacking federal education funding and our entire public school system,” said Senator Markey. “Congress must fully fund the IDEA so that disabled students can thrive, families can be assured their children will receive world class education, educators have the resources they need to provide that education, and communities aren’t left scrambling to fill federal funding gaps.”

“Across Nevada, I have heard from the parents of children with disabilities, and all they want is for their children to have the same opportunities as any other child,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “The government has already committed to fund the IDEA program, yet it has consistently failed to do so. This legislation fulfills the government’s promise and provides essential funding for schools across the Silver State.”

“All students, regardless of ability, deserve access to a quality education. Yet, President Trump’s cruel dismantling of the Department of Education is putting millions of students with disabilities at risk of losing essential IDEA funding. The IDEA Full Funding Act upholds our commitment to offer every student a chance at the American dream by working to close longstanding opportunity gaps in our education system. This investment serves our students, supports our educators, and strengthens our economic future,” said Senator Padilla.

“Every student in Nevada deserves equal access to high quality public education, but the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the Department of Education is taking away resources and protections for children with disabilities,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m helping to introduce this bill to make sure Congress fully funds the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and provides equal opportunity for every child to have a shot at accessing quality education. I’ll keep fighting back against all attempts to cut funding from our children’s education.”

“Every child across America deserves access to quality education and a chance to succeed,” said Senator Shaheen. “For too long, Congress has fallen short of its promise to students with disabilities by failing to provide adequate funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Our legislation will right that wrong and help ensure schools have adequate resources to give students in New Hampshire and across the nation the education they deserve.”

“A good education has the power to transform lives, and Congress needs to fully fund the educational resources that support children with disabilities and their families. Every child deserves a quality education and the chance to meet their full potential in life. At a time when support for special education is threatened, I join my colleagues in insisting that Congress deliver on its promise to fund these vital services so that every student has access to a quality education,” said Senator Schiff.

“It’s time for Congress to finally fulfill our promise to deliver quality public education to every student across the country. As Donald Trump and Elon Musk continue their senseless attacks on public education, it’s more important than ever to stand up for all students no matter their disability or zip code,” said Senator Warner.

“As a former special education teacher, I’ve seen first-hand how this funding is transformational for students with disabilities. It means our schools have elevators to help with mobility, provides aides that help students communicate, and tailored programs to best meet their learning needs,” said Senator Warren. “With public education under attack, I am deeply grateful for Senator Van Hollen’s leadership in the fight to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).”

The bill is also supported by: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Psychological 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), Autism Speaks, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, CAST, Coalition for Adequate Funding for Special Education, Coalition for Community Schools, Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA), Council for Learning Disabilities, Council of Administrators of Special Education, 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 (National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators), National Association for Music Education, National Association for Pupil Transportation, National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS), National Association of Private Special Education Centers, National Association of School Psychologists, National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Down Syndrome Society, National PTA, National Rural Education Association, National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, Teach For America, The Advocacy Institute, and The New Teacher Project (TNTP).