Wyden Joins Legislation to Protect Education Programs for Students with Disabilities

Wyden Joins Legislation to Protect Education Programs for Students with Disabilities

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today that he has joined legislation to ensure the continuation of special education programs for students with disabilities, following the Trump administration's draconian cuts to the U.S. Department of Education.

"Every kid in America deserves equal education opportunities, no matter their background," Wyden said. "As the Trump administration takes a wrecking ball to special education programs that children with disabilities rely on, our legislation will ensure every student is given equal opportunity to succeed and thrive inside the classroom and beyond."

The Protecting Students with Disabilities Act would block any attempts by the Trump administration to weaken the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and destroy necessary services for students with disabilities.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration proposed cutting 12 billion dollars in funding from the Department of Education, and illegally withheld more than 6 billion dollars of already-appropriated funding for existing programs.

Leading advocacy organizations, including the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA), National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), and EdTrust, support the legislation.

This bill was led by Angela Alsobrooks D-Md. In addition to Wyden, the legislation was cosponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen D-Md., Tim Kaine D-Va., Ben Ray Lujan D-N.M., and Bernie Sanders I-Vt.

Representative John W. Mannion D-N.Y., introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, alongside Representatives Jahana Hayes D-Conn., and Lucy McBath D-Ga.

In September 2025, Wyden joined Senator Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum in demanding that funding for kids with disabilities in central Oregon be restored.

The text of the bill is here.

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