NEA urges Congress and Trump administration to avoid shutdown with bipartisan funding deal

National Education Association President Becky Pringle has called on former President Donald Trump and Congressional leaders to reach a bipartisan agreement to fund the federal government. In a statement released Tuesday, Pringle criticized Republican leadership for failing to address key issues affecting communities and public schools.

“All Americans deserve a Congress that works for them. We deserve leaders who are focused on lifting up our communities, working to address the issues our nation faces, and ensuring every public-school student has the opportunity to thrive," Pringle said.

She accused Trump and Republicans in control of the White House, House of Representatives, and Senate of "walking away from the American people" and "manufacturing chaos." According to Pringle, their actions are causing a government shutdown that will disrupt funding for public schools serving military families, reduce support for low-income mothers and children, and cut access to preschool programs for vulnerable children.

“Now they are forcing a government shutdown, so they continue giving handouts to billionaires while driving up costs and stripping away health care from millions of working people and middle-class families. A shutdown means the public schools that serve military families and military communities across the United States will be cut off from funding they need for day-to-day operations. Low-income new mothers and their babies will lose food and crucial support. And thousands of vulnerable children will lose access to vital preschool programs that set them on the path to success," she stated.

Pringle also raised concerns about threats by Trump regarding federal employees: “And Trump is threatening to illegally fire millions of dedicated public servants who keep our nation running if he doesn’t get his way."

She concluded her remarks by urging lawmakers: “Enough is enough. America deserves leaders who put children, families, and communities first—not political games.On behalf of NEA’s 3 million members, I implore Donald Trump, Mike Johnson, John Thune, and every member of Congress to stop the dysfunction, do their jobs, and pass a bipartisan funding agreement to keep the government open.”

The National Education Association represents more than 3 million educators across elementary schools, secondary schools, higher education institutions as well as education support professionals nationwide.