Press Release/Statement | February 3, 2026

Congress Passes LHHS Budget, Rejecting White House’s Proposed Higher Ed Cuts

Affordability Breaking (F)Ed College Completion Federal Budget Federal Budget and Tax Policy Pell Grants Student Success

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, with bipartisan support, Congress passed a delayed FY26 spending package that includes funding for the Education Department (ED). The bill rejects the president’s FY26 budget proposals that would have gutted numerous programs that support higher education opportunities for millions of Americans. Lawmakers also used the bill to signal their strongest commitment to date against attempts to dismantle ED, though further action is needed. 

If signed into law, the bill would: 

  • Maintain the maximum Pell Grant award at $7,395 for the 2026-2027 award year, in contrast to the White House’s proposal to slash the award by more than $1,000; 
  • Sustain funding for TRIO and GEAR UP at FY2025 levels, in contrast to the White House’s proposal to eliminate funding for both programs; 
  • Protect programs funded through the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), including $45 million for PSSG and $10 million for the Basic Needs Grant Program, in contrast to the White House’s proposal to eliminate all program funding; 
  • Sustain funding for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program at FY2025 levels, in contrast to the White House’s proposal to eliminate all program funding;  
  • Sustain funding for the Federal Work Study (FWS) and Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) programs at FY2025 levels, in contrast to the White House’s proposal to eliminate all program funding; 
  • Increase funding over FY2025 levels for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs); and 
  • Via an explanatory statement, provide clear direction on congressional intent for programmatic level spending, which will help to alleviate confusion regarding higher education grant opportunities that resulted from a lack of clarity in FY2025. 

The following statement can be attributed to Jessica Thompson, Interim President and Executive Vice President at TICAS:  

“We applaud members in both chambers for rejecting the White House’s draconian cuts and instead investing in students and the long-standing, effective higher education programs that serve them. 

“We continue to urge lawmakers to exercise their oversight authority and take additional steps to protect the Education Department. Students, families and borrowers across the country rely on ED programming and are weary of the ongoing chaos and confusion that come from the administration’s attempts to shutter it. 

“We urge the president to sign this package and implore the administration to stop working to defund and dismantle programs and agencies on which millions of Americans depend.”