Bonamici Leads Effort to Protect Local Public Schools, Public Education

WASHINGTON, DC [02/05/25] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced a resolution that advocates for protecting local public schools and condemns any attempt to defund public education.

Bonamici is the Ranking Member of the Education and the Workforce Committee’s Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. She is a proud public school graduate and spent years as a public school parent volunteer.

“The overwhelming majority of students in Oregon and across the country attend public schools,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici." Local schools enrich communities, open doors to new opportunities, spark creativity, and prepare students to contribute to the economy and democracy. Our work in Congress should be to strengthen local public schools, not berate, defund, or privatize them. I would not be where I am today without a public education, and neither would millions of Americans. We must stand up against all efforts to undermine local public schools and the essential services they provide to all students – including those who have a disability or are from marginalized communities. I’m leading this resolution to send a strong message that we will not let these attacks on public education stand.”

The resolution is endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), National Education Association (NEA), National PTA, Center for American Progress, National Center for Learning Disabilities, and the Education Trust

"Americans of all political stripes want safe and welcoming public schools where kids can acquire the skills to thrive in careers, college and life,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Unfortunately, the Trump administration has spent its first two weeks in office laying waste to our schools, our teachers and the programs that so many parents and families rely on. Educators and school staff continue to show up every day, ready to teach students. We must do everything we can to ensure the promise of public education survives these chaotic assaults. Rep. Bonamici's resolution recognizes that public schools form the foundation of opportunity, and it underscores the importance of providing educators and students with the resources they need. Strengthening public education is in everyone's best interest, regardless of party affiliation. Rep. Bonamici has our full support." 

“Every student—no matter their place or race—deserves access to a great public school that helps them live into their brilliance,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “Students across the country benefit from programs run by the U.S. Department of Education, especially lower-income students in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Eliminating the Education Department steals resources from our most vulnerable students, explodes class sizes, cuts job training programs, makes higher education more expensive, takes away special education services for students with disabilities, and guts student civil rights protections. Our students need more opportunities, more resources, and greater protections—not less. I want to thank Congresswoman Bonamici for her leadership and for drafting this resolution in support of America’s K-12 public schools.”

“National PTA has long advocated for equitable, high-quality public education to ensure all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our association remains steadfast in our belief that public education must be strengthened with the support of adequate funding and continue to be governed by public officials,” said National PTA President Yvonne Johnson. “Our association applauds Representative Bonamici for introducing a resolution that advocates for protecting public education and the role of the U.S. Department of Education. Dismantling or relocating offices within the department and reducing federal investments in public education will disproportionately harm students most in need of supports. There could not be a more urgent time to strengthen public education to make sure every child’s potential becomes a reality.”

The resolution counters the radical and harmful ideas proposed by Project 2025 and the Trump Administration’s recent Executive Orders. The resolution: 

• Highlights the historical role of the federal government in public education to promote equity of access for all students regardless of background or ability
• Recognizes that publicly funded local schools are often the only option for students in rural areas and students with disabilities
• Identifies the number of students served by major programs administered by the Department of Education, such as ESEA Title I funding and IDEA
• Emphasizes the importance of the Office of Civil Rights in enforcing federal laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment, especially under Title IX
• Supports maintained federal investment in public schools, affirms the importance of the Department of Education, and condemns any executive or congressional actions that would weaken or dismantle the Department or otherwise reduce or redirect funding for public education, including voucher programs.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

The resolution is co-sponsored by Representatives LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Summer Lee (D-PA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Lori Trahan (D-MA), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Scott Peters (D-CA), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Juan Vargas (D-CA), Nikema Williams (GA-5), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Mark Takano (D-CA), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), Darren Soto (D-FL), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Greg Casar (D-TX), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Al Green (D-TX), Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Val Hoyle (D-OR), Angie Craig (D-MN), John Mannion (D-NY), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), and Betty McCollum (D-MN).

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