Story perspectives

Murphy: Education Dept cuts civil-rights budget, resolves zero complaints.

4/29/2026

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Murphy Accuses

Senator Chris Murphy highlighted that the Education Department resolved zero discrimination complaints in Connecticut in 2025, including 70 disability claims.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon testified before the Senate on April 28, 2026, defending President Donald Trump’s 2027 Education Department budget.
Murphy accused McMahon of slashing the Civil Rights budget 35% and firing half its lawyers.
McMahon said the department rehired dismissed attorneys, will add lawyers, and tackle a 23,500-case backlog.

Right

McMahon Defends Budget

Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced Department of Education is hiring more civil-rights attorneys to rebuild the Office for Civil Rights.
The Senate Appropriations subcommittee heard Linda McMahon testify on April 28, 2026, defending the Trump administration’s proposed 2027 Education Department budget.
The 2027 proposal reduces Office for Civil Rights funding by $49 million, from $140 million to $91 million.
It maintains the Nonprofit Security Grant Program at $274.5 million, down from the $300 million 2026 proposal.

History

Historical Context

In 1979 President Carter signed the Department of Education Organization Act, launching a cabinet-level agency with a $14 billion budget and 17,000 staff. Republicans have repeatedly challenged its size, from Reagan’s 1980 cuts to the 2025 half-staff reduction under Secretary McMahon. The Senate’s 2027 budget debate, which again proposes slashing Office for Civil Rights funding, echoes these long-standing partisan fights.

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Murphy Accuses

Senator Chris Murphy highlighted that the Education Department resolved zero discrimination complaints in Connecticut in 2025, including 70 disability claims.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon testified before the Senate on April 28, 2026, defending President Donald Trump’s 2027 Education Department budget.
Murphy accused McMahon of slashing the Civil Rights budget 35% and firing half its lawyers.
McMahon said the department rehired dismissed attorneys, will add lawyers, and tackle a 23,500-case backlog.

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