Full Breakdown
Lawsuit Accuses White House of Blocking Hundreds of Millions in Education Research Funds
7/2/2026, 12:48:38 AM
Legal Challenge Over Blocked Education Research Funding
On June 30, 2026, National Center for Learning Disabilities, Knowledge Alliance, BNP Education Partners LLC, and Massachusetts Teachers Association filed a suit (National Center for Learning Disabilities v. OMB, No. 1:26-cv-13019) in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The complaint says OMB and Education Department have “usurped” Congress’s authority by stopping the IES from obligating millions of dollars appropriated for education research.
Funding Appropriations and the Institute of Education Sciences
The IES, the federal hub for education research, received $793 million in February 2026 for multiple programs, plus $50 million for Comprehensive Centers and funds for the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program. The House Appropriations Committee later approved $493 million, roughly $300 million less than the original congressional allocation.
Plaintiffs, Defendants, and Congressional Actors
Plaintiffs are the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Knowledge Alliance, BNP Education Partners LLC, and Massachusetts Teachers Association. Defendants are OMB and the Education Department. House Appropriations ranking member Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) are also cited.
At-Risk Funding and Congressional Reductions
At risk are $793 million in IES program funds that could lapse on Sept. 30, 2026, $50 million for Comprehensive Centers set to expire, and EIR grants that may expire Dec. 31, 2026. The House’s $493 million allocation is $300 million below the February appropriation.
Official Statements from the Education Department and Congress
The Education Department said it is “committed to using appropriated funds to meet our statutory obligations while supporting research.” Rep. Aderholt defended the reduced budget, stating the cut “is meant to allow for carryover funding Congress has already appropriated for the office.”
Criticism from Plaintiffs
The lawsuit alleges the Education Department has been a “more-than-willing participant in this effort to derail education research spending,” accusing officials of “manipulating basic administrative processes” to block funds. Plaintiffs warn the loss would be “devastating” for students with learning disabilities, teachers, and schools seeking improvements.
Conflicting Accounts and Information Gaps
The Education Department’s claim of commitment to use the funds conflicts with plaintiffs’ allegation of intentional obstruction. The complaint does not detail the specific administrative actions taken by OMB or the Department, leaving a gap in public understanding of how the delay was created.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Department of Education has been a more-than-willing participant in this effort to derail education research spending,” — National Center for Learning Disabilities, Plaintiff
- “committed to using appropriated funds to meet our statutory obligations while supporting high-quality research.” — Education Department spokesperson
- “manipulating basic administrative processes,” — National Center for Learning Disabilities, Plaintiff
- “devastating.” — Massachusetts Teachers Association, Plaintiff
Future Legal and Funding Timeline
The lawsuit is pending in federal court (National Center for Learning Disabilities v. OMB, No. 1:26-cv-13019). If the court orders the funds to be obligated, the IES may still encounter administrative hurdles before the September and December deadlines.
