Senator Kim Presses Linda McMahon on Trump’s Goal to Abolish Department of Education at Nomination Hearing for Education Secretary

WASHINGTON D.C.– Today,Senator Andy Kimuplifted the value of the Department of Education for students and families across our nation during the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Hearing for Secretary of Education nominee, Linda McMahon. Senator Kim focused his questioning on defending the multifaceted service of the department and pressed McMahon on protecting important elements not codified by statute, including the department’s Office of Civil Rights which has focused on combating antisemitic harassment and has recently faced personnel cuts under the Trump administration.
VIDEO OF QUESTION LINE
“I’m frustrated because I feel like this is such a clear place where we can just say, yes we want to make sure we have as much resources as possible to be able to fight antisemitism, to make sure we are addressing these needs,”said Senator Kim.“As we see a surge in antisemitism, of course we’d like to see a surge of resources to address it.
Senator Kim’s questions to Ms. McMahon addressed the direct needs met by the Department of Education’s programs and parents and teachers’ fear right now that they will be lost.
Senator Kim stated, “This whole debate we are having right now, it feels like it is untethered from the reality on the ground. I just urge you, if you are confirmed, that we are understanding the human impact of the problems that are here.”
On February 11, Senator Kim joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) insending Secretary-Designate McMahon a 12-page letterwith 65 questions on her policy views.
Senator Kim works to expand access to opportunity through education as a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). Kim also sits on the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and the Special Committee on Aging. Learn more about Senator Kim’s service on behalf of New Jerseyhere.

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