ICYMI: Senator Markey Slams Trump Administration’s Cuts to Special Education

Watch: Senator Markey celebrates 50thanniversary of IDEA, decries Trump cuts to special education programs at Department of Education
Washington (December 9, 2025) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) on Thursday delivered floor remarks to celebrate the 50thanniversary of theIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which was signed into law on November 29, 1975. TheIDEAwas enacted to ensure that students with disabilities have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers. Below is an excerpt from Senator Markey’s remarks as prepared.
“Two weeks ago, I visited the Campus School in Boston, a school for students with complex disabilities and extensive support needs. During my visit, I met Natalie, a middle school student, and her mom, Julia. Natalie has Dup15q syndrome, which causes serious developmental, behavioral, and medical needs such as frequent seizures. Natalie requires 24-hour caregiving support. Natalie’s story demonstrates how crucial the IDEA is—and how devasting Trump and MAGA Republican cuts will be to families around the country.
“Her school pays $18 million each year to allow students like Natalie to receive the highest quality and best fit school placements out of district. In turn, her school receives $1.7 million from IDEA funding and a half a million dollars in Medicaid funds to offset those costs—around 10%. If this federal funding is jeopardized, the school, Natalie and her peers, their educators, and their families, will have no idea how to continue providing the level of education that these students not only deserve, but also are legally entitled to. Natalie’s disability does not preclude her ability nor deny her the right to receive an excellent education. At school and at home, Natalie radiates joy because she is given the support she needs to flourish. Every student with disabilities is worthy of that same support, inclusion, and joy.”
Senator Markey is leading the fight against the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle public education in the United States and to provide essential resources for students with disabilities.
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