WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) recently participated in a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget request for the U.S. Department of Education, with Education Secretary Linda McMahon testifying before the panel.
During the hearing, Senator Britt underscored the importance of supporting Alabama’s 14 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), the highest number of any state. She praised the institutions’ contributions to students, the workforce, and the broader community, while inquiring about how the FY26 budget would sustain and strengthen HBCUs.
Secretary McMahon stated that continued support for HBCUs is a priority under the current administration, affirming that funding and technical assistance would remain in place.
The discussion also touched on a recent executive order signed by President Trump in April 2025, reestablishing the White House Initiative on HBCUs to advance educational opportunity and institutional growth.
Senator Britt shifted focus to the FY26 proposal’s $60 million increase for charter school programs, bringing total funding to $500 million. She expressed appreciation for what she called the administration’s commitment to educational freedom and opportunity, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Britt referenced the Alabama Accountability Act, which supports school choice through scholarships and tax credits, and emphasized the need to meet rising demand for alternative educational options. Secretary McMahon echoed the sentiment, stating the administration’s position that no child should be “trapped in a failing school” and noting the expanded funding aims to improve access to quality education.
In her final questions, Britt addressed national literacy efforts, highlighting Alabama’s gains since the 2019 Alabama Literacy Act was enacted. The Senator noted the state’s rise in national fourth-grade reading proficiency rankings from 49th to 34th and attributed the improvement to evidence-based instruction and early intervention.
Secretary McMahon responded that literacy remains her top priority, and she emphasized sharing successful strategies—like those used in Alabama—across other states to replicate improved outcomes.
The FY26 budget hearing provided a platform for both parties to discuss policy priorities affecting students nationwide, particularly those in underserved communities.
