Salinas Condemns Trump’s Illegal Order to Shut Down the Department of Education

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (OR-06) issued the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order that effectively eliminates the U.S. Department of Education without congressional approval, in direct violation of the Constitution:

“Today, President Trump showed countless students, parents, educators, and working families in Oregon and across America that he does not care about them or their success.

Without a fully functioning Department of Education, millions of students could lose their financial aid and their ability to afford college. Early learning programs like Head Start could get cut off, stunting the growth and future potential of our youngest generation. This decision could take away opportunities in our rural communities, eliminating funding for rural schools and career and technical education programs that help connect Oregonians with good-paying jobs. What’s more, Trump’s order could limit support and create an unequal learning environment for over 350,000 students in Oregon who have disabilities, come from low-income families, or who are learning English as a second language.

Dismantling the Department of Education does nothing to help our students learn – in fact, it will only put them at a greater disadvantage. As the first person in my family to graduate from college, I know the lifechanging power of a good education. I am outraged that President Trump has chosen to ignore the needs of working families with this illegal executive order, and I will use every tool available to fight back.”

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