To watch Chairman Capito’s opening remarks click here or the image above.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS), chaired a hearing with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon to consider President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request, as well as the many priorities of the agency.

Below is Chairman Capito’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:

“Good morning. Secretary McMahon, thank you for being here today to discuss the president’s fiscal year 2027 budget request and your priorities for the Department of Education.

“I am pleased to be joined this morning by my friend and ranking member Senator Baldwin—it is our fourth year atop this subcommittee together. I also welcome our full committee chair, Senator Collins, and vice chair, Senator Murray.

“Secretary McMahon, you are entering your second year at the helm of the Department of Education. Much like the last time we all gathered in this room, we stand at a crossroads. Do we stay the course with our education system as it is, hoping that more money or federal intervention will solve our problems? Or do we, as you have suggested, ask difficult questions, and consider innovative solutions that will actually turn the tide?

“Madam Secretary, I think we both believe that all Americans – from our earliest learners to our postsecondary students – should have the opportunity to access a high-quality education, and it is our responsibility to help make that possible.

“But, our nation’s students are struggling. We know from last year’s National Assessment of Educational Progress that students are still scoring below pre-pandemic levels in all tested grades and subjects. 33% – one third – of our nation’s 8th graders are not reading at the NAEP Basic level. This is a greater percentage than ever before.

“We must remain focused on improving outcomes for students. That means ensuring kids can read at grade level, are prepared for college or careers, and have opportunities to succeed in a rapidly changing economy.

“It is time for the United States to stand on the global stage as a leader in education and reverse the troubling trends that we have seen for far too long.

“So, where do we begin? Your leadership has shown that perhaps we need to start by turning to those who know our students best: our local schools, teachers, and parents.

“Federal education spending should be tailored to support states and policies that are responsive to the needs of each student. I am pleased to see your budget supports formula grant programs like Title I and IDeA that bring crucial investments to each of our states. These programs provide the much-needed flexibility for local communities to meet the individual needs of their students.

“Similarly, I am pleased to see your budget maintains support for the Charter Schools Program. West Virginia is fairly new to offering charter school education, yet we are already seeing exciting results in the expanded school choice opportunities for public school students. I know that the department’s continued investment in the Charter School Program will benefit many more students across the nation, much like we have seen in my home state.

“I would also like to touch on postsecondary education. I’ll note that I began my professional career as a college counselor and advisor, and in this role I saw firsthand how education provides students with life-changing opportunities. So I was glad to see that your budget requests funding to address the Pell shortfall and maintain the Pell Grant maximum award. Pell is critical to help provide financial access to postsecondary education for our students in West Virginia and across the nation who need it the most.

“I am also encouraged by the steps the department has taken to return student loan borrowers to repayment and remind them of the responsibility they take on when taking out a loan. However, after years of borrowers not being required to pay their loans by the prior administration, there is more work to be done. Currently, more than one out of every four student loan borrowers are delinquent or in default.

“I look forward to the work your department will do to clearly and efficiently correct the unprecedented confusion our nation’s student loan borrowers have faced for years. And, importantly, put borrowers back on a thoughtful track to repayment.

“As we move through the fiscal year 2027 appropriations process, I look forward to continued partnership with your department to find a responsible balance between our limited taxpayer resources and supporting the best opportunities for a high-quality education.

“I anticipate the road ahead will be challenging, but we must forge ahead to deliver for our students, who are the future of our great nation.

“Thank you again for being here today and I look forward to your testimony.”

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