The landscape of special education continues to evolve, making it more important than ever for families, educators, and advocates to stay informed. We will post the latest videos, announcements, and guidance from the U.S. Department of Education related to special education, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the rights of students with disabilities. As new information becomes available, we’ll share timely updates to help you better understand how changes at the federal level may impact students, schools, and families.
In yesterday’s (7/30/2026) Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) Executive Session voted 13-9 to advance Senate Bill 5046 – A bill to prohibit the transfer of certain offices and functions of the Department of Education to other Federal agencies, and for other purposes. “That’s what the special education unit at the Department of Education does – it empowers parents and students at the local level. It teaches all of our students that regardless of your physical ability, regardless of if you can speak or not, regardless of if you sit in a wheelchair…you are a human being with capacity,” said Sen. Hassan (NH). She went on to share that [special education] “makes a difference to millions of lives, to families, and to workforces.” Sen. Murray (WA) stated, “If Secretary McMahon wants to eliminate the Department of Education; she can ask Congress. Until then, an interagency agreement is not a magic wand. She cannot sign away her legal duty to American students.”
S. 5046 now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Advancing out of committee does not mean the bill has passed Congress or become law.
You can listen to the Senate HELP Executive Session, and around 33:21 is SB 5046 which includes dialogue on amendments.