WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has joined Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) to reintroduce the IDEA Full Funding Act, aiming to correct decades of underfunding in special education. This legislation seeks to fulfill Congress’s 50-year-old promise under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide every child with a disability access to a quality education.
Passed in 1975, IDEA set a groundbreaking mandate requiring the federal government to fund 40% of the average per-pupil expenditure for special education. However, the Congressional Research Service reports that federal contributions remain below 12%, leaving a nationwide funding gap of $38.66 billion for the 2024-2025 school year. Pennsylvania alone would have received $1.4 billion in additional funding had the federal commitment been met.
“We promised families we’d have their backs, and for decades, we’ve fallen short on that promise,” said Senator Fetterman. “Because IDEA hasn’t been fully funded, parents and teachers have been working overtime to make up for the missing resources their students desperately need. Making IDEA whole is how we guarantee students with disabilities get the support they need to thrive in school.”
The legislation has gained momentum in both chambers of Congress, with sponsorship from more than 30 Senators and 60 Representatives. Notable supporters include Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), as well as Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Angie Craig (D-MN). It is endorsed by over 60 national organizations, including the National Education Association, Autism Society of America, and The Arc of the United States.
The IDEA Full Funding Act proposes mandatory, gradual increases in federal allocations for special education, finally delivering on the promise made nearly half a century ago. Advocates argue that this funding would not only relieve financial burdens on school districts but also ensure access to necessary resources, including assistive technologies, specialized educators, and tailored learning programs.
“Fully funding IDEA will provide schools with vital resources to deliver high-quality interventions, support educators, and foster inclusive learning,” said Katie Jordan, CEO of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Supporters highlight that students with disabilities currently face systemic disparities due to insufficient funding. AASA Executive Director Dr. David R. Schuler emphasized, “Congress must create a clear plan to strengthen our schools and give every student an opportunity to access high-quality education, regardless of ability.”
The legislation arrives at a critical time, as proponents underscore the challenges facing special education amid rising costs and growing needs. Its passage would mark a historic milestone in upholding the federal government’s responsibility to support students and families.
If enacted, the IDEA Full Funding Act could transform the educational landscape, providing equitable opportunities for millions of children nationwide. Legislators behind the bill have called its introduction not just a corrective step but an overdue investment in America’s future.
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