Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg delivered a statement on May 14 during a hearing titled “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Education.” The session featured Secretary McMahon, with Walberg addressing recent reforms and initiatives within the department.
The hearing focused on how recent policy changes could impact students, families, and educational institutions. The House Education and Workforce Committee manages federal programs concerning education, labor, health, and workforce development; it also influences policy on issues such as student loans and worker protections in its legislative jurisdiction over education and labor matters, according to the official website.
In his remarks, Walberg said: “Under your leadership, the Trump administration is delivering on reforms that will make education less expensive, improve outcomes for students and families, protect civil rights, and empower states and local communities with greater freedom to make the education decisions that are right for them.” He commended the department’s swift implementation of reforms under the Working Families Tax Cuts law. “That law contains the most significant reforms to higher education in more than a decade,” he said. He noted that these measures aim to lower college costs for students while holding schools accountable.
Walberg highlighted progress made since enactment: “Through two separate negotiated rulemaking processes, the Department successfully reached consensus on regulations addressing the law’s student loan reforms, accountability system, and Pell Grant expansion for short-term workforce programs.” He also addressed improvements in FAFSA processing: “The Biden-Harris administration famously botched the rollout of the updated FAFSA… but under your leadership… FAFSA completions increased significantly.”
He discussed anti-fraud efforts by saying: “Since taking office… Secretary McMahon has implemented aggressive anti-fraud measures… Those efforts helped block over $1 billion in attempted fraud in 2025 alone.” Other topics included expanded school choice through tax credits for donations to scholarship granting organizations set to become operational in January 2027.
Walberg concluded by thanking Secretary McMahon for supporting parents’ rights in education decisions: “Whether it’s restoring Title IX or stopping efforts by states… to conceal health information from parents…,the Department is once again putting parents back in control.” He added appreciation for actions against antisemitism: “Thank you for standing up for Jewish students…and holding institutions accountable when they fail to protect students’ safety.”
The committee plans continued oversight as new programs are implemented.
