Senator Katie Britt Advocates for Alabama's HBCUs and Literacy Initiatives in Senate Hearing
Discussed President Trump’s FY26 budget with Education Secretary Linda McMahon
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) participated in a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on June 4, 2025 with Education Secretary Linda McMahon, discussing the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget Request for the Department of Education.
Senator Britt began by highlighting Alabama's 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), noting that the State has more HBCUs than any other in the nation. She emphasized their role in strengthening student experiences, the workforce, communities, and the future. Britt inquired about the administration's plans to ensure HBCUs continue to thrive, referencing the Strengthening HBCU program's $300 million annual allocation.
Secretary McMahon answered, stating, "We are continuing the educational support and the budget support that have been for HBCUs. It’s one of the promises that the President made, and that’s exactly what we’re going to continue to do."
The discussion also covered the FY26 budget's $60 million increase for charter school programs, bringing the total to $500 million. Senator Britt said she appreciated this commitment to educational freedom and opportunity, particularly in rural and underserved communities. She highlighted Alabama's efforts through the Alabama Accountability Act to provide families with better access to educational opportunities via scholarships, tuition, and tax credits.
Secretary McMahon emphasized the importance of equal access to quality education, stating, "No child should be trapped in a failing school, which is one of the reasons why [the President] wanted to expand the amount of dollars for charter schools."
Senator Britt also discussed literacy rates, referencing the Alabama Literacy Act passed in 2019. She noted significant improvements in reading proficiency among third and fourth graders, with Alabama's national ranking for fourth-grade reading improving from 49th to 34th over five years. Britt asked how the Department of Education plans to support similar initiatives nationwide.
Secretary McMahon affirmed that literacy is a top priority, stating, "I want to make sure that we are providing the information and the tools to states for them to see the success that other states have had... they have seen incredible results. And that’s what I want to continue to see across the country."
The hearing underscored ongoing efforts to support HBCUs, expand educational choices, and improve literacy rates across the United States.
Senator Britt’s full questioning is on YouTube, and below:
