President Trump Timely Distribution of Education Funding.

RPNM appreciates President Trump’s decision for the timely distribution of crucial federal education funding intended for New Mexico’s students, teachers, and schools. This aid—which supports initiatives such as after-school and summer programs, English language learning, mental health services, and adult literacy efforts—is a key investment in the future of our children. We acknowledge that without prompt access to these resources, school districts statewide may have faced disruptions in operations, staffing shortages, and gaps in essential services relied upon by many local communities.

However, it is important to clarify that the release of these funds was not due to influence from our delegation. Instead, it resulted from the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed through reconciliation, along with increasing pressure over the unlawful withholding of allocated funds. On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed this bill into law, which required the distribution of nearly $7 billion in education funding that had previously been frozen. Among this money was $1.3 billion earmarked for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which supports after-school and summer educational activities nationwide, as noted by the After School Alliance.

Notably, the withholding of these funds was pending a programmatic review—a decision many states, New Mexico included, legally contested under the Impoundment Control Act as unlawful. According to Senator Heinrich, it was these legal and political challenges, rather than congressional lobbying, that compelled the administration to release the funding.