On Wednesday, February 5, Senators Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), along with Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Rosa DeLaura (D-CT) wrote to acting Secretary of Education Denise Carter, expressing their concerns for actions taken by the Trump Administration that affect the U.S. Department of Education (Department). Specifically, the letter highlights concern over actions taken by the Administration to freeze federal financial assistance, disenfranchise federal workers from their jobs, and gain unapproved access to sensitive student data. Said the lawmakers: “We will not stand by and allow the impact that dismantling the Department of Education would have on the nation’s students, parents, borrowers, educators, and communities.” They further highlight the important functions facilitated by the Department, including FAFSA distribution, that could be disrupted if the Department were dismantled. The lawmakers conclude by requesting detailed information on data access and protection, personnel changes, employee communications, and the continuity of departmental programs since January 20, 2025.

Read the full letter here.