At a recent hearing in Washington, D.C., Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, questioned Secretary of Education Linda McMahon regarding the proposed elimination of TRIO programs and the expansion of Pell Grants for short-term training programs. This inquiry was part of the review process for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Education.
Senator Collins announced that TRIO Upward Bound grants were released to current recipients in Maine. These grants are crucial for preparing high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds for college. The release followed a letter sent by Senators Collins and Jeanne Shaheen to Secretary McMahon, urging immediate action after reports indicated funding delays for several Upward Bound programs. This funding will benefit over 180 students in Maine.
During the session, Senator Collins emphasized her support for TRIO programs: "From my experience in Maine, I have seen the lives of countless first-generation and low-income students... changed by the TRIO program." She expressed disagreement with the President's proposal to eliminate these programs and sought clarification on this decision from Secretary McMahon.
Secretary McMahon acknowledged the value some see in TRIO but highlighted concerns about accountability: "We have had at least two pretty lengthy conversations about them... What we found is... these programs were negotiated at very tough terms... It specifically eliminates our ability to do that." She noted Congress's control over funding decisions and expressed willingness to work on renegotiating terms if Congress decides to continue supporting TRIO.
Senator Collins suggested reforming rather than abolishing such programs: "I think the answer is to reform and strengthen those programs, fix what's wrong, and increase accountability—not abolish them."
The discussion also covered expanding Pell Grants for short-term job training programs. Senator Collins referenced a bill she introduced with Senator Tim Kaine called the JOBS Act, which aims to allow federal Pell Grants to fund shorter-term job training that leads to licenses or certifications.
Secretary McMahon supported this initiative: "I wholeheartedly support these workforce Pell Grant options... So let's get these young people who don't need a four-year college education into the workforce sooner."
The dialogue reflects ongoing discussions about educational funding priorities and approaches within federal budget considerations.
