Aderholt Hosts Education Secretary McMahon, Calls for Return to Core Learning and End to Classroom Indoctrination

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, welcomed newly appointed Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to testify on the Department of Education’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request.

In his opening remarks, Congressman Aderholt commended Secretary McMahon for swiftly implementing President Trump’s bold education agenda, noting her strong start in reshaping federal education policy and reaffirming the Department’s commitment to restoring education to state and local control.

“Secretary McMahon has wasted no time getting to work,” said Aderholt. “She understands that despite record levels of federal spending, student outcomes have declined, and it’s time to reassess our approach to education. I applaud her for hitting the ground running.”

Aderholt addressed the alarming decline in student performance, citing data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress indicating that one-third of eighth graders read below the basic level. He emphasized the failure of increased federal spending to yield academic gains and reiterated his call for focusing on foundational skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics.

“Students deserve better. More spending has only led to worse results,” Aderholt said. “It’s time we return the focus of our classrooms to core subjects rather than divisive social advocacy.”

A key topic of the hearing was school choice, particularly the expansion of public charter schools. Aderholt pointed to Department data showing that charter school enrollment has more than doubled in the past decade while traditional public school enrollment has declined.

He also discussed the Department’s efforts to address the ongoing crisis in the federal student loan system, which has left millions of borrowers in default or at risk of default.

“The student loan program is in disarray, and Secretary McMahon has inherited a broken system,” said Aderholt. “I am hopeful that she can bring clarity and responsibility back to this vital area of higher education.”

Congressman Aderholt also praised Secretary McMahon and the Department for reaffirming protections for students on college campuses and restoring the original intent of Title IX, ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls in sports.

“Thank you to Secretary McMahon and President Trump for defending the rights of female athletes and ensuring our campuses are safe and welcoming environments for all students,” Aderholt added.

The hearing marked Secretary McMahon’s first appearance before the Subcommittee since her confirmation and provided a forum for Congressional oversight of the Department’s spending and priorities under the new administration.