During a recent hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Education, Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, engaged in a discussion with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon regarding significant changes proposed in the budget. The proposals include eliminating TRIO programs and expanding Pell Grants to cover short-term training programs.
Senator Collins expressed concern over the proposed elimination of TRIO programs, which assist first-generation and low-income students in accessing higher education. “From my experience in Maine, I have seen the lives of countless first-generation and low-income students… changed by the TRIO program,” said Collins. She emphasized her support for TRIO by noting that three of her staff members benefited from it.
Secretary McMahon acknowledged the value some see in TRIO but explained that accountability issues hindered its continuation beyond this year’s funding. “We aren’t able to see the effectiveness across the board that we would normally look to see with our federal spending,” she stated, expressing hope for renegotiation if Congress decides to continue funding.
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 conversation also covered Pell Grant expansion under a bill introduced by Senator Collins and Senator Tim Kaine called the JOBS Act. This legislation proposes allowing Pell Grants for short-term job training leading to licenses or certifications.
Secretary McMahon showed strong support for this initiative: “I wholeheartedly support these workforce Pell Grant options… Our workforce is definitely not being fulfilled by the proper workers.” She highlighted how such grants could aid young people entering high-demand fields without requiring four-year degrees.
