Overview
- U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Education Department from rescinding over $1.1 billion in unspent COVID-19 education aid.
- The injunction applies only to 17 states and Washington, D.C., that filed the lawsuit, restoring access to funds while the case continues.
- The lawsuit, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, argues the funding cut was arbitrary and violated administrative procedures.
- Education Secretary Linda McMahon revoked spending extensions in March, asserting that the pandemic's end made further extensions unnecessary.
- The restored funds, part of the $190 billion Congress allocated for pandemic recovery, are critical for tutoring, school infrastructure, and support for vulnerable students.