1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

Here’s a polished and compelling version of your Resistbot letter to Congress: ⸻ Subject: Protect Disability Rights—Keep IDEA Oversight Under the Department of Education Dear [Member of Congress], I am writing to express deep concern over President Trump’s recent announcement that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would assume responsibility for overseeing services for students with disabilities, instead of the Department of Education. This proposed change poses a serious threat to the legal rights, educational access, and well-being of more than 7.5 million students with disabilities in the United States. Legal experts and disability rights advocates agree that the President does not have the authority to unilaterally reassign oversight and funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Federal law explicitly states that the Department of Education is responsible for administering IDEA and for ensuring students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. Any attempt to bypass this framework without an act of Congress is not only unlawful—it is dangerous. Shifting IDEA oversight to HHS, an agency primarily focused on healthcare and lacking specialized experience in education, could devastate the infrastructure that currently supports millions of students. Special education is not merely a service—it is a civil right. The Education Department works directly with state education agencies and school districts to ensure compliance with IDEA. Undermining this system threatens to make special education an afterthought rather than a priority. In recent years, the number of students receiving special education services has increased by nearly 800,000, and students with disabilities now make up approximately 15% of total public school enrollment. These children deserve strong federal protections and continued oversight by an agency equipped to support their academic growth and legal rights. I urge you to oppose any move to transfer IDEA oversight to HHS. Please take action to prioritize the rights of students with disabilities and ensure that the Department of Education remains the agency responsible for their services and protections. These children cannot afford to be left behind.