'You voted for all of this': GOP senator ripped for saying Trump's law could close schools
Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in a committee hearing (REUTERS/Kent Nishimura)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R‑Alaska) is facing criticism for expressing concern that the Trump administration’s freeze on federal education — resulting from legislation she voted for — could lead to “closing schools” in her state.
Murkowski, who has a track record of opposing some of President Donald Trump's policies — including his recent signature legislated called the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" which she ultimately voted for — highlighted in an interview with ABC News Tuesday that “Many of our school districts have already made really hard decisions about closing schools.”
Her remarks came after three of Alaska’s districts filed suit against the Trump administration over a hold on more than $6 billion in federally authorized school funds nationwide.
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Last week, Murkowski and nine other Republican senators sent a letter urging the Trump administration to lift the funding freeze. Following their appeal, the Office of Management and Budget released over $1 billion designated for after‑school and summer programs. However, the "Big, Beautiful Bill" has not specified whether the remaining approximately $5–6 billion — earmarked for programs like English language learning, professional development, and adult education — will also be released.The effort was spearheaded by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R‑W.Va.), who told ABC News she hopes “the administration can successfully restore all education funding to states by [the] time school starts.”
Capito added to ABC News: “I'd like to see some of the other programs released, but, you know, we haven't heard one way or the other.”
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Due to the ongoing uncertainty, school leaders are now scrambling. More than two dozen states, multiple districts, and education advocacy organizations have filed lawsuits over the funding pause, according to Anchorage Daily News.
Meanwhile, Murowski's remarks generated backlash on social media, with users reminding her that she voted for the bill responsible for the budget cuts she is concerned about.
"BREAKING: Senator realizes the person she voted for/with doesn’t have her best interests in mind," wrote a user on the social platform X while reacting to the Alaska Republican's interview.
"I’m sorry you voted for all of this and to say you’re horrified doesn’t really cut it anymore," wrote another user.
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"This woman has 'worried' and 'concerned' us into this mess," tweeted another user.