John W. Mannion

Mannion Leads Effort to Repeal Trump Administration Rule Limiting Access to Graduate and Professional Degrees

Position: Representative Mannion opposes the Trump Administration's Department of Education rule that removes nurses, teachers, social workers, and other essential professionals from eligibility for federal student loan support programs. He is leading a Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal the rule, arguing it creates barriers to education for low- and middle-income students pursuing degrees in high-need fields.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today announced he is leading a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to repeal the Department of Education’s rule that removes nurses, teachers, social workers, counselors, and other essential professionals from a list of programs eligible for federal student loan support. Historically, students pursuing professional graduate degrees – including teachers and nurses – had the option to apply for federal student loan support. The Trump Administration’s new rule, which changes the definition of a “professional degree” to exclude nurses, teachers, social workers, and other essential workers, would limit access to federal programs designed to support workers entering high-need fields, and make it harder for future nurses and educators to access necessary education and training opportunities. Representative John W. Mannion said, “The Trump Administration is making it harder for people to become nurses, social workers, counselors, and other essential professionals at the exact moment our communities need them most. This rule is arbitrary, short-sighted, and harmful to low- and middle-income students who do not have the luxury of paying out of pocket for an advanced degree, which is why I’m working with my colleagues on this legislation to repeal this rule and support our future nurses and educators. We should be expanding access to educational opportunities, not creating new barriers to the workforce.” This rule follows enactment of H.R.1, the partisan budget bill – also referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that was passed by Congressional Republicans and signed into law in 2025. H.R. 1 requires the Department of Education to restructure its programs and change its definition of what constitutes a “professional degree.” The Department of Education’s final rule removes nurses and other professionals from its list of “professional degree” programs, which will force future nurses, social workers, teachers, and others to turn to often predatory, high-interest private lenders to complete their degrees. As a result, students pursuing degrees classified as “graduate” would only be able to borrow half as much in federal loans compared to students in programs defined as “professional.” Given rising college costs, this will not meet the needs of many students, and it will disincentivize Americans from entering high-need fields. The rule also officially eliminates the Grad PLUS loan program and creates new, unaffordable repayment plans that will result in significantly higher monthly loan payments. These changes will disproportionately affect low- and middle-income families and borrowers. Millions of borrowers with outstanding student loans will see their required monthly payment amounts increase by hundreds of dollars, dramatically exacerbating the affordability crisis. Mannion’s CRA resolution would repeal the Department’s rule and prevent these harmful changes from taking effect. Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress has the authority to overturn recently finalized federal regulations through a resolution of disapproval. Representative Mannion is leading the CRA resolution with Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). Representative Suzanne Bonamici said, “I’ve spoken with nurses, teachers, firefighters, and many others who are concerned about how the Trump administration is making it even harder and more expensive for students to enter these critical public service jobs. It is also absurd to take away more affordable student loan repayment plans at a time when families are struggling to cover costs as prices skyrocket for gas and other basic needs as a direct result of Trump’s reckless economic policy. These changes to the federal loan system are unacceptable and I will do everything I can to oppose them.” Senator Jeff Merkley said, “Trump and Congressional Republicans’ ‘Big, Ugly Betrayal’ law is a direct attack on public service jobs across the nation, making it more difficult for hardworking Americans to access higher education. By failing to classify nurses, teachers, firefighters, social workers, accountants, architects, and others as pursuing ‘professional’ degrees for student loans, the Trump Administration is undermining the future of critical professions. At the same time, this is driving up the cost of student loans for all professions by establishing costlier student loan repayment plans. We’re fighting like hell to roll back dangerous changes to federal student loans, so folks can continue to access the affordable loans they need to pursue their dreams.” Representative Lauren Underwood said, “While working families struggle to buy groceries and put gas in their cars, the Trump Administration is sending a clear message to aspiring nurses, health care providers, social workers, teachers, and firefighters: If you can’t afford a high interest loan, then you can’t serve your community. This rule will undermine public health, and it’s a slap in the face to the millions of professionals who are doing critically important work to support the health and well-being of our families. It should be thrown out, and I’m proud to join my colleagues on this Congressional Review Act resolution to get it overturned.” Senator Angela Alsobrooks said, “The Trump Administration is once again actively targeting the public servants who make up the bedrock of our communities – nurses, teachers, and social workers – by taking away their opportunities to access affordable student loans and forcing them into the clutches of private lenders. This new rule creates a deep inequity that will exacerbate nursing and educator shortages and is an insult to the hard working professionals that sacrifice every day to serve others.” The text of the CRA can be read here. It is supported by: AASA, The School Superintendents Association; American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN); American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA); American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP); American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM); American Nurses Association (ANA); National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNP); National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP); National Association of Social Workers (NASW); National Education Association (NEA); the National League for Nursing (NLN); the PA Education Association; National Rural Health Association; and American Academy of Physician Associates. ###

Statement from Representative John W. Mannion on Illegal Attack on Collective Bargaining Rights at DFAS in Rome, NY

SYRACUSE, NY — Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today issued the following statement following the Trump Administration’s attempt to strip collective bargaining rights from workers at DFAS in Rome, NY. See letter here. “Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth’s attempt to strip collective bargaining rights from DFAS employees in Rome - where many of my constituents work - is the latest illegal assault by this administration on workers’ rights and the federal workforce. These New Yorkers serve our country every day in critical support roles and deserve respect and fair treatment. At a time of ongoing military hostilities, targeting civilian Defense Department employees is an insult to the very workers who support our Armed Forces and their families. Weakening morale, silencing workers, and creating fear and instability does not make America stronger or safer. Donald Trump’s deliberate undermining of the National Labor Relations Board and broader attacks on labor protections have emboldened this administration to keep pushing an anti-worker agenda with little regard for the law or the people and communities affected. That’s why I supported the Protect America’s Workforce Act, signed the discharge petition to force action, and voted yes when given the chance. I have taken action at every stage to defend collective bargaining rights and stand up for working people. I’ll continue to pursue legislative and legal remedies while standing with DFAS employees, other federal workers, and every American who believes in the right to organize, a fair workplace, and dignity on the job.” ###

Statement from Representative Mannion (NY-22) on Resignation of the Secretary of Labor

Position: Representative Mannion criticizes the former Secretary of Labor for opposing labor unions and collective bargaining, and argues that labor leadership should prioritize raising wages, protecting worker rights, and strengthening workplace safety.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today released the following statement on the resignation of the Secretary of Labor: “Former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s tenure was marked by personal misconduct and one embarrassing controversy after another. When she should have been building, defending, and growing America’s workforce she instead led the administration’s attack on labor unions and collective bargaining. Working people deserve leadership focused on raising wages, protecting rights, and strengthening workplace safety - not the endless dysfunction and hostility of Donald Trump and his cabinet.” # # #

Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) Presses Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy on Claims about Autism and Cuts to Essential Programs for Individuals with Disabilities

Position: Representative Mannion opposes HHS Secretary Kennedy's statements about autism and vaccines, and opposes Medicaid cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill that would harm disability services and education programs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today pressed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. over his offensive and unscientific claims about individuals with autism, while warning that Medicaid cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill will further harm students with disabilities and the schools that serve them. Watch the video here. Partial Transcript: Representative Mannion: I thank you for being here today. I have various concerns about the direction of HHS under your leadership, but today I'd like to focus on some particularly harmful attacks made on the disability community. Your actions and statements, Mr. Secretary, have contributed to real fears, anxieties and consequences for millions of families. I know some of my colleagues have raised these with you as well, but I want to again point out some of the statements that I think reveal a bias and a credibility issue. You previously said that people with autism, and again, I acknowledge your previously in this hearing that these are the most profoundly autistic individuals, but the impact it has - statements that they will never hold a job, never play baseball, never write a poem, never go out on a date, or never use a toilet unassisted. Those are incredibly impactful. Additional statements that individuals with autism and the epidemic that exists is catastrophic to our country and destroys families. As these words weren't insulting enough, you've also insulted the intelligence of American people by linking autism to vaccines, Tylenol and circumcision. Mr. Kennedy, not long ago, any of these claims would have been disqualifying for someone in your position, especially given a lack of scientific or medical training on your part. These would have prompted dismissal, and we would have dismissed these statements as ridiculous and unverified theories. But in this administration, falsehoods are routinely given a platform and are perpetuated. Incompetence is also often rewarded, as is loyalty, and there's very rarely accountability for statements such as this. Mr. Secretary, as a science teacher at a college level for almost 30 years and the former chairman of the Disabilities Committee in the New York State Senate, I have worked intensively with individuals with disabilities and their families understanding their concerns. So that experience goes back a long time. And as a country, we have made massive strides in improving disability policy. But now, under your watch, we're moving in the wrong direction. A $1 trillion cut to Medicaid that you have let happen and have tried to downplay is dismantling many important programs, including the Administration for Community Living at HHS, which oversees programs supporting senior and individuals with disabilities. And now you and Secretary McMahon seem to be working behind closed doors to dismantle the Department of Education and expand HHS’ role in key educational programs. Unlike you, career public servants at the Department of Education have worked for decades to develop expertise, expand educational opportunity, and protect the rights of students with disabilities. I cannot believe that we are talking about shifting critical programs that are enshrined into law at the Department of Education over to HHS. In lieu of going over on my comments, I will end my time here. Thank you, Mr. Chair. # # #

Statement from Representative John W. Mannion

Position: Representative Mannion opposes the current military conflict with Iran, characterizing it as a war of choice lacking legal justification and legal authority. He calls for Congress to convene immediately to halt escalation and questions the President's fitness to serve.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today released the following statement: “Threatening to ‘end a civilization’ is not strength - it is deranged, unhinged rhetoric that, if acted on, would invite war crimes, mass civilian casualties, and widespread suffering in Iran, the Middle East, and around the world. I opposed this war from the start because of its ill-defined objectives and lack of legal justification. Iran must never have weapons of mass destruction — but this is not how you achieve that. It’s time for those enabling this war of choice to put the country first. Congress should convene immediately. The Speaker and House Republicans must put the country ahead of politics and act to stop this escalation. Anyone with influence over Donald Trump should condemn his words clearly and publicly. And those closest to him should be asking serious questions about his fitness to serve — including whether to invoke the Twenty-fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution.” # # #

Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) Announces Bipartisan 'MATCH Act' to Protect U.S. Semiconductor Leadership, Jobs, and National Security

Position: Representative Mannion supports legislation to strengthen U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, align policy with allies, and prevent adversaries like China from accessing tools for cutting-edge chip production to protect American innovation, jobs, and national security.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today announced bipartisan legislation to strengthen U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment and prevent competitors and adversaries like China from accessing the tools needed to produce cutting-edge chips. The Multilateral Alignment of Technology Controls on Hardware (MATCH) Act will align U.S. policy with allies, close loopholes, and protect American innovation, jobs, and national security. Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) said, “American workers, innovation, and ingenuity built the world’s most advanced semiconductor industry. With the United States ready to lead the next generation of global memory chip manufacturing and research, I’m going to protect that future and make sure we stay ahead. The MATCH Act safeguards the tools, technology, jobs, and know-how that will keep the United States ahead of China and at the leading edge of the 21st century technologies the world depends on.” The legislation directs the federal government to identify critical chokepoints in semiconductor production, coordinate closely with allies to impose aligned export controls, and take decisive action if those allies fail to meet the moment. It also ensures that companies tied to adversarial governments cannot access or benefit from U.S. or allied technologies used to produce advanced chips. Representatives Michael Baumgartner (R-WA‑05), John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Rich McCormick (R-GA-07), Bill Huizenga (R-MI-04), Jefferson Shreve (R-IN-06), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), Jared Golden (D-ME-02), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH-02), and Josh Riley (D-NY-19), are original cosponsors of the bill. The Senate version of the bill is being led by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), James Risch (R-ID), Andy Kim (D-NJ). The MATCH Act builds on Representative Mannion’s efforts in Congress to bolster national security, safeguard U.S. technological leadership, and reinforce domestic manufacturing capacity, including his sponsorship of the BASIC Act, which bolsters U.S. semiconductor manufacturing by expanding the advanced manufacturing tax credit to incentivize domestic investment, drive job creation, and strengthen America’s competitiveness in critical technologies. # # #

Statement from Representative John W. Mannion on Firing of Pam Bondi

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today released the following statement on the firing of Pam Bondi: “Pam Bondi’s tenure as Attorney General has been defined by controversy and a deeply troubling politicization of the Department of Justice. From her cover up of the Epstein files to her disgraceful conduct in congressional hearings, she consistently chose partisanship over professionalism and independence. That’s not what the American people expect from the nation’s top law enforcement official. Pam Bondi must be held accountable for her actions. While her departure is warranted, everything we’ve seen from Donald Trump indicates the next Attorney General will be selected not to uphold the rule of law, but to carry out more retribution as part of an even more extreme political agenda. The Department of Justice must serve the Constitution and the American people—not Donald Trump.” # # #

Statement from Representative John W. Mannion

Position: Representative Mannion opposes the current partisan resolution for government reopening and ICE funding. He calls for meaningful ICE reform standards including body cameras, use-of-force policies, judicial warrants, and transparency measures, and states he will not support additional ICE funding without such guardrails and bipartisan compromise.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today released the following statement: “There are multiple paths forward to fully reopen the government, pay TSA and other workers, end airport chaos, and reform ICE – but this partisan, politicized resolution is not one of them. Republicans control the House, the Senate, and the White House. They should be bringing forward a bill that actually funds DHS and supports these workers, not another political stunt that divides Congress and the American people while avoiding the real issue. New Yorkers want meaningful commitments to basic, commonsense guardrails for ICE—standards that every other law enforcement agency follows. That means no masks, clear identification, body-worn cameras, use-of-force standards, judicial warrants, transparency and accountability, and no operations in schools or houses of worship. I won’t rubberstamp billions of additional taxpayers’ dollars to reinforce ICE, and if the majority doesn’t have the votes, they should do what governing requires — negotiate and compromise. We can fund DHS, pay these workers, and restore public trust at the same time. I’m ready to work with anyone, in either party, to get it done. # # #

Representative John W. Mannion's (NY-22) Legislation to Improve Reading Outcomes in Elementary and Secondary Schools Passes Out of Committee with Bipartisan Support

Position: Representative Mannion supports legislation requiring that literacy instruction funded through the Comprehensive Literacy State Development program follow evidence-based science of reading methods, which emphasize phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) today announced his legislation, the Science of Reading Act of 2026, passed out of the Education and Workforce Committee with unanimous support. This bipartisan bill, also supported by Representative Erin Houchin (IN-9) and Representative Kevin Kiley (CA-3), aims to strengthen reading outcomes by promoting evidence-based instruction grounded in the Science of Reading. Representative John W. Mannion said, “As a teacher for nearly three decades, I know that strong reading skills are foundational to a student’s success in the classroom and in life. The Science of Reading Act of 2026 delivers proven, evidence-based instruction that helps students build those skills early and effectively. As states continue adopting the science of reading approach, this bipartisan effort creates a clear, consistent framework to improve outcomes nationwide. This is a critical step toward ensuring that the United States remains globally competitive and every student has the tools they need to succeed from the classroom to their career.” The Science of Reading Act would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require that literary instruction funded through the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) program follow the “science of reading.” Furthermore, the bill would limit the use of the three‑cueing model as the primary model of instruction for states participating in this program. This bill also carefully ensures protections for individualized instructional supports for students with disabilities and English language learners. The science of reading uses five evidence-based components of phonemic awareness - phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension - to teach students literary instruction. More than 40 states have implemented these methods successfully, helping to create more consistent and comprehensive outcomes for students. # # #