Half of Republicans supported withholding federal funding unless colleges comply with the president’s policies. But 73% of Democrats opposed the tactic.
A preliminary budget plan for fiscal 2026 would cut 3.2% across the board, with the largest reductions hitting administration and university support.
The legal challenge is at least the third levied against a federal agency in recent weeks for limiting reimbursement rates for colleges' indirect costs.
During the tense Wednesday hearing, some Democrats accused the panel’s GOP members of attempting to quell protected speech.