Khanna Proposes Redirecting Missile Program Funds to Education, Advocates for Phonics and Increased Title I Funding

Washington D.C. – Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) has publicly outlined a comprehensive vision for education policy, emphasizing a shift in federal spending priorities and a commitment to evidence-based learning initiatives. In a recent tweet, Khanna advocated for increased investment in literacy programs, smaller class sizes, and after-school reading, while opposing any freeze to critical Title I funding. He also stressed the importance of honors classes and high academic standards.

"For 2026, the Dems should be for funding evidence based literary initiatives like phonics-based curricula, smaller class sizes, & after-school reading programs. Not freezing Title I funding. We also should be for honors classes, high standards, and not dumbing down education," Khanna stated on social media.

Central to Khanna's proposals is the recently introduced "Investing in Children Before Missiles (ICBM) Act" (H.R. 4685 / S. 2422), co-sponsored with Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA). This legislation aims to pause the Sentinel nuclear missile program and reallocate its substantial funding to the U.S. Department of Education, specifically targeting low-income educational initiatives. This move underscores a progressive push to prioritize social programs over military expenditures.

The debate over federal education funding, particularly Title I, remains a key point of contention. While Khanna explicitly opposes freezing Title I funds, the Senate Appropriations Committee's Fiscal Year 2026 Labor/HHS Appropriations bill proposes an increase of $50 million for Title I, bringing it to $18.5 billion. This contrasts with broader proposals, such as those within the Trump administration's "Project 2025," which suggest consolidating or reducing federal education programs, including Title I, sparking concerns about potential cuts to vital support for disadvantaged students.

Khanna's call for "phonics-based curricula" and "high standards" aligns with ongoing discussions in Congress regarding literacy instruction. A July 23, 2025 hearing by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Education & the American Family, titled "Choice and Literacy," highlighted the "science of reading" as a key focus. This indicates a growing bipartisan interest in instructional methods proven to improve reading outcomes.

Beyond specific programs, Khanna's broader education platform supports initiatives such as free public college and vocational training, student loan forgiveness, fair wages for teachers, and universal high-quality preschool. These proposals collectively aim to enhance educational access and quality from early childhood through higher education, reflecting a Democratic emphasis on public investment in human capital.