GOP proposes cuts to state grants, shifting of funds for special ed

Republicans late Wednesday night proposed to amendments to the spending bill that may receive recorded votes on Thursday.

One, from Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), would cut $100 million from a program that makes community service block grants to states. Democrats said they would oppose this, and after a voice vote, Flake demanded a recorded vote.

The second amendment, from Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), would restore $557 million in special education funding, but would do so by cutting other programs, like school improvement grants and teacher quality grants. For that reason, the Democrats again said they would oppose it, and a roll call vote was planned.