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Repeals the Department of Education, moves most education programs out of that department and gives each State annual education block grants equal to the State’s FY2025 federal education funding for fiscal years 2025–2033. It requires States to audit and report on use of the funds, prohibits discrimination in programs funded with those grants, directs the President to deliver a plan to close the Department within one year, and directs a 90-day Comptroller General report on funding and the ability of successor agencies to operate transferred programs. The Act preserves civil‑rights enforcement tied to grant funds via the Attorney General, sets timelines for program transfers to other federal agencies within 24 months, and limits the transfers to administrative responsibility (not automatic transfer of Department employees). It also repeals the Department of Education Organization Act and the General Education Provisions Act.
The terms “elementary school” and “secondary school” are defined by reference to section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
The term “institution of higher education” is defined by reference to section 102 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
The term “State” is defined by reference to section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003).
Federalism principles in the Constitution give authority over education policy to the States and the people, and a Federal Department of Education is inconsistent with those principles.
Tradition and experience show that parents, teachers, and communities are best suited to govern and manage schools in the United States.
Primary effects:
State governments: Receive multi‑year block grants equal to their FY2025 federal education funding and gain wider discretion to spend funds for any State‑law permitted education purpose. They assume increased administrative responsibility for compliance, audits, and reporting tied to those funds. States could use funds for teacher pay or other locally chosen priorities.
K–12 students and families: Might see changes based on State priorities (e.g., different spending patterns, potential increases in teacher pay, or program changes). Reduced centralized federal program oversight could change how national education initiatives, standards, or targeted programs operate.
Educators and school districts: Could benefit from greater State flexibility (for example, pay increases), but also face variability across states. Districts that relied on Department‑administered targeted programs may see administrative changes or interruptions during transfers.
Institutions of higher education and postsecondary programs: Included in the grant funding stream; administrative changes could affect federal program rules, reporting, and eligibility for particular targeted programs that are moved to other agencies.
Federal employees and agencies: Department of Education staff could face reassignment, job loss, or uncertain employment outcomes because transfers cover administrative responsibility only and do not automatically move employees. Successor federal agencies may inherit administrative workload and need capacity to run transferred programs.
Civil‑rights enforcement and protected groups: Federal nondiscrimination protections remain tied to funds, with the Attorney General able to enforce compliance. The enforcement process relies on a State correction period and then federal action, which could delay remedies compared with current Department enforcement practices.
Program continuity and implementation risk: Moving programs to multiple agencies creates legal and operational complexity; GAO review and the presidential plan are intended to address feasibility but short‑term service disruptions or administrative confusion are possible.
Overall, the Act shifts major operational authority and funding flow from a centralized federal department to States and other agencies, increasing State flexibility but creating significant transition, oversight, and civil‑rights enforcement questions.
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Repeals applicable Department of Education programs governed by chapter (the General Education Provisions Act) by abolishing the Department of Education and repealing any program for which the Department or Secretary has administrative responsibility, except programs transferred under section 7.
Counts programs under the Department of Education Organization Act (20 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.) among the programs repealed by abolishing the Department of Education and repealing programs for which the Department or Secretary has administrative responsibility, except programs transferred under section 7.
Introduced January 13, 2025 by David Rouzer · Last progress January 13, 2025
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Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House