Summary

Terminates the U.S. Department of Education on December 31, 2026, ending the agency that runs federal K–12 and higher education programs, employs Department staff, and carries out enforcement and oversight functions, except where other laws say otherwise. The change would remove the federal agency responsible for administering student aid, civil rights enforcement in education, special education program oversight, and many grants unless Congress or other laws reassign those duties. This creates large administrative and legal uncertainty for schools, colleges, students, states, and families. Many programs now managed by the Department would need new administrators, funding arrangements, or statutory changes to continue, and states and local governments could face increased responsibilities and costs during and after the transition.

• Ends the Department of Education on December 31, 2026, eliminating its agency-level functions unless law says otherwise.
• Affects the Department's staff, programs, grantmaking, and oversight activities.
• Would disrupt federal student aid administration and higher education program management unless reassigned.
• Would remove the Department's role in enforcing federal education civil rights and special education oversight unless another authority takes over.
• Creates major administrative and legal uncertainty for schools, colleges, states, students, and families.
• Requires follow-up action by Congress or the executive branch to reassign functions, preserve programs, or transfer responsibilities.
• Could shift costs and responsibilities to states and local school districts, potentially creating unfunded burdens.
• Does not itself specify replacement structures, funding mechanisms, or transitions for ongoing programs.