Returning Education to Our States Act

12/16/2024, 3:57 PM

Returning Education to Our States Act

This bill abolishes the Department of Education (ED) and terminates any applicable program for which it has administrative responsibility, except for those programs transferred to other federal agencies.

Specifically, the bill transfers from ED to the Department of Health and Human Services (1) all functions, programs, and authorities of ED under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and (2) each Impact Aid program. 

Additionally, the bill transfers each authority and program of ED's Office of Indian Education to the Department of the Interior.

The bill transfers the following programs to the Department of the Treasury:

  • the Federal Pell Grant Program;
  • the Federal Family Education Loan Program;
  • the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program;
  • the Federal Perkins Loan Program;
  • the activities described in Part F (need analysis), Part G (general provisions relating to student assistance programs), or Part H (program integrity) of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965;
  • the Health Education Assistance Loan Program; and
  • the programs under the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 and the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002.

The bill also directs Treasury to establish two block grant programs, through which Treasury must make allocations to states to (1) support elementary and secondary education, including career and technical education; and (2) support postsecondary education.

The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division shall be responsible for receiving complaints and enforcing federal civil rights laws that are applicable to these block grant programs and federal student aid programs.

Bill 118 s 5384, also known as the "Department of Education Abolishment Act," is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to eliminate the Department of Education in the United States. The bill was introduced in the Senate and is currently under consideration.

If passed, this bill would effectively dismantle the Department of Education, which was established in 1979 and is responsible for overseeing federal education policies and programs. The bill states that the Department of Education has become too bureaucratic and ineffective, and argues that education policy should be left to the states and local governments.

In addition to abolishing the Department of Education, the bill also includes provisions for transferring its responsibilities to other federal agencies and departments. It is unclear at this time what specific agencies would take over these responsibilities if the bill were to pass. Supporters of the bill argue that abolishing the Department of Education would lead to more efficient and effective education policies, as decisions would be made closer to the local level. However, opponents of the bill are concerned that eliminating the Department of Education could lead to a lack of oversight and accountability in education policy. Overall, Bill 118 s 5384 is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers and education advocates. It remains to be seen whether the bill will ultimately be passed into law.
Congress
118
Number
S - 5384
Introduced on
2024-11-21
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

11/21/2024
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Returning Education to Our States Act

This bill abolishes the Department of Education (ED) and terminates any applicable program for which it has administrative responsibility, except for those programs transferred to other federal agencies.

Specifically, the bill transfers from ED to the Department of Health and Human Services (1) all functions, programs, and authorities of ED under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and (2) each Impact Aid program. 

Additionally, the bill transfers each authority and program of ED's Office of Indian Education to the Department of the Interior.

The bill transfers the following programs to the Department of the Treasury:

  • the Federal Pell Grant Program;
  • the Federal Family Education Loan Program;
  • the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program;
  • the Federal Perkins Loan Program;
  • the activities described in Part F (need analysis), Part G (general provisions relating to student assistance programs), or Part H (program integrity) of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965;
  • the Health Education Assistance Loan Program; and
  • the programs under the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 and the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002.

The bill also directs Treasury to establish two block grant programs, through which Treasury must make allocations to states to (1) support elementary and secondary education, including career and technical education; and (2) support postsecondary education.

The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division shall be responsible for receiving complaints and enforcing federal civil rights laws that are applicable to these block grant programs and federal student aid programs.

Bill 118 s 5384, also known as the "Department of Education Abolishment Act," is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to eliminate the Department of Education in the United States. The bill was introduced in the Senate and is currently under consideration.

If passed, this bill would effectively dismantle the Department of Education, which was established in 1979 and is responsible for overseeing federal education policies and programs. The bill states that the Department of Education has become too bureaucratic and ineffective, and argues that education policy should be left to the states and local governments.

In addition to abolishing the Department of Education, the bill also includes provisions for transferring its responsibilities to other federal agencies and departments. It is unclear at this time what specific agencies would take over these responsibilities if the bill were to pass. Supporters of the bill argue that abolishing the Department of Education would lead to more efficient and effective education policies, as decisions would be made closer to the local level. However, opponents of the bill are concerned that eliminating the Department of Education could lead to a lack of oversight and accountability in education policy. Overall, Bill 118 s 5384 is a controversial piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers and education advocates. It remains to be seen whether the bill will ultimately be passed into law.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedA bill to abolish the Department of Education, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Education

Comments

APPROVED
XB
Xyla Blackburn
@ciabatta_idli_podi_potato96697
I think this bill is a good idea. It could really make a difference.
APPROVED
SY
Sienna Yang
@alligator_pepper_ficelle_pane_dolive56476
I support this bill because it gives more power to states in deciding education policies. It allows for more flexibility and customization in education, which can benefit students. This bill is a step in the right direction for improving our educatio...

Related

Committee:  Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Recent Activity

Latest Summary12/13/2024

Returning Education to Our States Act

This bill abolishes the Department of Education (ED) and terminates any applicable program for which it has administrative responsibility, except for those programs transferred to other ...

Latest Action11/21/2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.