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Returning Education to Our States Act
12/16/2024, 3:57 PM
Summary of Bill S 5384
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.
Congressional Summary of S 5384
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.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 5384
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 5384
Total Number of Sponsors
5Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
5Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
0Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 5384
Primary Policy Focus
EducationAlternate Title(s) of Bill S 5384
Comments
Xyla Blackburn
1 year ago
I think this bill is a good idea. It could really make a difference.
Sienna Yang
1 year ago
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 education system.
