GOP Senators Move to Abolish Education Department

American flag with Republican elephant symbol.

Senate Republicans introduce a sweeping bill to abolish the Department of Education, aiming to return control to states and redistribute its $200 billion budget to other federal agencies as President Trump’s administration works to dismantle the department.

Quick Takes

The “Returning Education to Our States Act,” led by Senator Mike Rounds, would eliminate the Department of Education and redistribute its responsibilities to other federal agencies and states
The bill aligns with President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the department, which has already begun cutting about half its workforce
Federal student loans would move to the Treasury Department, special education programs to Health and Human Services, and other programs to various departments
Supporters argue the move will reduce federal bureaucracy and give states more control over education policy and standards
The legislation would require 60 votes in the Senate unless passed through budget reconciliation with 50 votes

GOP Lawmakers Push Forward Trump’s Education Department Closure

Senate Republicans are advancing legislation to abolish the federal Department of Education, formally introducing the “Returning Education to Our States Act.” The bill, spearheaded by Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, would redistribute the department’s $200 billion budget and responsibilities to other federal agencies while returning education policy authority to states and local communities. This legislative effort follows President Trump’s executive order aimed at dismantling the department, which was established in 1979 and employs approximately 4,400 people.

The proposed legislation would reassign major responsibilities across the federal government. Federal student loans, totaling over $1.5 trillion and affecting more than 40 million Americans, would be transferred to the Treasury Department. Programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act would move to the Department of Health and Human Services, while international education initiatives like the Fulbright-Hays Program would shift to the State Department. Other functions would be distributed to the Departments of Interior, Labor, Defense, and Justice.

Long-Standing Republican Goal Gaining Momentum

The effort to eliminate the Department of Education has been a conservative priority since Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign. Republicans have long argued that education policy should be managed by states and localities rather than through federal mandates. The current initiative has gained significant momentum with President Trump’s backing and the appointment of Linda McMahon as Education Secretary, who has been directed to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure” of the department.

“The federal Department of Education has never educated a single student, and it’s long past time to end this bureaucratic department that causes more harm than good,” Rounds said.

Despite its cabinet-level status, the Department of Education comprises less than 2% of the federal budget for fiscal year 2025 and is the smallest cabinet-level department in terms of staffing. Supporters of the bill emphasize that the department does not directly operate schools or set curricula, as these functions are already managed by states and local districts. The legislation aims to reduce standardized testing requirements and give schools greater control over teacher certification and professional development standards.

Legislative Hurdles and Potential Impacts

The bill faces significant legislative challenges, as it would typically require a supermajority of 60 votes in the Senate to pass. However, Senator Rounds has suggested it could potentially move forward with just 50 votes through the budget reconciliation process. The legislation will first be debated in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions before potentially advancing to the full Senate. Previous attempts to abolish the department have failed, including a recent House vote.

“For years, I’ve worked toward removing the federal Department of Education. I’m pleased that president-elect Trump shares this vision, and I’m excited to work with him and Republican majorities in the Senate and House to make this a reality. This legislation is a roadmap to eliminating the federal Department of Education by practically rehoming these federal programs in the departments where they belong, which will be critical as we move into next year,” said Round.

Education policy experts have raised concerns about potential impacts on special education services and civil rights protections. The department currently enforces civil rights laws in federally funded schools, and critics worry that dismantling the agency could weaken these protections. Supporters counter that the redistribution of responsibilities would ensure that essential functions continue while eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy. President Trump’s executive order specifically addresses the department’s handling of federal student loans, stating, “The Department of Education is not a bank, and it must return bank functions to an entity equipped to serve America’s students.”