On Friday, Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky reintroduced a bill, known as H.R. 899, aiming to close the U.S. Department of Education by December 31, 2026.
The bill is straightforward, stating simply: “The Department of Education shall terminate on December 31, 2026.”
Rep. Massie and supporters believe that education decisions should be made closer to home. They argue that local communities and parents understand their children’s needs better than federal officials in Washington, D.C.
Massie has said, “Unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. should not be in charge of our children’s intellectual and moral development.”
The idea of reducing federal involvement in education isn’t new. Back in 1981, President Ronald Reagan expressed a desire to dismantle the Department of Education, emphasizing that education is primarily the responsibility of local entities.
Even with Republican support, the bill faces hurdles.
To become law, it needs approval from both the House and the Senate. In the Senate, passing most bills requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, meaning some Democratic support would be necessary. Given that many Democrats oppose eliminating the department, this will be a significant challenge.
If the Department of Education were to be abolished, some of its duties would need to be reassigned.
For example, managing federal student loans might move to the Department of the Treasury, and programs supporting students with disabilities could shift to the Department of Health and Human Services. Making these changes would require careful planning and additional legislation.
Supporters of the bill believe less federal control would allow for more tailored education solutions that fit local needs. They argue that parents and local educators are best positioned to make decisions for students.
On the other hand, critics worry that removing the federal department could lead to inconsistencies in education quality across states. They are concerned that some students, especially those from low-income families or with special needs, might not receive the support they require without federal oversight.
While the reintroduction of this bill highlights ongoing debates about the role of the federal government in education, its future is uncertain. The discussion underscores the balance between local control and ensuring equal educational opportunities for all students across the country.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
