Senator Rounds Plans Lengthy Process to Eliminate Department of Education
South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds recently revealed his plan to eliminate the Department of Education in a process that could take several years. In an interview with ABC News, Senator Rounds emphasized the importance of doing this right, indicating that significant changes are unlikely to occur at the start of the next administration. The senator highlighted the meticulous planning that went into crafting the “Returning Education to Our States” bill, which aligns with one of President-elect Donald Trump’s key campaign promises.
Challenges in the Senate
Senator Rounds acknowledged that passing the bill to eliminate the Department of Education would require 60 votes in the Senate before it could be signed into law. He outlined a strategy that involves using reconciliation for certain aspects of the bill and potentially relying on executive orders for others. Despite the challenges ahead, Senator Rounds remains committed to ensuring that federal programs supporting vulnerable students and those with special needs are not compromised.
Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, a member of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, echoed the sentiment of downsizing the agency. He emphasized the importance of redirecting funds back to the states and schools to benefit students across the country. While reaching the 60-vote threshold may be difficult, Senator Tuberville emphasized the need to prioritize students’ education.
Concerns from Education Advocates
Augustus Mays, vice president for partnerships and engagement at The Education Trust, raised concerns about the potential impact of block grants on marginalized students. He warned that redirecting funds away from programs like IDEA could jeopardize students’ access to necessary support for a free and appropriate public education. Education experts emphasized the expertise within the Department of Education needed to effectively administer federal funds and support education policies.
North Carolina Senator Ted Budd and Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie both expressed intentions to introduce legislation aimed at abolishing the Department of Education. While Senator Budd questioned the necessity of a massive government bureaucracy in education, Representative Massie outlined a straightforward approach with a one-sentence bill to terminate the department by a specific date. However, experts cautioned that redirecting all the funding currently allocated to the department would pose significant challenges.
As the debate surrounding the future of the Department of Education continues, policymakers face complex decisions that could have far-reaching implications for students, educators, and the education system as a whole. The process of dismantling a federal agency like the Department of Education requires careful consideration of the potential consequences and the best interests of all stakeholders involved.