H.R.2456 - Orderly Liquidation of the Department of Education Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2456, the "Orderly Liquidation of the Department of Education Act," proposes to terminate the Department of Education by October 1, 2026. It aims to devolve educational responsibilities and authority back to state and local communities. The bill outlines a plan for transferring the Department's functions to other federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Science Foundation, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Education, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Labor.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Department of Education would cease to exist, and its programs and responsibilities would be distributed across various other federal agencies. States and local communities would gain greater control over education policy and funding. The bill also schedules the termination of certain education funds and Federal Direct PLUS Loans at later dates.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Local Control: States and local communities gain more autonomy over education, potentially leading to more tailored and responsive educational programs.
- Reduced Federal Regulation: Aims to decrease federal oversight and mandates on education, allowing for more flexibility at the local level.
- Streamlined Administration: Consolidating educational functions within existing agencies could lead to more efficient administration.
- Potential Cost Savings: Eliminating a cabinet-level department could result in cost savings, although this is dependent on how effectively the functions are transferred and managed by other agencies.
- Focus on Specific Needs: Transferring functions to agencies like the Bureau of Indian Education allows for a more targeted approach to specific educational needs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Disruption and Uncertainty: The liquidation process and transfer of functions could create disruption and uncertainty for schools, students, and educators.
- Loss of Federal Oversight: Eliminating the Department of Education could lead to a lack of accountability and consistency in educational standards across states.
- Reduced Funding for Some Programs: The scheduled termination of certain education funds could negatively impact specific programs and initiatives.
- Potential for Inequity: Devolving control to states and local communities could exacerbate existing inequalities in educational resources and outcomes.
- Coordination Challenges: Distributing educational functions across multiple agencies could lead to coordination challenges and inefficiencies.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While the Constitution does not explicitly mention education, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, which could support devolving educational control. However, the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) has been interpreted to allow for federal involvement in education to promote national goals. The transfer of the Office for Civil Rights to the Department of Justice aligns with the federal government's responsibility to enforce civil rights laws, potentially supporting the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).