H.R.2691 - To abolish the Department of Education and to provide funding directly to States for elementary and secondary education, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2691 proposes to abolish the Department of Education and redirect federal funding for elementary and secondary education directly to the states. The bill stipulates that the Department of Education would be abolished 30 days after enactment, terminating all programs under its administration, with exceptions for the Federal Pell Grant program and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, which would be transferred to the Secretary of the Treasury.
The bill also outlines a grant program where the Secretary of the Treasury allocates funds to states based on the proportion of federal individual income taxes paid by residents of each state. It expresses the sense of Congress that states should promote competition and choice in education and that parents have the fundamental right to determine the best education for their children.
In essence, the bill seeks to decentralize control over education funding and shift decision-making power to the state level.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.2691 would significantly alter the landscape of education funding and administration in the United States. States would gain greater autonomy in determining how federal funds are used for elementary and secondary education.
This could lead to increased innovation and responsiveness to local needs, but also potential disparities in funding and educational quality across states. The elimination of the Department of Education would remove a federal oversight body, potentially impacting national education standards and initiatives.
Potential Benefits
- Increased state control over education, allowing for more tailored approaches to meet local needs.
- Potential for greater innovation and competition within state education systems.
- Direct funding to states could reduce administrative overhead associated with federal programs.
- Empowers parents by emphasizing their right to choose the best education for their children.
- Could lead to a more efficient allocation of resources based on state-specific priorities.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for disparities in funding and educational quality between states due to varying tax contributions and state priorities.
- Loss of federal oversight and accountability for education standards and outcomes.
- Disruption of existing federal programs and initiatives, potentially impacting vulnerable student populations.
- The shift in funding allocation based on federal income taxes paid may disadvantage states with lower income levels.
- The elimination of the Department of Education could lead to a lack of national coordination on education policy.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on decentralizing education aligns with principles of federalism, which emphasizes the division of powers between the federal government and the states, although education is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.
Arguments against the bill might cite the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), suggesting that the federal government has a role in promoting the general welfare through education. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, which could support the bill's emphasis on state control over education.
Ultimately, the constitutionality of the bill would likely depend on judicial interpretation of the balance between federal and state powers in the realm of education.
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).