H.R.369 - States’ Education Reclamation Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 369, the States’ Education Reclamation Act of 2025, proposes the elimination of the Department of Education. It aims to return control over educational policy to the states and local communities. The bill outlines a plan to distribute federal education funding directly to states, while transferring certain federal education programs to other federal departments.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill would be a significant shift in the landscape of education governance in the United States. States would gain greater autonomy over their education systems, potentially leading to diverse approaches and policies across the country. Federal influence on education would diminish, and the role of parents and local communities in shaping education would likely increase.
Potential Benefits
- Increased state and local control over education, allowing for more tailored approaches to meet specific community needs.
- Potential for reduced bureaucracy and administrative overhead associated with the Department of Education.
- Greater flexibility for states to innovate and implement educational reforms.
- Possible increase in teacher salaries in some states, depending on how funds are allocated.
- Empowerment of parents and communities in making decisions about their children's education.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for disparities in educational quality and funding across states.
- Risk of reduced accountability and oversight of federal education funds.
- Possible disruption during the transition period as programs are transferred and the Department of Education is dismantled.
- Concerns about the loss of federal protections for vulnerable student populations, such as students with disabilities or those from marginalized communities.
- Potential for decreased focus on national education goals and standards.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's emphasis on returning education control to the states aligns with principles of federalism, which are embedded in the Tenth Amendment of the US Constitution. The Tenth Amendment states that powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. The Constitution does not explicitly grant the federal government authority over education, thus supporting the argument for state control.
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).