Bills of Congress January 15, 2025 by U.S. Congress

H.R.433 - Department of Education Protection Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 433, the Department of Education Protection Act, seeks to prevent the Department of Education from using previously appropriated funds to implement any reorganization that would decentralize, reduce staffing, or alter the department's structure as it existed on January 1, 2025. The bill emphasizes Congress's role in shaping federal agencies and highlights the importance of the current structure of the Department of Education. It lists specific offices and institutes within the department that the bill aims to protect from reorganization.

The bill is sponsored by Mrs. Hayes and several co-sponsors and was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 15, 2025, before being referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. The bill's findings section outlines Congress's oversight responsibilities and the importance of the Department's current organization in promoting student achievement and equal access to education.

Essentially, the bill is designed to maintain the status quo within the Department of Education by preventing any significant changes to its structure or staffing levels using previously allocated funds.

Expected Effects

The primary effect of H.R. 433 would be to maintain the existing structure and staffing levels of the Department of Education. This would prevent any potential reorganization efforts that could decentralize or reduce the department's workforce.

This could lead to a continuation of current programs and policies without disruption. However, it might also hinder efforts to improve efficiency or adapt to changing educational needs.

Ultimately, the bill would ensure that the Department of Education operates as it did on January 1, 2025, unless Congress specifically authorizes changes through new legislation and funding.

Potential Benefits

Stability in Education Programs: Prevents disruption to existing programs and initiatives within the Department of Education.
Preservation of Expertise: Maintains current staffing levels, retaining experienced personnel within the department.
Congressional Oversight: Reinforces Congress's role in overseeing and shaping federal agencies.
Focus on Student Achievement: Supports the department's mission to promote student achievement and equal access to education.
Protection of Key Offices: Safeguards the functions of critical offices and institutes within the department, such as Federal Student Aid and the Office for Civil Rights.

Potential Disadvantages

Reduced Flexibility: Limits the department's ability to adapt to changing educational needs or implement innovative reforms.
Potential Inefficiency: Prevents potential improvements in efficiency or streamlining of operations through reorganization.
Hindrance to Modernization: May impede efforts to modernize the department's structure or adopt new technologies.
Stifled Innovation: Could discourage experimentation with new approaches to education policy and administration.
Missed Opportunities: Prevents the department from addressing emerging challenges or capitalizing on new opportunities through reorganization.

Constitutional Alignment

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H.R. 433 aligns with the US Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 1, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. This includes the power to create, structure, and oversee federal agencies like the Department of Education. The bill's emphasis on congressional oversight reflects the principle of checks and balances.

Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments. It primarily concerns the organization and funding of a federal agency, which falls within the purview of Congress's legislative authority.

By asserting Congress's role in shaping the Department of Education, H.R. 433 reinforces the constitutional framework for governing federal agencies.