On Friday, November 22nd, Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced the “Returning Education to Our States Act” in the Senate, a legislative measure to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. This initiative aligns with President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to dissolve the federal agency, arguing that education should be a state and local responsibility. The bill proposes redistributing the department’s programs to other federal agencies.
Rounds emphasized the inefficacy of the Department of Education in his announcement, stating, “The federal Department of Education has never educated a single student, and it’s long past time to end this bureaucratic department that causes more harm than good.” He added that local and state entities are better suited to address educational needs, particularly for diverse communities like those in his home state of South Dakota.
Under the proposal, Native American education programs would transfer to the Department of the Interior, while federal loan and grant management would shift to the Treasury. Programs for individuals with disabilities would fall under the Department of Health and Human Services, and career education initiatives would move to the Department of Labor. The Fulbright-Hays Program, supporting international educational research, would become the State Department’s responsibility.
Trump has expressed strong support for Rounds’ bill, framing it as part of his broader vision to decentralize federal control over education. The move reflects a shared Republican goal to minimize federal oversight, arguing that it stifles local innovation and autonomy. Trump’s plan also includes appointing Linda McMahon, former WWE CEO, as Secretary of Education to guide the transition.
Critics have raised concerns about the potential disruptions this shift could cause, particularly for programs that rely on centralized oversight. Some experts argue that the elimination of the department could lead to inconsistencies in educational quality and access across states, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
This bill represents a significant policy shift that could reshape the nation’s educational landscape. While it is likely to gain traction in the Republican-controlled Congress, its implementation will face scrutiny from stakeholders concerned about the long-term implications for equity and national educational standards.