House Republicans Seek to Enshrine Trump’s Education Overhaul into Law

House Republicans Seek to Enshrine Trump’s Education Overhaul into Law

FIRST ON FOX: A House Republican is proactively advancing efforts to solidify President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at significantly reducing the scope of the Department of Education. The intention is to enshrine this directive into federal legislation.

Rep. Michael Rulli, a Republican from Ohio, attended the White House for Trump’s announcement and spoke with Fox News Digital shortly after. He confirmed that he is actively working on the necessary legislation.

Rulli expressed appreciation to President Trump, stating, “I want to thank President Trump for inviting me to the White House for the signing of this Executive Order. Government functions best when it is closer to the people it serves, which is why returning control of education to the states is such a critical step.”

The Ohio representative plans to introduce legislation that would codify Trump’s educational agenda into law. He aims to ensure that vital reforms to children’s education remain intact and cannot easily be reversed by future administrations.

Rulli’s proposal mirrors the original executive order by permitting federal funding for Pell Grants, Title I programs, and resources aimed at aiding children with disabilities and special needs to continue under other federal departments.

From his perspective, having served on the local school board for eight years, he observed how essential schools are to the community. Rulli emphasized, “This Executive Order empowers states to better address the unique needs of their communities and amplifies the voices of local school leaders.”

Support from Congressional Leaders

Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, has noted a level of support among congressional Republicans for Trump’s initiative and the efforts of Education Secretary Linda McMahon to downsize the Department of Education.

In a recent interview on “Fox & Friends,” Johnson declared, “This is a time for change. I think this will serve students, parents, teachers, and administrators better to have that down at the local level. And Secretary McMahon is bringing that change about. This has been a long time coming. You will have greater choice for parents and students, and I believe you will see better outcomes. This is something we all applaud.”

Legislative Developments

House Republican leaders are exploring multiple legislative avenues. Besides Rulli’s bill, Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky, a longstanding advocate for dismantling the Department of Education, has reintroduced his proposal to abolish the department entirely this year.

Massie’s bill is succinct, stating simply, “The Department of Education shall terminate on December 31, 2026.” The exact details regarding the contents of Rulli’s bill remain somewhat unclear. However, a spokesperson indicated it would significantly reflect Trump’s executive order, which emphasizes returning educational authority to the states.

While Rulli’s initiative may gain traction in the House, it faces significant hurdles in the Senate. For any bill to succeed, Senate Republicans would need to secure support from at least seven Democrats to overcome the 60-vote threshold. Given the strong opposition from the left, this appears highly unlikely.

The Path Forward

Despite these challenges, Trump’s ongoing effort to dismantle or eliminate the Department of Education will necessitate congressional action to establish permanence and protect it from anticipated legal challenges. The administration recognizes that without legislative support, the changes initiated by the executive order may not withstand judicial scrutiny.

As discussions continue, the legislative landscape remains dynamic. House Republicans are keen on pursuing reforms that align with Trump’s vision for education. They believe that returning localized control can address the specific needs of diverse communities across the nation.

Ultimately, the drive to reform the Department of Education signifies broader ideological battles concerning the future of education in America. Proponents advocate that empowering local jurisdictions will enhance education quality, while opponents warn of potential inequalities that could arise from such decentralization.

As the political chess game unfolds, all eyes will be on lawmakers in the coming months. The outcomes of these legislative initiatives will likely set the tone for the future of educational policy in the United States.