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Republican senators unveiled the “Returning Education to Our States Act” on Wednesday, following President Donald Trump’s decision to potentially dismantle the U.S. Department of Education through an executive order. This order was signed in late March, initiating a significant shift in the approach to educational governance in the United States.
The bill, spearheaded by Senator Mike Rounds from South Dakota and supported by Senators Jim Banks of Indiana and Tim Sheehy from Montana, is designed to transfer the responsibilities of the Department of Education to various federal agencies. These include the Departments of Interior, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Labor, Defense, Justice, and State.
Senator Rounds’ Perspective
In remarks to Fox News Digital, Senator Rounds articulated his concerns about the current structure of the Department of Education. He stated, “The Department of Education was established to gather educational data and provide guidance to state and local organizations regarding best practices. However, over the years, it has evolved into an unwieldy bureaucracy that imposes standardized policies and practices across the nation without consideration for local needs.” This sentiment reflects a growing discontent among many Republicans regarding the effectiveness of federal oversight in education.
Rounds emphasized his dedication to this cause, stating, “This has been a priority of mine for years, and it’s a priority shared by President Trump.” This synchronization of goals illustrates a broader Republican agenda aimed at reducing federal involvement in education.
Support from Key Allies
The timing of the bill’s introduction coincides with increasing Republican support for the elimination of the Department of Education. Current Education Secretary Linda McMahon has publicly articulated her vision for dismantling the agency, further solidifying the movement within GOP circles. In a recent op-ed, she expressed her commitment to this initiative, making it clear that this plan has substantial backing at high levels of government.
Senator Rounds and Secretary McMahon recently convened to discuss the contents of the “Returning Education to Our States Act”. The proposed legislation not only aims to abolish the department but also seeks to introduce significant changes to education compliance regulations.
Key Legislative Changes
The proposed legislation will remove the requirement for schools to administer standardized tests designed to identify struggling schools, such as the Comprehensive Support and Improvement and Targeted Support and Improvement categories. This would grant schools greater autonomy in setting their own teacher certification standards and developing professional development programs.
These adjustments are part of a broader strategy to decentralize educational governance and empower local entities, reflecting a preference for localized control over federal mandates.
Executive Order Context
The executive order signed by President Trump in March instructed the Department of Education to take all necessary steps to facilitate its closure and transfer authority back to state and local communities. However, the executive order requires congressional approval to enact the formal abolition of the department, highlighting the need for legislative action.
The co-sponsors of the bill have expressed their belief that this legislation represents the necessary steps to achieve this goal. Senator Jim Banks articulated a pressing rationale, stating, “While the average employee at the Department of Education earns twice as much as a teacher in Indiana, our national test scores are at historic lows. Funding should be redirected back to the states to empower parents, teachers, and local leaders.” He identified the bill as a golden opportunity for Congress to affirm Trump’s executive actions, describing it as a significant win for American education.
A Focus on Local Impact
Additionally, Senator Tim Sheehy shared his insights with Fox News Digital, pointing out, “Despite spending more on education than ever before, our test scores continue to decline. This is largely due to the misallocation of resources by an overly complex federal bureaucracy. Closing the Department of Education will not reduce funding for the students who rely on it, but will cut through layers of red tape in Washington, D.C., ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent more effectively at the local level for the benefit of students, families, and dedicated teachers.” This emphasis on local control underscores a key argument among proponents of the bill.
Looking Ahead
The Republican-led bill is poised to complement President Trump’s executive order and his overarching campaign promise to reform the American education system. It will soon proceed to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for further discussion and evaluation.
As education continues to be a pivotal topic in American politics, the implications of this legislation extend beyond mere departmental changes. Should the bill succeed, it could reshape educational policy and funding in ways that align more closely with local rather than federal priorities, sparking a significant shift in how education is administered across the nation.
