SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - On Thursday, Senator Mike Rounds introduced legislation to eliminate the US Department of Education.
The proposed “Returning Education to Our States Act” would reassign the department’s responsibilities to other federal entities.
The bill would require the total abolishment within a year after it was enacted into law.
“For years, I’ve worked toward removing the federal Department of Education. I’m pleased that President-elect Trump shares this vision, and I’m excited to work with him and Republican majorities in the Senate and House to make this a reality. This legislation is a roadmap to eliminating the federal Department of Education by practically rehoming these federal programs in the departments where they belong, which will be critical as we move into next year,” Sen. Rounds said.
The following programs within the DOE would be redirected to the Departments of Interior, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Labor and State:
Department of the Interior
- Native American-Serving Institutions Programs
- Alaska Native Education Equity Program
- American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program
- Indian Education Formula Grants and National Activities
- Native American and Alaska Native Children in School Program
- Native Hawaiian Education
- Special Programs for Indian Children
- Tribally Controlled Postsecondary Career and Technical Education Program
- Impact Aid Programs
Department of the Treasury
- William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
- Federal Family Education Loan Program
- Federal Perkins Loan Program
- Federal Pell Grant Program
- Health Education Assistance Loan Program
- Education Sciences Reform Act
Department of Health and Human Services
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- American Printing House for the Blind
- Helen Keller Center for Deaf/Blind Youth and Adults
- Federal Real Property Assistance Program
- Special Education Grants
Department of Labor
- All Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education programs
- National Technical Institute for the Deaf
- Randolph Sheppard Vending Facility Program
- Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants
Department of State
- Fulbright-Hays Program
