Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.899 - To terminate the Department of Education. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.899 proposes to terminate the Department of Education on December 31, 2026. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce. The bill is sponsored by Mr. Massie and several other representatives.

Expected Effects

If enacted, the Department of Education would cease to exist. This would likely shift responsibilities for federal education programs and funding to other agencies or back to the states. The change would impact how education policy is shaped and implemented at the national level.

Potential Benefits

  • Reduced federal spending and bureaucracy.
  • Increased state and local control over education.
  • Potential for more tailored educational approaches at the local level.
  • Elimination of federal mandates perceived as burdensome.
  • Could lead to innovation and experimentation in education at the state level.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential loss of federal funding for education programs.
  • Increased inequality in educational opportunities across states.
  • Reduced accountability for educational outcomes.
  • Disruption of existing federal initiatives and programs.
  • Possible negative impact on national education standards and goals.

Constitutional Alignment

The Constitution does not explicitly mention education, leading to debates about the federal government's role. Supporters of the bill might argue that terminating the Department of Education aligns with a limited interpretation of federal power, reserving education oversight primarily to the states, consistent with the Tenth Amendment. Opponents might argue that the 'general Welfare' clause of the Preamble justifies federal involvement in education to ensure a well-informed citizenry.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).