Overview:
This bill was introduced on November 21, 2024 and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for further review.
Washington, D.C. – Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) has introduced legislation to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, marking a significant move in the ongoing debate over federal involvement in education policy.
Filed on November 21, 2024, S.5384 proposes eliminating the Department of Education and redistributing its functions to state and local governments, as well as other federal agencies. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for further review.
In a statement accompanying the bill’s introduction, Senator Rounds emphasized his belief in reducing federal education oversight to empower states, local governments, and parents. “Education is best managed at the community level, where families and educators can work together to meet the unique needs of their students,” said Rounds.
Senator Mike Rounds served in various government roles before coming to the U.S. Senate. He served in the South Dakota State Senate from 1991–2000, including as the majority leader from 1995–2000 and governor of South Dakota from 2003–2011. Rounds was elected to the U.S. Senate as a Republican in 2014 and reelected in 2020, with the current term ending January 3, 2027.
Proponents of the bill argue that the Department of Education’s existence centralizes authority and creates inefficiencies in a system that would benefit from local control. Critics, however, caution that dismantling the department could disrupt essential programs and funding, including those aimed at supporting underserved students, enforcing educational equity, and administering federal student loans.
Two days before filing this bill, President-Elect Donald Trump nominated Linda McMahon, the former Co-Founder of the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), as the nominee for the Secretary of Education. If confirmed, McMahon would oversee programs serving over 50 million K-12 students that provide financial aid to more than 12 million college students annually.
S.5384’s introduction follows a longstanding push among some conservatives to curtail the federal government’s role in education. This stance gained momentum with Donald Trump’s reelection during the Presidential elections earlier this month. As the bill progresses, it is expected to reignite national conversations about the balance of power between federal and state governments in shaping the future of American education.
The bill’s path forward remains uncertain as it awaits deliberation by the committee. Stakeholders from across the political and educational spectrum are expected to weigh in on the potential implications of such a sweeping change.