Rounds introduces bill to eliminate U.S. Dept. of Education

November 22, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C.–South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds introduced legislation Thursday that would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and redistribute some of its programs across other federal agencies.

The “Returning Education to Our States Act” is the latest effort to remove the department by Rounds, who said he’s been pursuing the idea for quite some time.

“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.”

The Department of Education was established in 1979 under then-President Jimmy Carter. Rounds says the department’s budget has swollen ever since then without improving education.