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HRES 1391

Impeaching Linda M. McMahon, Secretary of Education, for high crimes and misdemeanors.

119th Congress Introduced by Wesley Bell and 18 co-sponsors

Impeachment seeks removal of Secretary McMahon for alleged willful law violations, false congressional testimony, and breach of public trust in reassigning and funding Education pr

Submitted in House
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Bill Summary · HRES 1391

Summary of H.Res. 1391 (119th Congress)

Purpose

  • This resolution proposes to impeach Linda M. McMahon, the Secretary of Education, on charges of high crimes and misdemeanors. It directs that Articles of Impeachment be exhibited to the U.S. Senate for trial, removal from office, and potential disqualification from future federal office.

Key Provisions (Articles of Impeachment)

Article I – Willful and Systemic Refusal to Comply with the Law

  • Claims McMahon has willfully and systematically refused to comply with federal law and the Department of Education Organization Act (20 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.).
  • Specific alleged violations:
    • On Sept. 30, 2025, approved interagency agreements moving several ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) programs to the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), allegedly violating the Education Organization Act.
    • On Feb. 20, 2026, approved additional interagency transfers moving programs to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), again claimed as willful violations.
    • Similar transfers affecting Office of Postsecondary Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Office of Civil Rights, and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
    • On June 15, 2026, approved transfers moving programs related to IDEA/ Rehabilitation Act to the Department of State or other entities, cited as willful violations.
    • On June 15, 2026, transfers involving civil rights and related acts to DOJ, with similar accusations.
    • Cites statements by McMahon indicating a plan to dismantle or close the Department of Education, described as evidence of intent to violate the Education Organization Act and federal law.
  • Consequence sought: removal from office, trial in the Senate, and disqualification from future federal office.

Article II – False Statements Before Congress

  • Claims McMahon made false or deceptive statements during a February 13, 2025 testimony before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  • Alleged misstatements include commitments to spend all congressionally appropriated dollars consistent with law, and assurances about disseminating funds despite potential political directions.
  • Cites specific exchange excerpts where McMahon allegedly contradicted later actions, undermining assurances given to Congress.
  • Consequence sought: removal, trial, disqualification.

Article III – Breach of Public Trust

  • Claims McMahon terminated or overseen the departure of about 2,000 DOE employees (RIF announced March 11, 2025), effectively halving the department’s workforce, including core offices (e.g., Federal Student Aid, Civil Rights).
  • Alleged failures to timely disburse congressionally authorized funding, causing delays in multiple programs (e.g., Migrant Education, Professional Development and Instruction grants, English Language Acquisition, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, TRIO, College Access grants, etc.).
  • Reports further RIF actions in Oct. 2025 affecting an additional 465 employees, though noted that a continuing resolution reversed some terminations.
  • Argues these actions harmed critical programs and disrupted educational planning nationwide.
  • Consequence sought: removal, trial, disqualification.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Linda M. McMahon would face removal from the office of Secretary of Education, potential disqualification from holding future federal office.
  • The Department of Education and its programs would be at the center of the proceedings; if impeached and removed, the department’s leadership and operations could be impacted.
  • Congress and federal oversight: Article II focuses on testimony given to Congress; Article I and III concern statutory compliance and program funding/disbursement.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The resolution was introduced June 25, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • It follows the constitutional process for impeachment: the House investigates and, if warranted, adopts Articles of Impeachment; articles would be transmitted to the Senate for trial.
  • The document outlines specific dates for alleged actions (Sept. 2025–June 2026) and cites particular programs, Acts, and transfer actions as the factual basis for impeachment.

Sponsors

  • Primary sponsor: Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (with a broad slate of co-sponsors including Rep. Nikema Williams and others).
  • Co-sponsors include Reps. Jahana Hayes, Maxine Dexter, Doris Matsui, Andrea Salinas, Jill Tokuda, Rashida Tlaib, Mike Quigley, Jared Huffman, Shri Thanedar, Mark Takano, John Garamendi, Veronica Escobar, Lateefah Simon, and others.

Implications

  • If enacted, the resolution would initiate impeachment proceedings, which could lead to removal from the Cabinet and bar future federal service for McMahon, assuming the Senate convicts on any Articles of Impeachment.
  • The bill centers on alleged violations of law, false congressional testimony, and breach of public trust related to reorganizing federal education programs and funding.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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