Summary of HR 2691: Abolishing the Department of Education

Bill Number: HR 2691

Title: To abolish the Department of Education and to provide funding directly to States for elementary and secondary education, and for other purposes.

Status: Introduced in House

Introduced Date: April 07, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary aim of HR 2691 is to abolish the U.S. Department of Education and shift the responsibility for funding elementary and secondary education directly to individual states. This bill seeks to eliminate federal oversight in education and empower states to manage their own education systems without federal intervention.

Key Provisions

1. Abolition of the Department of Education:

   • The Department of Education will be officially abolished 30 days after the enactment of this bill.
   • All programs under the Department's administrative responsibility will be terminated, with specific exceptions.

2. Exceptions to Termination:

   • The bill does not terminate the Federal Pell Grant program (20 U.S.C. 1070a).
   • The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.) is also exempt from termination.

3. Transfer of Authority:

   • The authority to manage the remaining programs (Pell Grants and Direct Loans) will be transferred to the Secretary of the Treasury effective on the same date as the Department's abolition.

Affected Parties

• States: States will receive direct funding for elementary and secondary education, allowing them to allocate resources as they see fit without federal guidelines.
• Students and Families: The bill may impact students who rely on federal education programs, particularly those benefiting from Pell Grants and federal loans.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and districts may experience changes in funding structures and administrative processes as federal oversight is removed.

Legislative Actions

• April 07, 2025: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for further consideration.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Barry Moore
• Cosponsors: Brandon Gill, Elijah Crane

Conclusion

HR 2691 represents a significant shift in the federal approach to education by proposing the elimination of the Department of Education and the transfer of funding responsibilities to states. If enacted, this bill could lead to substantial changes in how education is funded and managed across the country, affecting millions of students and educational institutions.