Summary of HR 899 - Termination of the Department of Education

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 899

Title: To terminate the Department of Education

Status: Introduced in House

Introduced Date: January 31, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 899 is to abolish the U.S. Department of Education. Proponents of the bill argue that eliminating this federal agency would return control of education to state and local governments, thereby promoting more tailored and effective educational policies that reflect the needs of individual communities.

Key Provisions

• Termination of the Department: The bill seeks to officially terminate the Department of Education, which was established in 1979.
• Transfer of Responsibilities: Responsibilities currently managed by the Department of Education would be reassigned to state governments or eliminated altogether, depending on the specific function.
• Impact on Federal Education Programs: Federal education programs, including student loans, grants, and educational standards, would be affected, potentially leading to significant changes in how education is funded and regulated across the country.

Affected Parties

• Students and Families: The bill could significantly impact students and their families, particularly those relying on federal financial aid and educational programs.
• Educators and Schools: Teachers and educational institutions may face changes in funding and regulatory oversight, which could affect curriculum and operational practices.
• State Governments: States would need to adapt to the loss of federal education support and take on additional responsibilities for education policy and funding.

Legislative Actions

• Referred to Committee: On January 31, 2025, HR 899 was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for further consideration.
• Introduced in House: The bill was introduced in the House on the same date.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by Representative Thomas Massie and has a significant number of cosponsors, including:
- Brandon Gill
- Tim Burchett
- Andrew S. Clyde
- Mike Collins
- Harriet M. Hageman
- Warren Davidson
- Claudia Tenney
- Chip Roy
- Scott Perry
- Richard McCormick
- Keith Self
- Thomas P. Tiffany
- Andrew Ogles
- Russ Fulcher
- Paul A. Gosar
- W. Gregory Steube
- Josh Brecheen
- Eric Burlison
- Andy Harris
- Andy Biggs
- Marjorie Taylor Greene
- Mark E. Green
- Ralph Norman
- Barry Moore
- Mary E. Miller
- Ben Cline
- Lauren Boebert
- Victoria Spartz
- Jeff Crank
- Anna Paulina Luna
- Elijah Crane
- Troy E. Nehls

Related Legislation

HR 899 has a companion bill, S 1148, which is currently in the Senate. This indicates a broader legislative effort to terminate the Department of Education across both chambers of Congress.

Conclusion

HR 899 represents a significant shift in federal education policy by proposing the elimination of the Department of Education. If passed, it could lead to substantial changes in how education is managed and funded in the United States, affecting millions of students, educators, and families. The bill is currently under review by the House Committee on Education and Workforce.