Fund Schools, Not ICE Act

119th Congress Introduced by Yassamin Ansari and 1 co-sponsor

Transfers unobligated ICE funds to the Education Department to support Title I, Part A programs for high-poverty schools.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.

Overview

HR 9659 is a House bill introduced in the 119th Congress that proposes transferring unobligated funds from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Secure America Act to the Department of Education. The funds would be used to carry out programs under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as amended. The bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee and, in addition, to the Education and Workforce Committee and the Homeland Security Committee.

Purpose and intent

Main aim: Reallocate unspent or unobligated appropriations designated to ICE under theSecure America Act to support Title I, Part A programs within the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Policy rationale (inferred): Redirecting funds from immigration enforcement to education seeks to bolster funding for historically underserved students and schools through federal Title I programs.

Key provisions and changes

Reallocation of funds: Transfers specific unobligated ICE funds (as defined by the bill) to the Department of Education.

Use of funds: The transferred amounts would be used to support Title I, Part A activities, which are designed to assist schools with high percentages of economically disadvantaged students.

Compliance and administration: The bill would likely require appropriate accounting, reporting, and ensuring that funds are used in accordance with ESEA Title I requirements.

Jurisdictional coordination: The measure involves cross-agency transfers, engaging the Department of Homeland Security (via ICE) and the Department of Education, with potential oversight by the Judiciary, Education and Workforce, and Homeland Security committees.

Affected parties and impacts

Primary beneficiaries: students and schools that qualify for Title I, Part A funding, particularly those in high-poverty areas.

Federal agencies: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would have unobligated funds redirected; Department of Education would administer and disbursed the Title I funds.

Other stakeholders: State and local education agencies that implement Title I programs; communities with a focus on reducing inequities in educational resources.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction: The bill was introduced in the House and has an introductory and referral history.

Committee referrals: Referred to the Judiciary Committee, and in addition to the Education and Workforce Committee and the Homeland Security Committee for consideration of provisions within their jurisdictions.

Status: As of the latest action, the bill is in the committee referral stage, with no enacted provisions or enacted timeline attached to specific allocations or implementation dates.

Potential considerations

Policy alignment: The bill shifts resources from immigration enforcement to education, raising questions about the balance of national security priorities and educational equity.

Accountability: Implementation would depend on clear statutory guidance to ensure unobligated ICE funds are redirected and used in accordance with Title I requirements.

Oversight: Cross-committee involvement suggests emphasis on judicial, educational, and homeland security perspectives during consideration and potential future amendments.