House Panel Votes to Dismantle Education Department

July 22, 2026 - 01:28

A House committee has voted to move forward with a package of 10 bills aimed at dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The legislation, approved by the House Education and Workforce Committee, would shift the agency's core responsibilities to other federal departments and state governments. Supporters argue the move would reduce federal overreach and return control of schools to local communities.

The bills propose transferring student loan management to the Treasury Department, civil rights enforcement to the Justice Department, and oversight of special education programs to the Department of Health and Human Services. Other provisions would eliminate federal funding for certain programs and block the department from issuing new regulations on school curriculum.

Critics warn the plan would create chaos in the nation's education system. They say splitting up the department's duties across multiple agencies could lead to gaps in services, especially for low-income students and those with disabilities. Opponents also argue that the federal government plays a vital role in ensuring equal access to education and protecting students from discrimination.

The package now heads to the full House for debate. Even if it passes there, it faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where Democrats have enough votes to block it. The White House has already signaled a veto threat, calling the legislation a step backward for American education. The committee's vote marks the latest chapter in a long-running political battle over the role of the federal government in schools.