WASHINGTON — Republican Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota has introduced legislation that would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, a concept that has come under increased focus since the election of President-elect Donald Trump, who has repeatedly proposed such a move. 

What You Need To Know

  • Republican Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota introduced legislation that would eliminate the U.S. Department of Education
  • The bill would “redistribute” what he referred to as certain “critical programs” to the Interior, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Labor and State departments
  • Republicans in Washington, including the nation’s incoming commander in chief, Trump, have floated the idea of shuttering the department for years. Trump’s election has put heightened attention and urgency on possibility
  • Despite the uncertainty around the department’s future, Trump tapped Linda McMahon to be his Education secretary this week

In a press release, the South Dakota senator referred to the legislation, titled the “Returning Education to Our States Act,” as a “roadmap” to shutting down the department. The bill would “redistribute” what he referred to as certain “critical programs” to the Interior, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Labor and State departments. 

“The federal Department of Education has never educated a single student, and it’s long past time to end this bureaucratic Department that causes more harm than good,” Rounds said in a press release. “Local school boards and state Departments of Education know best what their students need, not unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C.”

Republicans in Washington, including the nation’s incoming commander in chief, Trump, have floated the idea of shuttering the department for years as the party looks to decrease the power and size of the federal government. Trump’s election has put heightened attention and urgency on that possibility. 

“For years, I’ve worked toward removing the federal Department of Education," Rounds said. "I’m pleased that President-elect Trump shares this vision, and I’m excited to work with him and Republican majorities in the Senate and House to make this a reality."

The president-elect pledged on the campaign trail, including during a live discussion with billionaire businessman Elon Musk, to shut down the department, citing concerns such as schools currently “indoctrinating young people.” 

This week, entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who Trump tapped to lead his newly created “Department of Government Efficiency” alongside Musk, said he expects certain departments to be “deleted outright,” during the president-elect’s second term. 

Ramaswamy went on to specifically point to the Education Department, which he said “shouldn’t even exist” and should be “returned to the states.” 

Despite the uncertainty around the department’s future, Trump this week announced he was tapping Linda McMahon, the head of the Small Business Administration during his first term who is currently a chair of his transition, to serve as education secretary, leading the department.