GOP Lawmaker Moves to Cement Trump’s Education Reforms into Law
Representative Michael Rulli, a Republican from Ohio, is spearheading an effort to codify former President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at significantly curtailing the Department of Education’s power and influence. Rulli, who attended the White House event where Trump announced the order, told Fox News Digital that he is actively working on legislation to enshrine the changes into federal law.
"I want to thank President Trump for inviting me to the White House for the signing of this executive order," Rulli stated. "Government functions best when it is closer to the people it serves, which is why returning control of education to the states is such a critical step."
Rulli emphasized that his forthcoming bill would solidify Trump’s agenda into law, ensuring that future administrations cannot easily undo the proposed reforms to the nation’s education system. He also clarified that the bill, similar to Trump’s executive order, would ensure that funding for key programs like Pell Grants, Title I programs, and resources for children with disabilities and special needs would continue under other federal departments.
Drawing on his experience as a former school board member, Rulli highlighted the crucial role schools play in local communities. He believes that the executive order and his proposed legislation empower states to better address the unique needs of their communities and amplify the voices of local school leaders.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has previously voiced support among congressional Republicans for Trump’s initiative, along with Education Secretary Linda McMahon, to cut the Department of Education’s reach. Johnson commented on Fox & Friends that the move represents a "long time coming" and will lead to "greater choice for parents and students" and "a lot better outcomes."
House Republican leaders have multiple options to consider as they move forward with education reform. In addition to Rulli’s bill, Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, has reintroduced his own bill to abolish the Department of Education altogether. Massie has been a long-time advocate for dismantling the department. His bill simply states that "The Department of Education shall terminate on December 31, 2026."
While the specific details of Rulli’s bill are not yet available, a spokesperson has indicated that it will closely mirror Trump’s executive order, which specifically focuses on returning control of education to the states.
However, even if Rulli’s bill were to pass the House, it would face a significant challenge in the Senate. To advance the bill, Senate Republicans would need to secure the votes of at least seven Democrats to reach the 60-vote threshold required to overcome a potential filibuster. Given the Democratic Party’s widespread opposition to the push, this outcome appears unlikely.
Despite the potential obstacles in the Senate, Trump’s effort to dismantle or eliminate the Department of Education would require an act of Congress to ensure its permanence and shield it from legal challenges. Without such action, the reforms could be vulnerable to reversal by future administrations or legal challenges.
The debate over the Department of Education’s role in American education is not new. Proponents of a strong federal role argue that it is necessary to ensure equal access to quality education for all students, regardless of their location or socioeconomic background. They also contend that the Department of Education plays a vital role in promoting innovation and accountability in schools.
Opponents of a strong federal role, on the other hand, argue that education is best left to the states and local communities, who are more attuned to the specific needs of their students. They also argue that the Department of Education has become too bureaucratic and intrusive, stifling innovation and local control.
The current push to curtail the Department of Education’s power reflects a broader trend of decentralization and local control in education. This trend is driven by a number of factors, including a growing dissatisfaction with the federal government’s role in education, a desire for greater local control over schools, and a belief that states and local communities are better equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students.
Whether Rulli’s bill ultimately succeeds in becoming law remains to be seen. However, the effort underscores the ongoing debate over the proper role of the federal government in education and the desire of some lawmakers to shift control of education back to the states. The implications of such a shift could be far-reaching, potentially impacting everything from curriculum standards to funding allocations.
