Fate of Education Department Rests in Congressional Hands
The prospect of abolishing the Department of Education (DOE) has sparked a debate, with President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the department clarifying the essential role of Congress in such a decision.
Congressional Approval Required
During her confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Linda McMahon, Trump’s nominee for Education Secretary, stated unequivocally that Congress must pass a law to dissolve the DOE.
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Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.): "Would the Department of Education need congressional approval to close down entirely?"
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McMahon: "Certainly, President Trump understands that well be working with Congress… We’d like to do this right… It certainly does require congressional action."
Similar Questions, Consistent Response
Other senators echoed Cassidy’s question, seeking further confirmation from McMahon.
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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.): "Let me just once again get your feelings on this, that if there is a movement to abolish the Department of Education, it has to go through the United States Congress?"
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McMahon: "Yes, it is set up by the United States Congress, and we work with Congress. It clearly cannot be shut down without it."
Responsibility for Education Programs
Concerns were raised about the fate of educational programs if the DOE were abolished.
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Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine): "How could these programs be maintained if the Department of Education were abolished or substantially reorganized?"
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McMahon: "These various things, especially the TRIO program, which we both agreed was just hit with a terrible blow just by regulatory action… That kind of regulatory control just cannot stand… If I am confirmed to be able to get in and assess programs, how they can have the best oversight possible, how we can really take the bureaucracy out of education."
Trump’s Intent: Elimination or Streamlining?
Trump has repeatedly expressed his intention to close down the DOE. This stance has raised questions about his true agenda.
- Trump: "It’s a big con job… We’re ranked No. 40, but we’re ranked No. 1 in one department: cost per pupil. So, we spend more per pupil than any other country in the world, but we’re ranked No. 40."
McMahon’s Role: Reform or Dissolution?
McMahon’s nomination has been met with mixed reactions. Some see her as a proponent of eliminating the DOE, while others believe she will focus on streamlining the department.
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Trump: "I want you to put yourself out of a job… Close it down."
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McMahon: "We’d like to do this right. Wed like to make sure that we are presenting a plan that I think our senators could get on board with, and our Congress could get on board with, that would have a better functioning Department of Education."
Conclusion
The fate of the DOE ultimately depends on the will of Congress. Neither President Trump nor his nominee can unilaterally dismantle the department. Whether the DOE will continue in its current form, be significantly reformed, or be abolished remains to be seen.
