In a pointed response to a recent administrative shift, over 30 senators from the U.S. Senate Democratic caucus have voiced their disapproval of the Education Department’s decision to delegate several responsibilities to other government agencies. This move, as highlighted in a letter addressed to Secretary Linda McMahon, has been met with severe criticism from the senators.
Labeling the decision as both “outrageous” and “illegal,” the senators contend that it bypasses appropriations law, potentially threatening crucial funding and support relied upon by millions of students, educators, and families nationwide.
The letter, spearheaded by prominent figures such as Sens. Patty Murray of Washington, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, underscores the collective concern. Murray and Baldwin hold significant positions related to appropriations and education funding, while Sanders serves as the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
According to the senators, “This is the latest example of this administration’s complete lack of regard for our laws and its failure to provide the certainty, clarity, and stability that students and schools deserve when it comes to the federal government’s approach and commitment to properly implementing federal education laws and appropriations.”
Department Redistribution
The Education Department’s plan, which involved agreements with the departments of Labor, Interior, Health and Human Services, and State, has sparked immediate backlash from various Democratic leaders, labor unions, and advocacy groups. Announced on November 18th, this initiative is seen as part of a broader strategy by President Donald Trump’s administration to decentralize the Education Department, ultimately aiming to return educational control to state authorities.
Secretary McMahon has justified this reorganization as a measure to eliminate “bureaucratic bloat.” However, the senators argue that the strategy will “create even more bureaucracy that states, school districts, and educational institutions across America will have to expend time and resources navigating at the expense of students and families.”
In their letter, the lawmakers have urged McMahon to “immediately reverse course” and prioritize efforts that genuinely support states, school districts, and educational institutions in enhancing educational outcomes.
Concerns Over Appropriations
The senators have also highlighted Congress’s lack of authorization for the Education Department to transfer programs and their associated funding to other agencies. “Appropriations law prohibits the transfer of funds to another federal agency unless expressly authorized in appropriations law, which it has not done in this case,” they stated.
The potential loss of expertise due to these transfers has been a significant concern. Notably, the Department of Labor’s involvement in managing education programs has raised alarms, given its lack of specialized knowledge in this domain. The senators emphasized the value of the Education Department’s expertise, particularly in supporting programs like TRIO and GEAR UP, which aim to improve college access and success for disadvantaged students.
“Now, DOL, who lacks the necessary expertise, is tasked with managing these programs and students will suffer as a result,” they warned.
Additionally, the legislators criticized the administration for not providing adequate details on how these transfers will be implemented. “The other federal agencies that will suddenly have significant responsibilities in administering billions in education funding — have provided no information about their roles or their capacity to carry out these programs and activities,” they noted.
The department has yet to issue a response to these concerns.
