H.R.3345 - Sovereign States Education Restoration Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3345, the Sovereign States Education Restoration Act, proposes to abolish the Department of Education and transfer its programs to other federal departments, primarily the Department of Treasury and the Department of Health and Human Services. It also establishes block grant programs for elementary/secondary and postsecondary education, to be administered by the Department of the Treasury, with funds allocated to states based on student population. The bill aims to shift control over education from the federal government to the states.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Department of Education would be eliminated, and states would receive block grants to manage their education systems. Federal oversight would be reduced, and states would have more autonomy in determining educational priorities and resource allocation. The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice would still be responsible for enforcing civil rights laws related to education.
Potential Benefits
- Increased state control over education policy, allowing for tailored approaches to meet local needs.
- Potential for reduced federal bureaucracy and administrative costs.
- Flexibility for states to innovate and experiment with different educational models.
- Direct allocation of funds to states based on student population, potentially simplifying the funding process.
- Continued enforcement of federal civil rights laws in education.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for decreased accountability and oversight of federal education funds.
- Risk of widening disparities between states with varying resources and priorities.
- Possible disruption during the transition of programs and responsibilities to other federal departments.
- Uncertainty regarding the long-term impact on national education standards and goals.
- Possible weakening of federal support for specific education initiatives, such as those focused on students with disabilities or Native American education.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's emphasis on state control over education aligns with a view of federalism that emphasizes the 10th Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. However, the Constitution does not explicitly address education, leading to ongoing debates about the appropriate role of the federal government. The transfer of programs and the creation of block grants are within Congress's power to regulate spending under Article I, Section 8 (the Spending Clause).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).