Protecting Students with Disabilities Act
Summary
The "Protecting Students with Disabilities Act" aims to safeguard the structure and function of offices within the Department of Education that administer and enforce programs serving individuals with disabilities. It prohibits the use of appropriated funds to eliminate, consolidate, or restructure these offices. The bill references the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the current statutory framework.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would prevent the executive branch from altering the structure of offices dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities within the Department of Education. This ensures the continued administration and enforcement of programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It also restricts the ability to contract out these services.
Potential Benefits
- Maintains existing support structures for students with disabilities.
- Ensures consistent enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
- Prevents potential disruptions in services due to restructuring or reassignment of personnel.
- Protects jobs within the Department of Education related to disability services.
- Reaffirms Congress's role in overseeing the administration of these programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limits the executive branch's flexibility in reorganizing the Department of Education.
- May prevent potential efficiency gains through consolidation or restructuring.
- Could hinder innovation in service delivery if external expertise cannot be contracted.
- Potentially perpetuates existing inefficiencies within the current structure.
- May create budgetary constraints if restructuring could have reduced costs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Article I, Section 1 of the US Constitution, which vests all legislative powers in Congress. By explicitly prohibiting the use of appropriated funds for specific actions, Congress is exercising its power of the purse to direct how funds are spent within the executive branch. The bill also reinforces the principle of separation of powers by limiting the executive branch's ability to unilaterally alter statutory frameworks established by Congress.
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).