Sen. Mike Rounds Proposes Abolishing Education Department

Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) has introduced the 'Returning Education to Our States Act,' proposing to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and redistribute its programs to other departments, aligning with President-elect Donald Trump's campaign promise. Rounds argues that the Department has failed to improve educational outcomes, citing a significant drop in standardized test scores and claiming it has never directly educated a student. The legislation would transfer responsibilities like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to the Department of Health and Human Services and various funding programs to the Department of the Treasury. Critics, including South Dakota Democratic Party Executive Director Dan Ahlers, argue that the bill jeopardizes educational resources and lacks funding solutions, particularly impacting rural communities that already struggle with educational services. Supporters of the bill believe it could enhance local control and accountability in education. The proposed changes reflect a broader Republican push to dismantle federal education oversight.