For most of our nation’s history, students received a quality education without the Department of Education. In fact, the department has only existed for 45 years, meaning millions of Americans learned, thrived, and succeeded before this massive federal bureaucracy came into existence.
Unfortunately, the department has grown into an oversized and costly bureaucracy with a budget that’s 449% larger than it was at its founding. Despite the department spending $16,000 per student per year, standardized test scores have declined over the last decade. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment, the United States now ranks 34th in the world for math scores, which happens to be below average, and we are far behind the top five countries. In addition, our reading scores have not improved in the last 20 years.
The department’s original goal was to collect data and advise schools across the U.S. on best practices. In reality, it operates as a one-size-fits-all regulator. Federal grants or funding from the department come with strings attached, forcing states and educational institutions to comply with rigid national standards rather than allowing them to tailor education to the needs of their own students.
It’s time to return to common sense. That’s why we have worked the last two years developing the Returning Education to Our States Act, which would eliminate the department while retaining critical federal programs, including special education, tribal education, Title I, Impact Aid, Pell Grants, and career and technical education.
All of these programs would continue to serve students across the country under the departments where they belong and existed before 1980 when the Education Department was established. These would be specific and not provided via block grants.
Let me be clear: This legislation does not cut even a dollar of education funding. Federal dollars for education will continue by flowing directly to states in the form of block grants, except for those specifically identified programs noted above, which will remain under federal agencies. This rids schools of the administrative strings of Washington. By eliminating unnecessary overhead costs, we could save approximately $2.2 billion annually — savings that could either be redirected to classrooms or used to reduce the deficit. This bill would allow states and school districts to decide what works best for their students.
Another important aspect of education reform is student loans. Prior to the creation of the Education Department, the federal government provided guaranteed student loans through the Federal Family Education Loan by utilizing private financial institutions. This worked well, and millions of individuals could attain a degree in higher education using the program. Unfortunately, it was eliminated by former President Barack Obama. As of July 1, 2010, all federal student loans have been issued as direct loans under the Education Department.
Under former President Joe Biden, those federal student loans cost taxpayers $188.8 billion after the department offered student loan forgiveness for 5.3 million borrowers. This is an unattainable program for the federal government to keep managing. While the Returning Education to Our States Act does not immediately fix this problem, it still allows student loans to be utilized and delivered through the Treasury, which can be repaired and fixed with separate legislation.
Last fall, I released a proposal to do just that. The Affordable Future Loan Program would offer a new affordable student loan option that would leverage private financial institutions to cover the cost of college or technical schools, just like they used to. The federal government would guarantee 98% of the loan values and make certain no interest accrues while students are in school. It would exist alongside the current system to provide another option for financing.
HIGHER EDUCATION FUNDING SHOULD PRIORITIZE AMERICANS
The truth is simple: The Department of Education has never taught a single student. Our local school boards, teachers, and state education departments understand the unique needs of their students. This bill would empower them to act without federal red tape.
Returning control to the states doesn’t mean abandoning education; it means putting decision-making power where it belongs. With the support of President Donald Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, I’m committed to getting this legislation across the finish line. It’s time to make education great again by getting Washington out of the way and trusting our states, educators, and parents to do what’s best for our students.
Sen. Mike Rounds, a Republican, is the junior senator from South Dakota.