Bill · H.R. 3345· House(119-HR-3345)
Sovereign States Education Restoration Act
- Introduced
- 5/13/2025
- Last activity
- 5/13/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Clay Higgins
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Sovereign States Education Restoration Act" proposes to abolish the Department of Education. This includes repealing several existing education laws and programs. Specific educational functions and programs will be transferred to the Departments of Health and Human Services, the Interior, and the Treasury. The bill establishes a system of block grants for states to support elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education. These grants will be administered by the Secretary of the Treasury. Additionally, the Department of Justice will take on responsibility for enforcing certain civil rights laws.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+7
The bill shifts educational authority and funding control from the federal Department of Education to individual states through block grants.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+1
The bill maintains the Office of Indian Education by transferring it to the Department of the Interior.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+1
The bill ensures the continuation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by transferring it to the Department of Health and Human Services.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-3
The bill limits the total authorization of appropriations for transferred programs to the 2019 levels while redistributing them through block grants.
Would children be better off under this?-2
The restructuring of elementary and secondary education funding through block grants creates uncertainty in program administration.
Would students be better off under this?-2
The shift in financial aid management to the Department of the Treasury may introduce new administrative hurdles for students.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Flexibility in State Education Spending: Under Section 4(a)(3), states receiving elementary and secondary education block grants can use those funds for any purpose relating to early childhood, elementary, or secondary education.
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Transfer of Specialized Programs: Section 3 transfers specific programs to other established departments, such as transferring the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act functions to the Department of Health and Human Services (Section 3(1)) and the Office of Indian Education to the Department of the Interior (Section 3(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Abolishment of the Department of Education: Section 2 mandates the abolition of the Department of Education and the repeal of programs such as the Department of Education Organization Act and the General Education Provisions Act.
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Changes to Financial Aid Management: Section 3 transfers the administration of the Federal Pell Grant program, the Federal Family Education Loan Program, and the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program to the Department of the Treasury.
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Stringent Requirements for State Grant Funds: To receive postsecondary education block grants, states must agree to specific conditions, including submitting annual student data and completing annual audits that conform to the Single Audit Act of 1984 (Section 4(c)).
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Risk of Withheld Funds: Under Section 4(d), if the Secretary of the Treasury finds that funds have been misused or misappropriated, the Secretary may require repayment or withhold Federal funds for the following fiscal year.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+7
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending-3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+1Good For People With Disabilities+1Good For Children-2Good For Students-2
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+1Improves Racial Equity+1
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+1
- 5/13/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Barry MooreRepublican · Alabama