Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) has now reportedly announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, aligning with President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to reshape or eliminate the agency.
After Trump signed an executive order to facilitate the agency’s closure, Cassidy, who chairs the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, expressed agreement with Trump’s assertion that the Department of Education has failed in its mission to enhance student achievement.
Cassidy emphasized in a statement that congressional approval is necessary for the agency’s disbandment, stating, “I will support the President’s goals by submitting legislation to accomplish this as soon as possible.”
While Trump’s second-term administration has initiated steps toward reducing the agency’s influence, complete dismantlement requires new legislation, as the Department was established by Congress in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter.
Despite Cassidy’s position and momentum within the GOP-led Senate, the proposed bill faces significant challenges, particularly the prospect of a filibuster.
Overcoming this would necessitate a three-fifths majority, or 60 votes, which may be difficult given the slim Republican majority and the need for Democratic or independent support.
In parallel, Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) has introduced a bill in the House that states the Department of Education “shall terminate on December 31, 2026,” which has garnered 32 co-sponsors and is currently under consideration.
Meanwhile, Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) is working on the “Make Education Great Again Act” to reinforce Trump’s executive actions aimed at eliminating what he describes as the “woke and wasteful” Department of Education.
It reflects a broader Republican strategy to return educational authority to states and local communities, emphasizing parental rights.
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