Bill would shift college grant programs from Education to Labor Department
In markupH.R. 9611Latest action
Sponsor: Mark Harris · Representative · NC
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Official title: Less Bureaucracy, Better Higher Education Act
119th Congress
Topics: Education
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill moves TRIO, GEAR UP, HBCU, and other college grant programs from Education to Labor, eliminating a few smaller ones entirely.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill transfers oversight of major college and university grant programs, including TRIO, GEAR UP, HBCU support, Hispanic-Serving Institutions' STEM programs, disability student aid, and veteran student success centers, from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. It also eliminates several smaller programs entirely, including the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program, the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, the College Access Challenge Grant Program, and Project Grad. The changes take effect six months after enactment, though transfer work could begin immediately.
Who does it affect?
Colleges, universities, and nonprofits receiving these federal grants, along with first-generation, low-income, minority, disabled, and veteran students, would be affected. Department of Education employees working on these programs would be reassigned to the Department of Labor.
Why does it matter?
Existing rules, grants, contracts, and legal cases would continue without restarting, but students and institutions relying on the eliminated programs, such as state grant-matching funds or certain scholarships, would lose that funding source.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 9, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Jul 15, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 16.