Bill would bar moving key Education Department offices to other agencies
Placed on the calendarS. 5046Latest action
Sponsor: Tim Kaine · Senator · VA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: A bill to prohibit the transfer of certain offices and functions of the Department of Education to other Federal agencies, and for other purposes.
119th Congress
Topics: Education
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill blocks the Education Secretary from transferring four key offices' duties to other federal agencies.
55-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would stop the Secretary of Education from moving four Department of Education offices—Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Postsecondary Education, Indian Education, and Elementary and Secondary Education—and their duties to other federal agencies. It also blocks internal shuffling meant to work around this rule, though pre-existing agreements from before February 1, 2025 can continue if renewals don't change significantly. The Department must also regularly report to Congress and the public on costs tied to any new interagency agreements.
Who does it affect?
This affects federal employees in these four offices, state and local agencies receiving federal education grants, schools, colleges, and students. It also affects people with disabilities relying on special education services and Native American communities served by the Office of Indian Education.
Why does it matter?
The bill limits the executive branch's ability to restructure or transfer education programs elsewhere, protecting continuity of oversight and services tied to these offices.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Missed reports trigger funding block
- Blocks Secretary's travel funds
- Applies to 2026 and 2027
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Reported to Senate” text of Aug 4, 2026.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 21, 2026
- Senate committee
- Senate voteYou are here · Aug 4, 2026
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 541.