States’ Education Reclamation Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Rouzer, David [R-NC-7]
Introduced
Summary
Abolishes the federal Department of Education. This bill would move most education funding and program responsibility to states while shifting specific federal programs to other agencies and creating a new state grant framework for 2025–2033.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
State education grants through 2033
This bill would give each State a yearly education grant for K-12 and college. Each State’s amount would match its FY2025 federal funding in those areas, excluding programs moved to other agencies. Payments would run for fiscal years 2025–2033 and be paid by July 1 before each fiscal year. States would need to spend the money in the year received or the next year. Funds could be used for any purpose allowed by State law, including teacher pay, but must add to—not replace—non‑Federal funds.
State audits and payback for misuse
States would need to hire an approved independent auditor by Oct 1, 2025 and every year after. Audit results would be due by Apr 30, 2026 and yearly; a detailed report would be due by Jan 31, 2026 and yearly, and posted publicly. The Treasury could withhold payments while audits or reports are late or violations are not fixed. If an audit finds misuse, the State would owe 100% of that amount back; unpaid amounts could be taken from future grants.
Close Education Department and move programs
This bill would abolish the U.S. Department of Education. The President would need to send Congress a closure plan within 365 days. Within 24 months, many programs would shift to other agencies: Pell Grants and federal student loans to the Treasury; job training to Labor; special education (IDEA) and some research to HHS; Indian education to Interior; Impact Aid to Defense; and the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship to HHS. These moves would transfer administrative responsibility only; Department staff would not move.
Ban discrimination in grant-funded programs
Programs paid for with these grants could not exclude or discriminate because of disability, sex, race, color, or national origin. If the Attorney General finds a violation, the State’s chief executive would be notified and given 60 days to fix it. If not fixed, the Attorney General could sue or use other enforcement powers under federal civil rights laws.
Narrow federal role and state enforcement
The Treasury Secretary’s role would be limited to writing rules, paying grants, approving auditors, withholding or offsetting payments, and enforcing nondiscrimination. The Attorney General’s role over these funds would be limited to nondiscrimination enforcement. States would still be able to use their own laws to pursue civil or criminal penalties for fraud or misuse of funds.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rouzer, David [R-NC-7]
NC • R
Cosponsors
Edwards
NC • R
Sponsored 2/5/2025
Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1]
MD • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1]
MI • R
Sponsored 3/10/2025
McDowell
NC • R
Sponsored 3/14/2025
Knott
NC • R
Sponsored 3/18/2025
Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1]
AL • R
Sponsored 3/26/2025
Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]
SC • R
Sponsored 3/27/2025
Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9]
PA • R
Sponsored 4/9/2025
Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2]
IA • R
Sponsored 4/28/2025
Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2]
OH • R
Sponsored 5/7/2025
Goldman (TX)
TX • R
Sponsored 8/5/2025
Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]
FL • R
Sponsored 8/8/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov