WASHINGTON — U.S. House Democrats voiced strong opposition to President Trump’s administration’s actions targeting the Department of Education, including efforts to transfer its functions to other agencies. Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia criticized these moves, stating the administration bypassed the law to undermine public education without Congress’s or public approval.
Scott, leading Democrat on the House Committee on Education and Workforce, gathered education advocates and legal experts to counter the administration’s attempts to eliminate the agency. Concerns were raised about the administration’s six interagency agreements (IAAs), announced in November 2025, shifting responsibilities to other departments.
‘Illegal’ Transfers
Ashley Harrington from the Legal Defense Fund argued that the agencies receiving responsibilities lack the expertise of the Education Department’s seasoned employees. Rachel Homer of Democracy Forward emphasized that Congress, not the executive branch, decides agency roles, warning that the IAAs contradict Congress’s directives.
The advocacy group, representing a broad coalition, expanded its legal challenge against these restructuring efforts following the IAA announcement. “These transfers through the IAAs, they’re illegal,” Homer stressed, asserting Congress did not authorize such changes.
Mass Layoffs and Downsizing
The administration’s strategy includes mass layoffs since March 2025 and plans to downsize the agency. The U.S. Supreme Court tentatively approved these measures in July. Trump aims to dissolve the 46-year-old department to return education control to states, despite most school oversight already being local.
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici expressed disbelief at defending the department’s existence, emphasizing the committee’s focus on improving education and addressing civil rights disparities.
Civil Rights Focus
The Office for Civil Rights faced a Reduction in Force (RIF) in March, with employees on leave amid legal battles. Although rescinded in January, a Government Accountability Office report highlighted $28.5-$38 million spent on non-working OCR staff. The report noted most resolved complaints were dismissed, raising concerns about protecting student civil rights.
Ray Li of the Legal Defense Fund urged Congress to maintain OCR within a functional Education Department and ensure proper funding and transparency in addressing discrimination complaints.
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