Democrats unveil strategy to block Education Department shutdown plans
House and Senate Democrats announced measures to prevent the Education Department from being dismantled as the agency continues to reassign staff under the Trump administration.
The Education Department, after shedding about half of its staff through voluntary separations and probationary firings, is moving programs to other agencies via 14 interagency agreements. In response, Democratic leaders in both chambers outlined a multi-pronged approach to keep the department operational. Senator Chris Van Hollen is pushing for a provision in the 2027 appropriations bill that would forbid Secretary Linda McMahon from allocating resources to close the agency.
House Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott said he will scrutinize the efficiency of the interagency transfers if he becomes chair. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Mark Takano and Jahana Hayes voiced support for impeachment articles against McMahon, arguing that the cuts are already causing severe damage to public education. Unions, led by AFGE President Everett Kelley, are urging Congress to enact statutory language halting the transfers, while AFGE Local 252 and former secretaries have asked the inspector general to investigate alleged fraud and waste in the layoffs.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine whether the Education Department can continue to oversee public education policies and protect civil-rights enforcement.
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