Key Senators Call for Oversight Hearing with ED Secretary
Senate Health Education Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee Democrats, led by Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT), are demanding an immediate oversight hearing following Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s transfer of more than $30 billion in federally authorized education programs out of the Department of Education (ED)—an action they view as illegal and part of a broader effort to dismantle ED. The shift of core elementary, secondary, and postsecondary programs to other federal agencies raises significant concerns about a range of issues, from grantmaking to oversight and compliance with federal education laws.
The lawmakers assert that moving these programs into agencies without education expertise risks weakening enforcement, disrupting service delivery, and undermining public education. More than 80 education, disability, and civil rights organizations have vocally opposed these actions, warning that the changes could erode federal protections and create administrative chaos for families, school districts, and institutions. The senators are calling for a bipartisan oversight hearing to compel transparency, restore lawful governance, and protect the integrity of federal education programs.
While the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) remains at ED for now, CEC has expressed opposition to shrinking or moving education programs out of ED, including OSERS, because of the negative impact this would have on the special education system. Likewise, CEC has joined disability advocates in calling for oversight of recent ED actions.