I will soon introduce a resolution calling for the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education and reaffirming Pennsylvania’s sovereign authority over our education system.  This effort builds on the March 20, 2025 Executive Order, Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities, which lays the groundwork for returning control of education to where it belongs — at the state and local levels.

For over four decades, the U.S. Department of Education has exerted excessive federal influence, spending billions of taxpayer dollars annually with little measurable progress.  Student performance has remained stagnant since the 1990s, with 70% of 8th graders nationwide falling below reading standards and 72% failing to meet math proficiency.  In Pennsylvania, these federal mandates have hindered our ability to address the unique needs of our 1.56 million public school students.  This overreach has failed to improve educational outcomes, proving that centralized control is no substitute for state-led solutions.

Through this resolution, we aim to restore education to its rightful place under state control, as prescribed by the Constitution, increase accountability for taxpayer dollars, and empower Pennsylvania to design and implement education policies that reflect the priorities and needs of our communities.

I invite you to cosponsor this resolution, which urges Congress to support the closure of the U.S. Department of Education and return authority to the states.