Senate Panel Advances Bipartisan Bill to Block Education Department Breakup

On July 30, 2026, the Republican-led Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee advanced a bipartisan bill to block Education Secretary Linda McMahon from dismantling the Education Department. Co-sponsored by Democrat Tim Kaine and moderate Republicans Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, the legislation prohibits transferring key offices—including those overseeing postsecondary, elementary, special, and Native American education—to other federal agencies.

Senate committee bipartisan bill advancement

• ▪The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted on July 30, 2026, to advance a bipartisan bill blocking the Education Department's dismantling.
• ▪Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska co-sponsored the bill and voted to approve it.
• ▪Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, co-sponsored the bill and led the effort to resist the Education Department transfers.

Education Department transfer prohibition

• ▪The bill blocks the relocation of offices overseeing postsecondary education, elementary and secondary education, special education, and Native American education.
• ▪The advanced legislation prohibits the Education Department from transferring its key operations to other federal agencies.
• ▪The legislation blocks Education Secretary Linda McMahon from pursuing agreements with other departments to relocate key education offices.