Senator Rand Paul Introduces Bill to Eliminate the Department of Education by 2027

The Department of Education manages roughly $1.6 trillion in federal student loans, including income-driven repayment plans, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and new loan origination. With no language in the bill transferring these functions to another agency, borrowers face deep uncertainty about who would service their loans, process forgiveness applications, and handle disputes if the Department disappears.

The Department of Education administers Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, and other aid programs that millions of college students depend on. It also enforces Title IX protections and civil rights in schools. Without a plan to transfer these responsibilities, students could face disruptions to financial aid, campus safety enforcement, and accountability for institutions that receive federal funds.

The Department of Education employs roughly 4,000 federal workers. Terminating the department would eliminate their positions entirely. The bill includes no provisions for reassignment, severance, or transition assistance for these employees.

The Department of Education enforces the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees free and appropriate public education for students with disabilities. The department monitors compliance, resolves complaints, and distributes billions in IDEA funding. The bill does not address who would take over these critical functions, creating significant risk for students who rely on federally mandated accommodations and services.

Students with cognitive and developmental disabilities are among the primary beneficiaries of IDEA enforcement and special education funding administered through the Department of Education. Without a transfer plan, federal oversight of special education services and dispute resolution could be disrupted.