New Education Bill Gives Secretary Power to Cut Funding, Scrap Federal Rules in Push for Local Control

The “Make Education Great Again Act” is a major policy shakeup aimed at gutting federal involvement in K-12 schooling and handing the reins back to parents and local districts. Think of it as a massive decentralization effort: the bill’s core purpose is to remove federal mandates, promote school choice, and give the Secretary of Education the power to scrap any existing federal rule that is deemed to limit parental decisions or state control (Sec. 3).

The Secretary’s New Rulebook: Less Red Tape, More Power

This bill doesn't just ask the Department of Education to lighten up; it mandates it. Section 3 directs the Secretary to actively promote school choice—meaning things like education savings accounts, vouchers, and charter schools—and slash administrative paperwork for local school districts. The big catch here is the sweeping authority granted to the Secretary: they can unilaterally “change, cancel, or revise” any federal rule or guidance they decide limits parental rights or local control. While this sounds great for local autonomy, it’s a massive grant of power to one person, and it’s vague enough that it could potentially be used to dismantle federal regulations that ensure minimum standards or protect vulnerable students, like those with disabilities.

The Budget Axe: Funding Cuts Get Personal

For most people, the most immediate, real-world impact might come from Section 4, which deals with money. Even if Congress appropriates a specific amount for education programs, the Secretary is given the authority to spend less than that amount if they believe it helps carry out the goals of this Act. This isn't about mandatory funding (like Social Security), but discretionary programs—think grant money for after-school programs, teacher training, or specific support services. If the Secretary decides a certain federal program is too bureaucratic or doesn’t align with local control, they can simply cut its funding, shifting the financial burden—or the service gap—straight onto state and local budgets. If you’re a parent relying on a federally funded special education service, or if your local school district depends on a specific block grant, this provision creates real financial uncertainty.

Who Controls the Classroom?

The bill is explicit that it won't force states to change their curriculum, standards, or testing requirements (Sec. 5). This is the key trade-off: the federal government steps back entirely from setting academic standards. For a parent in a state with high standards, this might not change much. But for a parent in a state that chooses to drastically lower its requirements—or eliminate testing altogether—it means less transparency about how their child’s education stacks up nationally. The bill also specifically states it won't affect homeschooling, keeping that completely separate from federal oversight.

The Real-World Stakes

If this bill becomes law, the educational landscape will become a patchwork quilt defined by state lines. For parents who want more choice and less federal intrusion, this is a clear win. But for those concerned about equity and accountability, the risks are high. When federal oversight is removed, the responsibility to maintain protections for all students—especially those who rely on federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Title IX—falls entirely to the states. The bill’s broad language and the Secretary’s new power to cut both rules and funding create a situation where the floor of minimum educational quality and protection could drop significantly, forcing local communities to scramble to fill the gaps the federal government leaves behind.