First on FOX: House Republicans have already made a move to significantly curb President Donald Trump's executive orders on the Department of Education, which is set in federal law.
Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio, who was in the White House on Thursday for Trump's announcement, told Fox News Digital minutes after the event that he was working on legislation.
“I would like to thank President Trump for inviting me to the White House for signing this executive order. The government works best when it's close to the people they serve, so returning the control of education to the state is a very important step,” Rulli said.
“We will quickly introduce the law to codify the president's agenda into law, ensuring that future administrations cannot revoke these essential reforms to children's education.”
An injunction released by Trump's executive order reduces federal support
President Donald Trump has received an executive order for the Department of Education after signing in the East Room of the White House in Washington on March 20, 2025 (Mandel Ngan)
Similar to Trump's order, Rulli said his bill would allow “funding Pell Grants, the Title I program and resources for children with disabilities and special needs” to continue under other federal departments.
“I've been on the local school board for eight years, so I've seen firsthand how our school functions as the backbone of our community,” he said. “This executive order allows the nation to better address the unique needs of the community and amplifies the voices of local school leaders.”
R-LA speaker Mike Johnson previously said there was support among Congressional Republicans who were Trump and Education Secretary Linda McMahon to cut off the Department of Education.
Education leaders say Trump is dismantling major government agencies “Saved Education”
Rep. Michael Ruri said he is introducing the bill. (Getty Images)
“[T]He is the time for change. I think it would be better to let students, parents, teachers and administrators down this at a local level. Secretary McMahon is making that change. This is a long time. There are greater options for parents and students. I think you'll get better results. Johnson said this week in an interview with Fox & Friends.
House Republican leaders have multiple options as to which route to take.
In addition to Rulli's bill, Rep. Thomas Massie, a long-time defender of dismantling the department, reintroduced his own bill to completely abolish the department this year.
The bill's text simply said, “The Ministry of Education shall end December 31, 2026.”
Rep. Thomas Massey, R-KY. has long advocated for eliminating the Ministry of Education. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc.
The outline of Rulli's bill is not immediately clear, but the spokesman said it closely reflects Trump's executive order, particularly calling for education to be returned to the country.
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But even if it passes the House, such a bill would climb difficult in the Senate.
Senate Republicans will need at least seven Democrats to vote to cross the aisle and advance the bill to meet the 60-vote threshold.
Nevertheless, Trump's push to dismantle or eliminate the Department of Education requires that Congressional actions remain permanent and protect them from legal agendas.
