US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB2023

Introduced
3/29/23  

Caption

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Education, Innovation and Improvement for fiscal year 2024.

Impact

If enacted, the implications of HB 2023 would be substantial, leading to a cessation of federal funds for educational innovations and improvements. Local education agencies, which often rely on federal support to implement new teaching methods, technologies, and programs, would face significant challenges in maintaining or developing educational resources. The cessation of funds could directly affect the quality of education in various districts, particularly those that are already underfunded at the state and local levels.

Summary

House Bill 2023 proposes a significant limitation on the availability of funds for the Department of Education's Innovation and Improvement programs for the fiscal year 2024. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the authorized appropriations for these programs shall not exceed zero dollars, effectively eliminating any federal funding allocated to this department during the specified fiscal year. This proposal reflects a growing trend among certain lawmakers to reevaluate and restrict federal educational spending, particularly in areas deemed non-essential or mismanaged by federal oversight.

Contention

The limitations proposed in HB 2023 have sparked considerable contention among legislators and educational advocates. Supporters of the bill argue that it reflects a necessary shift towards fiscal responsibility, reducing federal involvement in local education and allowing states greater autonomy in managing their educational funding. However, opponents raise concerns that such cuts could undermine educational progress, particularly in underserved communities that rely heavily on federal funds for basic educational services. Critics indicate that eliminating funding for innovation and improvement programs will have long-term detrimental effects on the educational outcomes for students nationwide.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB202

States' Education Reclamation Act of 2023 This bill abolishes the Department of Education (ED) and repeals any program for which it has administrative responsibility. The Department of the Treasury shall provide grants to states, for FY2023-FY2031, for elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education purposes permitted by state law. The level of funding is set at the amount provided to states for federal elementary and secondary education programs and the amount provided for federal postsecondary education programs, respectively, for FY2023, minus the funding provided for education programs that the bill transfers to other federal agencies. States must contract for an annual audit of their expenditures or transfers of grant funds. Program administrative responsibility and delegation of authority are transferred as follows: ED's job training programs to the Department of Labor, each special education grant program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ED's Indian education programs to the Department of the Interior, each Impact Aid program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to the Department of Defense, the Federal Pell Grant program and each federal student loan program to Treasury, and programs under the jurisdiction of the Institute of Education Sciences or the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program to HHS.

US HB4576

Appropriations: department of education; appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

US HB66

Native American Education Opportunity Act This bill addresses education savings account programs and charter schools for tribal students. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior, at the request of federally recognized Indian tribes, to provide funds to tribes for tribal-based education savings account programs. Tribes must use these funds to award grants to education savings accounts for students who (1) attended or will be eligible to attend a school operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); or (2) will not be attending a school operated by the BIE, receiving an education savings account from another tribe, or attending public elementary or secondary school while participating in the program. Funds may be used for items and activities such as costs of attendance at private schools, private tutoring and online learning programs, textbooks, educational software, or examination fees. The Government Accountability Office must review the implementation of these education savings account programs, including any factors impacting increased participation in such programs. Additionally, the bill authorizes the BIE to approve and fund charter schools at any school that it operates or funds.

US SB64

An Act For The Department Of Education - Educational Television Division Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

US HB164

Close Biden's Open Border Act This bill provides $15 billion for the Department of Homeland Security to construct a border wall along the southern border of the United States. It also imposes a two-year moratorium on funding for U.S. contributions to the United Nations (U.N.). During the two-year period, funds may not be authorized or otherwise made available for contributions to the U.N.

US HB65

Ending Common Core and Expanding School Choice Act This bill revises requirements related to federal education funding for disadvantaged children. Specifically, the bill (1) eliminates the standards, assessments, and academic accountability requirements for state and local educational agencies that receive federal funds for the education of disadvantaged children; (2) requires such funds to be allocated based on the number of children residing in each state who are living in poverty; and (3) allows educational agencies to distribute per-pupil amounts from such funds to parents for qualified elementary and secondary education expenses. The bill prohibits federal officers or employees from mandating academic standards, assessments, curricula, or accountability systems.

US HB163

Security First Act This bill reauthorizes the Operation Stonegarden program from FY2024 through FY2027 and addresses other border security issues. (Operation Stonegarden provides grants to enhance the border security capabilities of state, local, and tribal governments.) From FY2024 through FY2027, the money from unreported monetary instruments seized from individuals crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and transferred into the Department of the Treasury general fund shall be made available without further appropriation to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to fund Operation Stonegarden. DHS must report to Congress on (1) DHS hiring practices from 2018 to 2021, and (2) whether certain Mexican drug cartels meet the criteria to be designated as foreign terrorist organizations. DHS must also periodically report to Congress about the technology needed to secure the U.S.-Mexico land border.

US HJR4

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit Members of Congress from receiving compensation during a fiscal year unless both Houses of Congress have agreed to a concurrent resolution on the budget for that fiscal year prior to the beginning of that fiscal year.

US HB1005

An Act For The Department Of Education Appropriation For The 2026-2027 Fiscal Year.

US SB0165

Appropriations: department of education; appropriations for fiscal year 2025-2026; provide for. Creates appropriation act.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.