A bipartisan Senate bill, led by Sen. Susan Collins and backed by Sen. Tim Kaine and others, would block the Department of Education from unilateral interagency transfers of four major offices and their functions to other federal agencies.

Senators on the panel largely supported the measure, with all Democrats and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders backing it and most Republicans opposing.

Collins also defended moving the Office for Civil Rights to the Justice Department for reasons cited, including campus antisemitism concerns.

Senate Bill 5046 would keep the Office for Special Education Programs, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, and Native American education programs under the Department of Education.

Education Department officials defend interagency agreements, saying they’ve improved grant competitions and streamlined operations, while supporters call for transparency on costs and purposes.

Defenders argue IAAs have produced measurable results and reduced waste, countering claims of unnecessary bureaucratic transfers.

An accompanying amendment would require cost estimates for IAAs and potentially constrain travel funds until receipts are shared, increasing congressional oversight.

Supporters say preserving these offices protects children with disabilities and maintains core education functions, while critics warn of potential delays from reorganizing.

Some lawmakers oppose shifting civil rights enforcement for education to other departments, fearing a shift from students needing education to a healthcare/patient framework.

Supporters contend other federal agencies lack the personnel and knowledge to administer these programs without disruption, particularly for IDEA administration.

Democrats demand cost transparency, with early figures showing at least $1 million spent on moving a career and technical education office and a request for $9 million more for staffing.

Sen. Collins argues the IDEA office should stay under the DOE to remain focused on students’ education needs, not healthcare duties.