Trump Education nominee Linda McMahon says shutting down DOE would ‘require congressional action’
Linda McMahon, who was appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Education, is facing tough questions about the future of the agency amid Trump’s desire to shut it down. During the confirmation hearing held by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, McMahon was asked about her views on the agency’s future and whether Congress would need to approve its closure.
Sen. Bill Cassidy raised the question of whether the DOE would require Congressional approval to be shut down entirely. McMahon responded by emphasizing the importance of working with Congress to present a plan that lawmakers could support, indicating that closing the department would require congressional action.
Sen. Bernie Sanders also questioned McMahon about the process of abolishing the Department of Education, highlighting the need for any movement to go through Congress. McMahon reiterated that the Department of Education cannot be shut down without Congressional approval.
Sen. Susan Collins raised concerns about the impact on programs like Maine’s TRIO programs, which aid first-generation college students, if the Department of Education were to be abolished or reorganized. McMahon expressed her commitment to assessing programs and improving oversight to streamline bureaucracy in education.
Trump has previously expressed his intention to eliminate the Department of Education, with the goal of empowering states. Despite Trump’s call to shut down the department immediately, McMahon is focused on working with Congress to ensure a smooth transition and improve the functioning of the Education Department.
In conclusion, Linda McMahon faces challenges as she takes on the role of leading the Department of Education amidst calls to shut it down. Her commitment to working with Congress and improving oversight in education programs will be crucial in navigating the agency’s future.
