H.R. 9611 · In committee · Education

Less Bureaucracy, Better Higher Education Act

What it does

Transfer postsecondary education program functions from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, including TRIO programs and the Fund for the Improvement of Postsec
Repeal the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program, the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, the College Access Challenge Grant Program, and the Project GRAD program.
Transfer all personnel and appropriations related to transferred functions to the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.
Require the Office of Management and Budget to ensure the transfer does not create a net increase in full-time equivalent employees at either department and to certify compliance to Congress.

Official summary

Less Bureaucracy, Better Higher Education Act This bill transfers specified functions relating to postsecondary education programs from the Department of Education (ED) to the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA). Specifically, the bill transfers to the ETA all the functions and authorities exercised by ED before the bill's effective date related to postsecondary education programs. These programs include, among others, TRIO programs and the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. (On November 18, 2025, ED announced an interagency agreement with Labor for Labor to manage grant funds, provide technical assistance, and integrate ED's programs with Labor's existing programs, while ED must maintain its statutory responsibilities and program oversight.) The bill also repeals the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program, the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, the College Access Challenge Grant Program, and the Project GRAD program. Additionally, the bill transfers to the ETA all personnel and appropriations related to the functions that are transferred under this bill. The bill outlines the authority of the Office of…

Latest action

Jul 15, 2026: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 16.

Committee: House Education and Workforce