Why It Matters
The Trump administration’s effort to dismantle the Education Department hinges on transferring its core functions to other federal agencies. The confirmation of a new Labor Secretary will determine whether the restructuring proceeds, affecting millions of students and workers across elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and technical education programs.
What Happened
Keith Sonderling, the acting Labor Secretary, defended a series of interagency agreements before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on Thursday. The Education Department has signed agreements with Labor, Health and Human Services, State, Treasury, Interior, and Justice departments to transfer program responsibilities as part of a broader administration plan to close the Education Department.
Under the arrangement, the Department of Labor is assuming expanded responsibilities in elementary and secondary education, postsecondary education, and career, technical and adult education programs. Employees from affected Education Department programs have been relocated to the Frances Perkins Building, Labor’s headquarters.
Sonderling said his background positioned him to oversee the transition. “Few people have had the opportunity to experience the department from so many different perspectives,” he stated during testimony. “These experiences have prepared me to lead this department with a deep understanding of its mission, its people, and most importantly, the Americans we serve.”
The Education Department stated it would maintain statutory responsibilities and oversight of programs under the interagency agreements, suggesting a continued coordinating role even as operational control shifts.
By the Numbers
46 years — age of the Education Department being targeted for dissolution
10 bills — House package advanced Wednesday to permanently transfer Education functions to other departments
July 23 — date Senate Committee will vote on advancing Sonderling’s nomination to full chamber consideration
Zoom Out
The restructuring reflects a broader Trump administration priority to consolidate federal operations and reduce the size of the cabinet-level workforce. Similar consolidation efforts have faced resistance in Congress in past administrations, as the dismantling of established departments involves complex statutory changes and institutional disruption.
Senate Democrats raised concerns about the approach. Tim Kaine characterized the method as problematic, saying “There’s a right way to do reform. The wrong way to do it is to treat the (Education Department) like it’s a furniture store and having a discount going out of business sale.”
The Education Department has operated since its creation in 1979, making it one of the federal government’s established domestic agencies. The proposed transfer of its functions represents one of the most significant cabinet restructuring efforts in recent decades.
What’s Next
Sonderling’s nomination will advance to a full Senate vote following the committee vote scheduled for July 23. His confirmation would solidify the administration’s ability to execute the Education Department transfers. The House Education and Workforce Committee’s passage of 10 bills to permanently shift Education functions suggests the administration intends to pursue legislative authorization for the restructuring, rather than relying solely on executive agreements.
Sonderling, who was confirmed as deputy Labor Secretary in March 2025 and assumed the acting Labor Secretary role in April after Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s resignation, was also named acting director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics in June, expanding his administrative portfolio during the transition period.