AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Sep 18, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 18, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- The bill prohibits the Department of Education from transferring four specific offices to other federal agencies through interagency agreements: the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, the Office of Postsecondary Education, the Office of Indian Education, and the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.
- The prohibition covers functions including administering programs, making grants, providing technical assistance, enforcing rights and requirements, and monitoring grantees.
- The bill exempts interagency agreements already in effect as of February 1, 2025, and their renewals with substantially similar terms.
- The Department of Education must report to Congress and publish quarterly reports on any interagency agreements entered after February 1, 2025, including cost analyses.
- As of July 30, 2026, the Department of Education had entered into 14 interagency agreements transferring functions to other federal agencies.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The bill blocks future transfers of specified Department of Education functions to other agencies, subject to the exemption for existing agreements.
- The Department of Education cannot use certain FY2026 or FY2027 travel funds unless it provides Congress with required reporting on new interagency agreements.
- The reporting requirement applies only to agreements entered on or after February 1, 2025; the bill does not establish effects on existing agreements or future policy outcomes.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- The bill was reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on August 4, 2026, with an amendment.
- The bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders as Calendar No. 541 on August 4, 2026.
- No scheduled floor vote or further action has been recorded.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Aug 4, 2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 541.
- Aug 4, 2026 — Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment. Without written report.
- Jul 30, 2026 — Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
- Jul 21, 2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Jul 21, 2026 — Introduced in Senate