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Senate Panel Advances Bill to Preserve U.S. Department of Education Structure

Senate Panel Advances Bill to Preserve U.S. Department of Education Structure

A Senate committee has advanced legislation aimed at reversing efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. The bill seeks to maintain oversight of K-12 education and services for students with disabilities within the department, countering moves to transfer these responsibilities to other agencies. The bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Tim Kaine, faces opposition from some Republicans who argue for reducing federal involvement in education. The legislation contrasts with a package of bills passed by the House education committee, which supports the redistribution of key programs.

Senate Committee Advances Bill to Halt Trump Administration's Education Department Changes

Senate Committee Advances Bill to Halt Trump Administration's Education Department Changes

A Senate committee has advanced a bill aimed at preventing the Trump administration from transferring key education programs to other federal agencies. The bill, S. 5046, seeks to keep programs under the Department of Education, such as special education and K-12 programs, from being moved to departments like Labor and Health and Human Services. The committee's vote reflects bipartisan concern over the administration's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education without congressional approval. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

Senate Panel Advances Bill to Block Education Department Transfers

Senate Panel Advances Bill to Block Education Department Transfers

A U.S. Senate panel has advanced a bill aimed at preventing the transfer of key education programs from the Department of Education to other federal agencies. Sponsored by Senator Tim Kaine and co-sponsored by Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, the bill seeks to maintain the administration of special education and other programs within the Department of Education. The measure was approved by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in a 13-9 vote, reflecting bipartisan support to counteract efforts to dismantle the department.

Senate Committee Blocks Outsourcing of Key Education Department Offices Amid GOP Rift

Senate Committee Blocks Outsourcing of Key Education Department Offices Amid GOP Rift

A Senate committee has voted to block the White House from outsourcing the responsibilities of four key Education Department offices to other federal agencies. This decision comes as a rebuke to President Trump's efforts to shutter the Education Department. The bill, which advanced to the Senate floor with a 13-to-9 vote, aims to protect programs within the offices of special education, elementary and secondary education, postsecondary education, and Indian education. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Tim Kaine and received bipartisan support from Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. The committee's decision highlights a growing rift within the GOP regarding the future of the Education Department and the federal government's role in higher education.

Senate Committee Advances Keith Sonderling for Labor Secretary, Paving Way for Full Senate Vote

Senate Committee Advances Keith Sonderling for Labor Secretary, Paving Way for Full Senate Vote

The U.S. Senate's Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee has advanced Keith Sonderling's nomination for Secretary of the Department of Labor with a narrow 12-11 vote. This decision moves Sonderling closer to a full Senate vote, where he is expected to be confirmed. Sonderling has been serving as the acting head of the Department of Labor since the departure of former Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. During his committee hearing, Sonderling addressed several key issues, including overtime regulations and the classification of independent contractors, areas where the Trump administration has diverged from previous policies. Additionally, Sonderling has been a proponent of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the workforce, advocating for federal AI curriculum to enhance AI skills among American workers.

Trump Administration's Education Grant Cuts Impact U.S. Schools and Research

Trump Administration's Education Grant Cuts Impact U.S. Schools and Research

The Trump administration has implemented significant cuts to federal education grants, affecting a wide range of educational institutions and programs across the United States. These cuts have impacted public school districts, charter schools, colleges, universities, and nonprofit organizations. The Department of Education's Supporting Effective Educator Development program was one of over 30 competitive grant programs targeted, resulting in more than $2 billion in cuts. The University of Georgia, for example, lost funding for teacher training and research projects. The administration redirected funds to other programs, focusing on career pathways and workforce readiness. The cuts have led to job losses, project cancellations, and disruptions in educational services nationwide.

Jeffco Public Schools Sues Trump Administration Over Transgender Policies to Protect Federal Funding

Jeffco Public Schools Sues Trump Administration Over Transgender Policies to Protect Federal Funding

Jeffco Public Schools has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to prevent the U.S. Department of Education from withdrawing over $50 million in federal K-12 funding. The federal government has threatened to pull this funding due to the district's policies that support transgender students, which the Department of Education claims discriminate against girls. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court of Colorado, seeks to resolve the conflict between federal directives and the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, which the district argues supports their current policies. Interim Superintendent Rob Stein emphasized the need to protect students and federal funding while fulfilling legal obligations. The district's legal action follows multiple warnings from the federal government to reverse policies allowing transgender students to participate in female sports and use girls' facilities.

Trump Administration Investigates Alleged Use of 'Transgender Dolls' in Minnesota Schools

Trump Administration Investigates Alleged Use of 'Transgender Dolls' in Minnesota Schools

The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into the alleged use of 'transgender dolls' in Minnesota schools. The dolls, known as MyGender Dolls, are reportedly designed to help children understand gender diversity. However, there is no evidence that public funds were used for their creation or that they will be used in public schools. The dolls' creators state they are intended for use by licensed clinicians and psychologists, not in educational settings. The investigation follows claims by right-wing media, despite a lack of substantiated evidence.

US Senate panel advances Trump CDC pick Schwartz

US Senate panel advances Trump CDC pick Schwartz

By Ahmed Aboulenein WASHINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate health committee voted on Thursday to advance the nomination of President Donald Trump's pick for CDC director Dr. Erica Schwartz, handing his administration a rare win after repeated failed attempts to fill top health posts.

Senate Unanimously Opposes Presidential Pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell

Senate Unanimously Opposes Presidential Pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a resolution opposing any presidential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking crimes related to Jeffrey Epstein. The resolution, introduced by Senator Jacky Rosen, aims to prevent the president from granting clemency to Maxwell. Although the resolution is not legally binding, it sends a strong bipartisan message to the Trump administration against such a pardon. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 on charges including sex trafficking conspiracy and trafficking of a minor.

Senate Confirms Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence Amid Concerns

Senate Confirms Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence Amid Concerns

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Jay Clayton as the new director of national intelligence in a 51-47 vote. Clayton, an attorney and former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, faced opposition from Democrats who expressed concerns about his potential to politicize intelligence under President Trump's administration. Despite lacking direct intelligence experience, Clayton's supporters, including Republican Senator Tom Cotton, highlighted his national security credentials. During his confirmation hearing, Clayton was questioned about his stance on the 2020 presidential election results, which he acknowledged but refused to explicitly affirm President Biden's victory. This has raised concerns about his independence and susceptibility to political pressure.

Senate Postpones Vote on Todd Blanche's Attorney General Nomination Amid Republican Concerns

Senate Postpones Vote on Todd Blanche's Attorney General Nomination Amid Republican Concerns

The Senate Judiciary Committee has delayed the confirmation vote for Todd Blanche as U.S. Attorney General due to opposition from key Republican senators. Chairman Chuck Grassley postponed the vote as Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis demanded written assurances from the Department of Justice regarding a controversial settlement agreement. This agreement, between President Trump and his administration, included a $1.776 billion 'weaponization' fund intended for individuals claiming government abuse, potentially including Trump supporters involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Blanche, who previously served as Trump's personal defense lawyer, had indicated the fund would be dropped, but Republicans are seeking formal confirmation. Cornyn's opposition is pivotal, as Blanche requires unanimous Republican support in the committee to advance his nomination.