H.R. 9608: Less Bureaucracy, Better Family Engagement Act

This bill would move several federal education-related programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

What programs would be moved

• Family Engagement in Education Programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
• Community Support for School Success
• National Activities for School Safety
• Ready to Learn Programming Grant

In practical terms, HHS would become responsible for administering these programs instead of the Department of Education. The bill says HHS would inherit the same powers the Education Department had for these programs, including related duties performed by staff, and could delegate those responsibilities within HHS.

What happens to staff, money, and records

The bill would transfer the personnel, contracts, records, property, and unspent funds connected to the moved programs to HHS. Any money transferred would still have to be used for the purpose it was originally approved for.

Transition and continuity

The bill is written to avoid interrupting ongoing operations. Existing rules, grants, contracts, and other official actions tied to the transferred programs would remain valid until changed under the law. Pending applications, proceedings, and lawsuits related to these functions would continue rather than being restarted.

It also allows HHS to use Education Department staff, assets, and funds temporarily to help with the transition. The bill would take effect 6 months after enactment, though some transfer steps could begin earlier.

Staffing limit

The Office of Management and Budget would have to ensure the transfer does not increase the total number of full-time federal employees at the affected agencies compared with the number employed when the bill is enacted.

Relevant Companies

None found