A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE SUPPORT OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES IN HIS EFFORTS TO DEVOLVE EDUCATIONAL AUTHORITY FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO THE STATES AND TO ELIMINATE THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AND TO MEMORIALIZE THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO SUPPORT AND COOPERATE WITH THESE EFFORTS THROUGH NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE ACTION AND FAITHFUL EXECUTION.

Whereas, the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution reserves to the states all powers not delegated to the federal government, and education is not enumerated as a responsibility of the federal government; and

Whereas, the creation of the United States Department of Education in 1980 has resulted in significant federal overreach in education through burdensome regulations and one-size-fits-all mandates; and

Whereas, despite an annual budget exceeding sixty billion dollars and an additional two-hundred and seventy-six billion dollars in one-time federal spending for COVID-19 recovery efforts, fourth-grade and eighth-grade reading scores have remained largely unchanged since the early 1990s, when national measurements first began; and

Whereas, states and local communities possess unique knowledge of their students' educational needs and are best positioned to develop curricula and policies that reflect local values, priorities, and circumstances; and

Whereas, President Donald J. Trump has publicly expressed a desire to eliminate the United States Department of Education and return primary responsibility for education to the states; and

Whereas, the elimination of the United States Department of Education is not only consistent with constitutional principles, but would also promote more efficient use of taxpayer dollars and improved educational outcomes for students. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their support for the President of the United States in his efforts to eliminate the United States Department of Education and return primary responsibility for education to the states, and memorialize the Congress of the United States to support and cooperate with these efforts through necessary legislative action and faithful execution.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the President of the United States and each member of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.

----XX----