PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 15.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 9, 2026
Less Bureaucracy, Better Tribal Education Act
This bill transfers specified functions relating to tribal education and job training from the Department of Education (ED) to the Department of the Interior.
Specifically, the bill transfers to Interior all the functions and authorities exercised by ED before the bill's effective date related to Indian elementary and secondary education, higher education, career and technical education, and vocational rehabilitation. (On November 18, 2025, ED announced an interagency agreement with Interior for Interior to manage competitions, provide technical assistance, and integrate ED's programs with Interior's programs, while ED maintains its statutory responsibilities and oversight.)
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The bill repeals (1) a program regarding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education; and (2) the Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna Memorial Archives.
Additionally, the bill transfers to Interior all personnel and appropriations related to the functions that are transferred under this bill.
The bill outlines the authority of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) related to the functions that are transferred under this bill, including that OMB must ensure that this bill does not create a net increase in full-time equivalent employees at Interior or ED. OMB must certify compliance with the bill to specified congressional committees.
The transfer of these functions does not affect any suits, proceedings, or applications for benefits, services, licenses, permits, certificates, or financial assistance that are pending on the date of this bill's enactment.
The bill takes effect one year after ED corresponds with and publishes a response to Indian tribes on the bill's implementation.
People & committees
Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4] · R–UT
Legislative record
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Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 15.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Oct 27, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.9604 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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