PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 16.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 9, 2026
Less Bureaucracy, Better Higher Education Act
This bill transfers specified functions relating to postsecondary education programs from the Department of Education (ED) to the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA).
Specifically, the bill transfers to the ETA all the functions and authorities exercised by ED before the bill's effective date related to postsecondary education programs. These programs include, among others, TRIO programs and the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. (On November 18, 2025, ED announced an interagency agreement with Labor for Labor to manage grant funds, provide technical assistance, and integrate ED's programs with Labor's existing programs, while ED must maintain its statutory responsibilities and program oversight.)
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The bill also repeals the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program, the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program, the College Access Challenge Grant Program, and the Project GRAD program.
Additionally, the bill transfers to the ETA 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 the ETA or ED. Further, 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.
People & committees
Rep. Harris, Mark [R-NC-8] · R–NC
Legislative record
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Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 16.
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 2, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.9611 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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