1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the Trump administration's proposed changes to the Department of Education, which I believe are not only misguided but also potentially illegal. These changes would fundamentally alter the structure and function of the department in ways that contradict the original intent of Congress when establishing this vital agency. The proposal to involve the Labor Department in K-12 education policy is particularly troubling. Education is not merely job training; it's about developing well-rounded citizens capable of critical thinking and civic participation. Similarly, moving college grants and loans to the Labor Department risks reducing higher education to a purely vocational pursuit, ignoring the broader societal benefits of a liberal arts education. Even more perplexing is the suggestion that the State Department should oversee foreign language instruction. While international relations are important, language education is fundamental to our domestic educational system and should remain under the purview of education experts. These proposed changes, coupled with the administration's attempts at mass firings within the department, appear to violate the law that established the Department of Education. This is not just a matter of policy disagreement; it's about upholding the rule of law and respecting the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution. As my representative, I urge you to take immediate action to prevent these unlawful changes. Stand up for Congressional authority and ensure that the laws passed by Congress are faithfully executed as intended. The integrity of our educational system and the principle of checks and balances are at stake. Please investigate these proposed changes, hold oversight hearings if necessary, and use your legislative power to block any attempts to restructure the Department of Education in ways that violate existing law. Our children's future and the strength of our democracy depend on maintaining a robust, independent Department of Education as Congress originally envisioned.