WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 9604 · 119th Congress

Less Bureaucracy, Better Tribal Education Act

IntroducedEducation
IntroducedJul 9, 2026
Passed HouseNot yet
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Introduced. Latest step, Jul 15, 2026: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 15. It would change 0 sections of existing law and would add 10 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 9604 doesn't change any existing section of law. It would create 10 new provisions of its own. Read from the bill text as introduced in the House (Jul 9, 2026).

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Transfer and repeal of Department of Education functions relating to Tribal education and job training
  • Sec. 3 Exercise of authorities
  • Sec. 4 Transfer and allocations of appropriations and personnel
  • Sec. 5 Authority of Director of the Office of Management and Budget with respect to functions transferred
  • Sec. 6 Delegation and assignment
  • Sec. 7 References
  • Sec. 8 Savings provisions
  • Sec. 9 Transition
  • Sec. 10 Consultation
  • Sec. 11 Definition of function
What the words would change: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    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.)

    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.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jul 9, 2026).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. Jul 15, 2026Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 15.House committee actions
    2. Jul 15, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    3. Jul 9, 2026Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.House floor actions
    4. Jul 9, 2026Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    5. Jul 9, 2026Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

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    Cosponsors

    • Michael A. Rulli R-OH-6