NEBRASKA CITY- President Donald Trump signed an executive order today to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education.

News reports indicate that only Congress can completely shut down the department, which was created by an act of Congress in 1979.

The White House says the education department has spent $3 trillion since 1979 with nothing to show for it. 

 

 

The press release says by returning education to the states, the states will be empowered to expand educational freedom and opportunity.

White House officials say the order would greatly minimize the agency, but functions like student loans would remain under the department’s umbrella.

Nebraska For Us reacted to the executive order with deep concern.

State Director Angie Lauritsen called on Congressman Don Bacon and the entire federal delegation to stand against harmful cuts to public education.

She says the President’s executive order appears to compound dramatic layoffs and weakens a department that works to ensure Nebraska’s most vulnerable students are protected.

Ralston High School teacher Melanie Peitz said dismantling the U.S. Department of Education in the wrong move.

She said she witnesses the benefits of the department every day.

 

Republican Congressman Adrian Smith issued this statement;

 Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen was present for the President's signing.