Less Bureaucracy, Better Tribal Education Act (H.R. 9604)

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.