Democrats are looking to turn their opposition to President Donald Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Education Department into action if they regain control of the House. The party’s prospective leaders on the House Education and Workforce Committee say making college more affordable would be a central goal, while they also plan to investigate the department’s restructuring and the handling of federal programs and funds.

Three representatives are competing for the committee’s top Democratic role: current ranking member Bobby Scott of Virginia, Jahana Hayes of Connecticut and Suzanne Bonamici of Oregon. Scott chaired the committee when Democrats controlled the House in 2018. Hayes launched her challenge in September but declined to give an interview ahead of Election Day. Bonamici, who has called for Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s impeachment, said she shares many of Scott’s priorities.

Scott and Bonamici both support doubling the maximum annual Pell Grant from $7,395 to nearly $15,000. They are co-sponsors of legislation introduced in June that would raise the award. Bonamici also wants to expand Federal Work-Study and the Child Care Access Means Parents in School program, arguing that students’ needs can include support with food, housing and child care.

The proposals face funding and political obstacles. The Pell Grant program is projected to have a $17 billion shortfall in fiscal year 2027 even at its current maximum award, according to the article. Expanding grants and other services would require additional funding, while the prospects of bipartisan support remain uncertain.

Both lawmakers also want to repeal federal student loan limits introduced in the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The law caps borrowing for some graduate students at $20,500 a year and for others at $50,000, and limits parents’ loans to $20,000 annually per undergraduate student. Scott and Bonamici favor removing the limits and lowering interest rates, changes that would require Trump’s approval.

If Democrats take control of the committee, they say they would examine the transfer of Education Department responsibilities to other agencies, including Labor, Treasury, Health and Interior. Bonamici said lawmakers should first establish the scale of the changes and their effects. Scott said he wants public hearings with McMahon and other cabinet members, as well as input from career staff who were involved in the transition.

The lawmakers also expect to question the administration’s handling of grants, contracts and congressionally approved funds that have not been spent. Bonamici said she wants to review programs that have been shut down at the department and colleges after the administration declared some diversity, equity and inclusion programs illegal.

Scott points to his experience leading the committee through the COVID pandemic, while Bonamici argues that her long committee service and collaborative approach would bring a fresh perspective. The contest will be decided if Democrats regain control of the House and its education committee.

Sources: Inside Higher Ed.