The 'Less Bureaucracy, Better Higher Education Act' (H.R. 9611) proposes transferring several federal higher education programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor. This includes support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, and student support initiatives like TRIO and GEAR UP. The bill also aims to eliminate certain programs, such as the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program and the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program. The transition would involve moving relevant staff, assets, and unspent funds to the Department of Labor, with the Secretary of Labor assuming responsibilities previously held by the Secretary of Education. Existing grants and contracts would continue under the new administration, ensuring continuity for students and institutions.
Supporters argue that shifting higher education programs to the Department of Labor will streamline administration and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. They believe this move will enhance the alignment between education and workforce development, ensuring that educational programs are more directly connected to labor market needs. Proponents also suggest that consolidating these functions under the Department of Labor could lead to more effective oversight and resource allocation, ultimately benefiting students and educational institutions.
Critics express concern that transferring educational programs to the Department of Labor may undermine the specialized focus and expertise that the Department of Education provides. They worry that this shift could lead to a diminished emphasis on educational quality and equity, particularly for minority-serving institutions like HBCUs and Hispanic-serving institutions. Additionally, opponents fear that eliminating certain programs could reduce support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, potentially widening existing educational disparities.
The analysis of H.R. 9611, the Less Bureaucracy, Better Higher Education Act, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor Mark Harris's top donor industries and the bill's subject matter. The lobbying activity associated with this bill includes significant contributions from various organizations, such as Coinbase, Inc. ($180,000) and Owen G. Dunn Co., Inc. ($100,000). However, these contributions do not directly correlate with the higher education sector, which is the focus of the bill. As a result, while there is substantial lobbying activity, the lack of direct financial ties to the bill's content indicates a low risk of conflict of interest. Voters should be aware that while lobbying efforts are present, they do not appear to influence the bill's objectives directly.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| COINBASE, INC. | CHECKMATE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS | $180,000 |
| AMERICA FIRST AGRICULTURE, INC. | CHECKMATE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS | $110,000 |
| OWEN G. DUNN CO., INC. | CHECKMATE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS | $100,000 |
| MURPHY OIL CORPORATION | MURPHY OIL CORPORATION | $50,000 |
| THE RITESCREEN COMPANY, LLC | BUCHANAN INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC | $40,000 |
| PARALLEL SYSTEMS | CROSSROADS STRATEGIES, LLC | $40,000 |
| BOMBARDIER AEROSPACE (HOLDINGS) USA INC (FORMER CLIENT BOMBARDIER TRANSIT CORP) | COVINGTON & BURLING LLP | $30,000 |
| CENTER FOR HEALTH AND DEMOCRACY | PORT SIDE STRATEGIES, LLC | $20,000 |
| CENTREPOLIS | STRATEGIC MARKETING INNOVATIONS | $20,000 |
| SOCIAL SECURITY WORKS | PORT SIDE STRATEGIES, LLC | $20,000 |
| SHEPHERD CENTER | STRATEGIC HEALTH CARE | $18,000 |
| BEMIDJI STEEL COMPANY | STRATEGIC MARKETING INNOVATIONS | $10,000 |
| NUCOR STEEL | STRATEGIC MARKETING INNOVATIONS | $10,000 |
| XONA SPACE SYSTEMS, INC. | COVINGTON & BURLING LLP | undisclosed |
| POLARIS INDUSTRIES, INC. | BUCHANAN INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Mark Harris, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
