Senate Education Committee holds hearing on OELA dissolution impact on bilingual education

The Senate Education Committee held a hearing examining the Education Department's dissolution of OELA and its impact on bilingual education nationwide. Senators heard testimony from state officials, advocates, and Education Department representatives about effects on 2.6 million English learner students. Critics argued the closure removed critical federal coordination; supporters contended it streamlined federal education bureaucracy. The hearing captured the policy conflict over federal versus state responsibility for vulnerable student populations. (Congress.gov, Mar. 20, 2026)