June 26, 2026 - WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) joined Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and 16 House Democrats in introducing a resolution to impeach Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. 

The resolution outlines how McMahon violated her oath of office, made false and misleading statements to Congress, and violated federal law by illegally transferring the operations of multiple offices and more than 140 programs under the Department of Education to other federal agencies without the approval of Congress. 

“Secretary McMahon has been a disaster for students, teachers, and families, taking a sledgehammer to the Department of Education,” said Rep. Garamendi. “More than 90% of students in the United States attend public schools. That means more than 90% of America's children could face diminished educational opportunities and be less prepared for the workforce. 

“But Congress has been clear: we do not impeach over policy differences; we impeach when the law has been broken. There is now overwhelming evidence that Secretary McMahon has violated the law by dismantling and transferring congressionally mandated programs including ones that protect students from discrimination. My colleagues and I will not stand for it. Today, we are filing articles of impeachment to end Secretary McMahon's out-of-control assault on the public education system and the millions of students it serves,” Garamendi continued.  

In addition to Reps. Garamendi and Bonamici the legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), Maxine Dexter (D-OR), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Andrea Salinas (D-OR), Lateefah Simon (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Nikema Williams (D-GA).  

Background 

Since taking office McMahon has unlawfully ordered the transfer of at least five offices and their multiple programs to other agencies – all without the consent of Congress. Congress created the Department of Education and only Congress can dismantle it. These transfers essentially gut the Department of Education and obstruct the Department’s ability to conduct statutory oversight and disburse Federal funds appropriated by Congress through its authority under Article I of the United States Constitution: 

• On September 30, 2025, McMahon approved an interagency agreement moving the provision of several essential programs and services under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.  

• On February 20, 2026, McMahon approved another interagency agreement moving the provision of additional programs and services under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services. 

• On September 30, 2025, McMahon approved an interagency agreement moving the provision of several essential programs and services under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to the Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor. 

• On February 20, 2026, McMahon approved another interagency agreement moving the provision of additional programs and services under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State. 

• On May 21, 2025, McMahon approved an interagency agreement moving the provision of essential programs and services under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 to the Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor. 

• On June 15, 2026, McMahon approved an interagency agreement moving the provision of essential programs and services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (formerly the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) of 1975 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to the Department of Health and Human Services. 

• On June 15, 2026, McMahon approved an interagency agreement moving the provision of essential programs and services under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 to the Department of Justice. 

Additionally, McMahon made false statements to Congress during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. She assured multiple Senators that she would commit to awarding funds authorized by Congress to schools and students; however, since taking office, McMahon has canceled or withheld hundreds of grants authorized and appropriated with bipartisan support by Congress, including mental health funding for elementary and secondary schools and TRIO grants for institutions of higher education. Making false statements to Congress is a federal crime. 

Finally, McMahon has created widespread chaos and confusion by terminating or overseeing the departure of approximately 2,000 employees – cutting the Department of Education’s workforce by at least half. As a direct result of these firings, the Department of Education does not have the necessary staff to disburse funding in a timely manner or investigate instances of discrimination and harassment in schools. This represents a significant breach of the public’s trust in the Department of Education and in McMahon as its leader. 

The full text of the resolution can be found here. 

Source: Congressman John Garamendi