Rounds said he can pass the bill with 50 votes through reconciliation, which is a way to enact legislation on taxes and spending with only a majority.

President-elect Donald Trump wants to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and one of his supporters in the U.S. Senate recently filed a bill to make it happen. U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., recently filed a bill titled the "Returning Education to Our States Act.

At least four Republican state leaders praised the president-elect’s plans to dismantle the agency, citing the need for more local control over K-12 schools. But higher ed experts say they’re overlooking consequences for colleges.