Odessa American in Odessa, Texas

Bell vows to push plan to downgrade Education Department

Education Secretary T H Bell defended his proposal to shrink the department and convert the remainder into a non regulatory Foundation for Education Assistance as a response to Reagan campaign goals. He said legislation would reach Congress soon but acknowledged weak support. Bell claimed the plan will not end student aid and noted $4.3 billion will be spent on college access next year, while critics fear aid cuts. Approximately 3.5 million students borrowed about $7.8 billion in federal loans last year, paying no interest in school.