Rep. Burgess Owens, a U.S. Congressman representing Utah’s 4th district since 2021, posted a series of statements on November 18, 2025, criticizing the Department of Education and higher education institutions while highlighting recent congressional oversight activities.
In his first post, Owens stated, “The Department of Education has failed America’s students by every available metric, draining trillions from taxpayers while outcomes decline. Today’s announcement from @EDSecMcMahon is a promise made and a promise kept to put students first and return education to the states.” (November 18, 2025).
Later that day, he commented on higher education trends: “Instead of teaching young Americans to think critically, far too many colleges and universities have become ideological echo chambers – even as student outcomes decline and costs skyrocket. @EdWorkforceCmte is focused on restoring merit, accountability, and transparency to” (November 18, 2025).
In a subsequent statement regarding congressional oversight efforts under the House GOP majority, Owens wrote: “Under our @HouseGOP majority, @GOPoversight has released 65,000 pages of documents, released the Acosta interview transcript, subpoenaed the @TheJusticeDept’s records, and issued subpoenas to the Epstein Estate and Ghislaine Maxwell. Republicans will continue leading the fight to” (November 18, 2025).
Owens was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1951 and currently resides in Salt Lake City. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Miami in 1974.
