Education across the country

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 16, 2026

S 5021: Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act

The Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act restricts federal funding for college programs that fail to meet specific standards regarding licensure preparation and student earnings. To qualify for federal aid, programs designed to prepare students for licensed professions must ensure graduates can take required exams and obtain certification in the state where they live, while also providing necessary internships or clinical placements. Additionally, the bill introduces a debt-to-earnings test that bars funding for programs where the average student's annual loan payments exceed 8% of their median earnings or where payments exceed 20% of their discretionary income. Institutions offering distance learning courses must also be legally authorized in every state where their students reside, unless participating in a mutual agreement between states.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill aims to protect students from worthless degrees by enforcing standards on licensure and earnings, thereby strengthening educational quality and access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education

Sponsor Jeff Merkley (D) · 3 co-sponsors

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 15, 2026

S 4988: Advanced Coursework Equity Act

The Advanced Coursework Equity Act creates a federal grant program to help under-resourced schools increase access to advanced classes like Advanced Placement and gifted programs for students from historically underrepresented groups. To achieve this, the bill requires schools to use objective testing methods, such as universal screening, rather than relying solely on teacher recommendations to determine which students qualify for these courses. Funding is distributed to states, local school districts, and nonprofit organizations to support training for educators, expand course capacity, and provide tutoring, with a specific focus on improving outcomes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The legislation mandates that recipients set specific enrollment goals for different student subgroups and report their progress to the Department of Education, while also offering bonus payments to those who make the most significant improvements in equity.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a federal grant program to expand access to advanced coursework for underrepresented students, directly enhancing educational access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

Sponsor Cory A. Booker (D) · 3 co-sponsors

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 16, 2026

S 5029: Educators for America Act

The Educators for America Act amends the Higher Education Act to update how teacher residency programs select participants. It requires these programs to establish specific criteria for eligibility and to prioritize recruiting individuals who are underrepresented in the teaching profession, including men. This change directly affects federal funding for teacher residency programs and the demographic composition of new teachers. The bill focuses on modifying selection rules rather than creating new programs or changing funding amounts.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill updates teacher residency selection to prioritize underrepresented groups, enhancing diversity and access in the teaching profession.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands diversity in teaching workforce by prioritizing underrepresented groups, strengthening representation in education sector.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

Sponsor Mark Kelly (D)

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 14, 2026

S 4961: PATH Act

The Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats Act authorizes $20 million annually to fund grants for nonprofit partnerships that develop training programs preparing individuals for careers in the building and construction trades. These grants are awarded to groups that include employers, labor organizations, and educational institutions to create curricula aligned with industry standards and registered apprenticeship requirements. The program specifically targets underrepresented populations, such as racial minorities, women, veterans, and long-term unemployed individuals, by covering training costs and potentially providing stipends for work-based learning. To receive funding, applicants must demonstrate a partnership with an existing apprenticeship sponsor and show that the program leads to a high school diploma or equivalent for participants. The Department of Labor oversees the grants, which require annual curriculum reviews and independent evaluations to ensure participants successfully enter registered apprenticeship programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill authorizes $20M annually for grants to develop construction trade training programs with educational institutions, expanding vocational education access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill funds training programs for construction trades, expanding workforce opportunities and supporting labor standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

Sponsor Martin Heinrich (D)

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 14, 2026

S 4958: Safeguard Kids Act

The Safeguard Kids Act amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to require schools to teach students about the dangers and responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies, including chatbots. It also mandates that schools provide counseling for mental health issues that may arise from a student's use of these AI tools. By adding these specific requirements to existing education funding provisions, the bill directly affects elementary and secondary schools receiving federal support. The legislation defines artificial intelligence chatbots as systems that engage in interactive, natural-language communication with users.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates AI safety education and mental health counseling in schools, enhancing student programs and curriculum.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates counseling for mental health issues arising from AI use, directly strengthening mental health services.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates AI education and mental health counseling to promote responsible tech use and student safety.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Artificial Intelligence

Sponsor Rick Scott (R)

Track

in committee · United States · House Jul 9, 2026

HR 9628: TEACH Improvement Act of 2026

The TEACH Improvement Act of 2026 amends the Higher Education Act to update rules for the TEACH Grant program, which provides financial assistance to students pursuing careers in teaching. The bill establishes stricter eligibility criteria for institutions offering these grants, requiring them to demonstrate high-quality teacher preparation and support services. It also introduces new accountability measures that could restrict an institution's ability to offer grants if too many recipients fail to meet their service obligations, such as converting their grants into loans. Additionally, the legislation clarifies rules for post-baccalaureate students, expands the list of high-need teaching fields, and mandates regular reporting on program performance and loan conversion rates.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill strengthens TEACH Grant program by enforcing stricter eligibility and accountability to ensure high-quality teacher preparation and support services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers

Sponsor Ashley Hinson (R) · 1 co-sponsor

Track

in committee · United States · House Jul 14, 2026

HR 9659: Fund Schools, Not ICE Act

The Fund Schools, Not ICE Act directs unspent funds originally allocated to Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be transferred to the Department of Education for use in elementary and secondary school programs. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to sell eleven specific immigration detention warehouses that were purchased between January 1, 2026, and March 31, 2026. These measures aim to redirect financial resources from immigration enforcement toward educational initiatives while mandating the disposal of recently acquired detention facilities.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill redirects funds from ICE to the Department of Education for elementary and secondary school programs, directly increasing educational funding.95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationBill diverts funds from ICE and mandates selling detention warehouses, directly weakening immigration enforcement capacity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Detention Enforcement

Sponsor Greg Stanton (D) · 2 co-sponsors

Track

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 14, 2026

SRES 802: A resolution honoring and celebrating National Boys and Girls Club Week.

This resolution honors National Boys and Girls Club Week by formally recognizing the organization's work with youth across the United States. It highlights the efforts of over 5,500 clubs that provide safe out-of-school programming and support more than 4.2 million young people annually. The Senate encourages the public to celebrate this week and commend the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for helping students develop essential skills in areas like STEM, leadership, and financial literacy.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill recognizes Boys and Girls Clubs for providing essential student programs like STEM and leadership, indirectly supporting educational access and development.75% confidence

Sponsor Katie Boyd Britt (R) · 1 co-sponsor

Track

in committee · United States · House Jul 21, 2026

HR 9723: Fit Future Act

The Fit Future Act establishes the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, a group of up to 30 appointed members who serve without pay to advise the President and the Department of Health and Human Services. This council is tasked with developing strategies to revive the Presidential Fitness Test, promoting school-based physical education programs, and setting new fitness goals for American youth. Additionally, the council will recommend campaigns to address childhood obesity and national security concerns related to sedentary lifestyles, while receiving administrative support and funding from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill promotes school-based physical education and fitness programs, enhancing student wellness within the education system.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes physical fitness and addresses childhood obesity, which are preventive health measures that strengthen public health outcomes.75% confidence

Sponsor Ryan Mackenzie (R) · 2 co-sponsors

Track

in committee · United States · House Jul 14, 2026

HR 9684: PATH Act

The Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats Act authorizes $20 million annually to fund grants that help build and construction trade pre-apprenticeship programs. These programs are designed to prepare individuals from underrepresented groups, such as women, racial minorities, and veterans, for entry into registered apprenticeships by providing industry-aligned training and curriculum. Funding is awarded to nonprofit partnerships that include employers, labor organizations, and educational institutions, with a requirement that the training leads directly to available apprenticeship positions. The Department of Labor must evaluate the effectiveness of these projects based on participant success rates, and grants may be extended only if satisfactory performance is demonstrated.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill authorizes $20M annually for pre-apprenticeship programs, expanding educational access and training for underrepresented groups.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill funds pre-apprenticeship programs to expand workforce access and training for underrepresented groups, strengthening labor participation.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly includes veterans in underrepresented groups for pre-apprenticeship grants, funding employment preparation programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

Sponsor Donald Norcross (D) · 2 co-sponsors

Track