HR 369, the States’ Education Reclamation Act of 2025, would abolish the U.S. Department of Education and transfer its programs - including job training, special education, and federal student loans - to other federal departments like Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury. It would provide annual federal grants to states for K-12 and higher education, requiring states to use the funds to add to, not replace, their existing education budgets. States must conduct annual audits of fund usage, submit reports to the federal government, and face penalties for misuse, while maintaining compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws. The bill shifts federal education oversight to states, ending direct federal management of education programs.
HRES 1047 designates January 2026 as "National Mentoring Month" to highlight the importance of mentoring relationships for youth development. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but encourages public awareness and support for existing mentoring programs that help young people build skills, confidence, and educational opportunities. It emphasizes mentoring's role in improving academic performance, career readiness, and mental health outcomes without imposing any new obligations on individuals or organizations.
This resolution (HRES 1063) is a symbolic measure designating February 2026 as "Career and Technical Education Month" to recognize the importance of career and technical education (CTE) programs. It does not create new policies or funding but formally supports CTE's role in preparing students for high-demand jobs by encouraging educators and parents to promote CTE as a valid educational pathway. The resolution references CTE's alignment with workforce needs and cites bipartisan support from past legislation like the 2018 Strengthening Career and Technical Education Act. It affects no specific individuals or programs, serving only as a non-binding statement of support.
This is a commemorative resolution (HRES 958), not a bill with policy changes. It formally supports celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Higher Education Act and reaffirms the House's commitment to expanding college access. The resolution acknowledges the Act's historical role in creating student aid programs (like Pell Grants), supporting historically marginalized institutions, and promoting educational equity. It does not create new laws or alter existing programs - it is a symbolic gesture recognizing the Act's legacy and the House's ongoing support for higher education access.
HRES 793 is a non-binding resolution supporting the designation of October 2025 as "National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month." It highlights that specific learning disabilities affect 32% of students receiving special education services, with over 96% of affected 4th and 8th graders lacking reading proficiency and 92% lacking math proficiency in 2023-2024. The resolution calls on schools to continue providing free appropriate public education for these students, emphasizing evidence-based instructional methods. This is a symbolic measure with no new funding or mandates, aimed at raising awareness about learning disabilities and educational gaps.
HRES 678 is a symbolic resolution designating September as "Founding Fathers' Month" without creating new laws or funding. It encourages schools, educational institutions, and government entities to promote awareness of the Founding Fathers' contributions to American democracy, including their role in drafting foundational documents and the Constitution. The resolution urges the Department of Education to support civic education programs focused on founding principles and national history. It does not impose requirements or change existing policies but serves as a non-binding call to honor historical figures and strengthen civic engagement. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a substantive bill.)
HR 7497 establishes a new grant program to fund trauma-informed mental health support in schools, authorizing $50 million annually from 2027-2031. It directly affects students, teachers, school staff, and community mental health providers by requiring grantees to develop collaborative services between schools and local mental health systems. Key provisions include funding evidence-based staff training on trauma-informed practices, creating school-community partnerships, and ensuring culturally competent services for students - including those with disabilities. The bill mandates that funds supplement, not replace, existing resources and requires grantees to coordinate with agencies like child welfare and juvenile justice through formal interagency agreements.
This bill prohibits federal funding for elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions that promote specific "race-based theories" outlined in the law. It bans schools from requiring students or teachers to affirm beliefs such as: "any race is inherently superior," "the U.S. is fundamentally racist," "foundational documents are racist," or "individuals bear racial guilt." Schools may still teach these theories in educational contexts if clearly labeled as non-endorsed, and the law explicitly protects research access and outside speech. The restrictions apply only to federally funded schools, not private or non-funded education settings.
The Local School Foods Expansion Act of 2025 expands a federal program to help schools purchase domestically grown, unprocessed fruits and vegetables directly from farmers. It increases the number of participating states from 8 to 14 and requires states to demonstrate support for small/local farmers, Tribal producers, and socially disadvantaged communities. The bill allocates $25 million annually (2026-2030) for the program, including $10 million yearly for administrative costs and technical assistance to help schools and farmers participate. States must also report on program challenges and outcomes, with the USDA required to evaluate impacts like cost, agricultural benefits, and barriers to participation within four years.
HR 954, the SOAR Permanent Authorization Act, permanently authorizes $75 million annually for D.C.'s Opportunity Scholarship Program, replacing previous annual funding limits. It increases the annual cap for student academic assistance from $2 million to $2.2 million and adds a new tutoring provision prioritizing students from the lowest-performing schools. The bill revises evaluation requirements to focus on students' academic progress (not standardized test scores) and mandates regular program assessments. These changes apply directly to D.C. students using opportunity scholarships and the schools participating in the program.
