Education (Libraries)

HR 6532, the PATHS to Tutor Act of 2025, creates a federal grant program to fund high-quality tutoring in "hard-to-staff" and "high-need" schools - those with high teacher turnover or significant student disadvantage. The program requires local consortia (combining schools, educator programs, and community partners) to provide tutoring in small groups (max 1:4), aligned with school curriculum, with trained tutors (including students in education programs or recent graduates) who receive fair compensation. It authorizes $500 million, mandating 85% of funds directly support students (via stipends, materials, transportation) while prohibiting use to replace teachers. The bill also coordinates with the Corporation for National and Community Service to approve tutor positions and offer educational awards upon completion.

HR 7327, the Empowering Young Readers Act of 2026, creates a $10 million pilot program to fund book access initiatives for children under 19. It authorizes the Education Secretary to award competitive grants (max $200,000 per grant for two years) to eligible nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations for activities like purchasing books, hosting reading events, or donating to public libraries. Grant applications must be reviewed using viewpoint-neutral criteria, and recipients must report on book distribution numbers and community impact. The program runs through fiscal year 2027, with a final report due to Congress six months after completion.

Right to Read Act of 2025 This bill expands access to school libraries and literacy skills support for elementary and secondary school students. It also outlines certain constitutional rights and liability protections related to school libraries. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2030 (1) the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program, which provides grants to ensure high-quality instruction and effective strategies in reading and writing for children through 12th grade; and (2) the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program, which provides grants to support the development of literacy skills in low-income communities. Additionally, the bill allows Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants to be used to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools in recruiting, hiring, and retaining state-certified school librarians. Further, the bill authorizes states and LEAs to use Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants for programs and activities that promote the development of digital literacy and information literacy skills. The Department of Education (ED) must direct the National Center for Education Statistics to biennially collect data on school libraries. ED must require an assurance from each state and LEA receiving certain funds confirming that it will (1) protect the First Amendment rights of students in school libraries, and (2) provide equal protection in the conduct of school libraries in compliance with the requirements of the Fourteenth Amendment and nondiscrimination laws. The bill also provides liability protection to teachers, school librarians, school leaders, paraprofessionals, and other staff for actions that conform with state or local policies regarding the right to read.

This bill requires schools receiving federal education funds to disclose foreign funding sources to parents upon request. It mandates that schools provide parents with access to classroom materials paid for with foreign government funds, information about staff compensated with such funds, and details about donations or agreements with foreign governments or "entities of concern." Schools must respond to parent requests within 30 days and post annual notices about these rights on public websites. The policy directly affects parents, schools, and local education agencies receiving funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

This resolution (SRES 628) is a symbolic Senate gesture supporting the designation of March 2026 as "Music in Our Schools Month." It recognizes music's cultural importance in the U.S., its historical role in education, and existing disparities in access to music programs - particularly for students in underserved urban, rural, and high-poverty schools. The resolution does not create new requirements or funding but formally expresses the Senate's support for prioritizing music education in public schools.

S.Res. 169 is a Senate resolution expressing support for library staff and the essential services provided by public, school, academic, and special libraries across the United States. It recognizes libraries as critical community resources - offering internet access, job training, crisis support, and safe spaces - while highlighting challenges like funding shortages, book bans, and threats to staff safety. The resolution calls for full federal, state, and local funding to sustain library services, reaffirms citizens' right to free information access, and supports library workers' rights to unionize and speak out against censorship or intimidation. It specifically addresses recent pressures, including the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and rising book-banning efforts, to protect libraries' role in democracy and community well-being.

The No Cuts to Public Schools Act (S 810) prevents funding reductions for specific federal education programs by requiring the government to provide additional funds to offset any shortfall compared to 2024 levels. It applies to critical programs like those under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (including Title I, Title III, and other ESEA components). For fiscal years 2025-2027, if a program’s annual budget allocation falls below its 2024 funding level, the bill mandates an equal additional appropriation to restore the full amount. This ensures these programs maintain their 2024 funding levels without changing overall budget authority. The bill directly affects federal budget allocations for these education programs, protecting existing resources from cuts.