The Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026 eliminates a federal tax credit that allowed parents to deduct contributions to scholarship granting organizations from their income. By removing these specific tax breaks, the bill prevents the use of public tax dollars to support private school vouchers and scholarship programs. This change directly affects families who currently rely on these tax incentives to fund education outside the public school system. The provisions take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.
This joint resolution seeks to officially reject a final rule issued by the Department of Education regarding federal student loan programs. If passed, the measure would prevent the new regulations from taking effect, leaving the previous rules in place. The bill directly impacts borrowers, lenders, and the Department of Education by nullifying the specific changes outlined in the "Reimagining and Improving Student Education" proposal. It is a procedural action that uses the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the agency's policy without altering the underlying law.
The Student Loan Reform Act requires colleges to act as guarantors for student loans starting in July 2026, meaning schools would become directly responsible for repaying the debt if a student fails to pay. Under this program, institutions that agree to cosign loans would see their default rate thresholds raised from 30 percent to 40 percent, providing them with more flexibility regarding student repayment performance. If a borrower defaults and the loan remains unpaid for 90 days, the school must begin a ten-year repayment plan for the outstanding balance, though they can stop this obligation if the debt is rehabilitated or fully paid. Additionally, loans with institutional cosigners would receive a lower interest rate determined by the Secretary of Education based on the reduced risk to the lender.
This bill, titled the "Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act," repeals two sections of the Internal Revenue Code. It eliminates Section 25F, which provides a tax credit for contributions made to scholarship granting organizations. Additionally, the bill repeals Section 139K, which allows certain educational assistance to be excluded from an individual's gross income. These changes primarily affect taxpayers who currently claim these credits or exclusions, and organizations involved in scholarship grants or providing educational assistance. The amendments generally take effect for taxable years ending after December 31, 2026.
This bill seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Education that affects the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. If passed, it would prevent the rule from taking effect, meaning the proposed changes to federal student loans would not be implemented. The measure uses a legislative process known as a joint resolution of disapproval to override agency regulations. It directly impacts students, families, and institutions that rely on federal student loans by stopping the Department of Education from enforcing the new policy.
HR 881, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act, restricts Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding for colleges and universities that maintain relationships with China-funded Confucius Institutes or specific Chinese entities deemed "of concern." It prohibits DHS funding for institutions with ties to Confucius Institutes, the Thousand Talents Program, or Chinese universities involved in military-civil fusion, defense work, Uyghur persecution, election interference, or other activities listed in the bill. Institutions must terminate such relationships within one year of enactment to regain eligibility for DHS funds. The bill requires the DHS Secretary to report to Congress on any institutions violating this funding restriction. (3 sentences)
HR 4006, the Mission UNPLUGGED Act, prohibits students in Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools from using personal electronic devices like smartphones during regular school hours. The policy allows exceptions for emergencies, medical needs, disabilities (as documented in IEPs or 504 plans), English language learning support, and extracurricular activities. DODEA must implement the policy within 180 days of enactment, with $1.2 million authorized for 2026 to fund device storage solutions and support, and must submit annual reports on implementation, costs, and effects on student performance and well-being.
This bill amends the Higher Education Act to set a new limit on clock hours for training programs preparing students for recognized professions. It requires that such programs cannot exceed 150% of either the state's minimum clock hour requirement or the relevant federal agency's requirement for that profession. The change directly affects vocational and career-focused training programs that already meet state standards but were previously allowed to offer significantly more hours. The rule applies starting with the 2024-2025 academic year for federal financial aid purposes.
This bill repeals the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 and makes technical amendments to Title 18 of the U.S. Code, specifically removing references to school zones in firearm offense provisions. It revises sections governing firearm restrictions (Section 922), definitions (Section 921), and penalties (Section 924) by renumbering and deleting specific paragraphs related to the repealed law. The bill directly affects federal firearm law enforcement and legal interpretations concerning school zones, but does not create new restrictions or protections. As a procedural repeal, it removes outdated language without altering current firearm regulations.
HR 3518 would deny federal funding to graduate medical schools that require certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Specifically, schools must certify they do not compel students or staff to affirm specific beliefs about race, gender, or systemic racism; require "diversity statements" for admission or employment; establish DEI offices; or discriminate based on race in programs. This affects graduate medical schools at institutions of higher education seeking federal financial aid, including student loan programs. The bill permits schools to teach about medical conditions related to race or collect demographic data, but prohibits policies mandating DEI-related pledges or offices.