Education

The LIFT AI Act authorizes the National Science Foundation to provide competitive grants to universities and nonprofits for developing AI literacy programs in K-12 schools. These funds are intended to create educational curricula, train teachers on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, and build tools to assess student proficiency in AI concepts. The legislation defines AI literacy as the ability to use, interpret, and mitigate risks associated with AI technology in an age-appropriate manner. By supporting research and professional development, the bill aims to prepare the next generation of students to effectively navigate and innovate within an AI-driven world.

This resolution provides for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 7567) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2031, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2616) to require public elementary and middle schools that receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to obtain parental consent before changing a minor's gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form or sex-based accommodations, including locker rooms or bathrooms; providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 33) setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035; providing for consideration of the bill (S. 1318) to direct the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a program to identify American-Jewish servicemembers buried in United States military cemeteries overseas under markers that incorrectly represent their religion and heritage, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1346) to amend the Clean Air Act with respect to the ethanol waiver for Reid Vapor Pressure under that Act, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

This legislation requires institutions of higher education applying for federal research and development awards to certify they do not operate branch campuses in specific foreign countries. Federal research agencies must include this certification requirement in their application process. The bill lists prohibited nations including Venezuela, North Korea, Iran, China, Cuba, Turkey, Russia, and Qatar, with the option for the Secretary of State to add others. A branch campus is defined as a permanent, geographically separate unit that offers degree programs and maintains its own faculty and budget.

This bill allows Congress to disapprove a recent rule from the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection that would have removed an earlier guideline on student loan billing practices. If passed, the resolution would cancel the new rule, effectively keeping the original 2023 guidance in place that addresses unfair billing and collection actions after student loans are discharged in bankruptcy. The measure directly impacts borrowers, loan servicers, and the federal agency responsible for consumer financial protection by preventing the withdrawal of specific regulations. It is a procedural action that stops a regulatory change rather than creating new laws or policies.

This bill aims to make permanent the rules for Optional Practical Training, which allows international students to work in the United States after completing their studies. It directly affects F-1 visa holders by codifying their ability to gain up to 24 months of work experience related to their field of study, or up to 48 months if they studied science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The legislation also directs the Department of Homeland Security to classify nursing as a STEM field, thereby extending the longer work authorization period to nursing graduates. By adding these provisions to federal law, the bill ensures that these work opportunities remain consistent and legally defined for future students.

This resolution formally recognizes National Charter Schools Week, which will be observed from May 10 through May 16, 2026. It highlights the role of public charter schools as tuition-free public education options that offer families diverse and innovative choices for their children. The document acknowledges the growth of these schools and their stated goals of promoting academic excellence, accountability, and community responsiveness. By passing this measure, the House of Representatives expresses support for the charter school sector and encourages communities to hold events celebrating these institutions during the designated week.

The Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share Act introduces a 5% annual wealth tax on individuals and trusts with net assets exceeding $1 billion, which is adjusted for inflation after 2026. The bill also expands Medicare coverage to include dental, hearing, and vision services, establishes a $60,000 minimum annual salary for public school teachers, and creates a birth-through-five child care entitlement program for working families. Additional provisions include increased eligibility for health insurance premium tax credits, expanded home and community-based services under Medicaid, and funding for various education and healthcare initiatives.

The Safe Bus Routes to School Act directs federal transportation funds toward improving safety for students traveling to and from school. It allows states to use money for building safer sidewalks, crossing areas, and bus stops, as well as for running public awareness campaigns and traffic education programs. Additionally, the bill ensures that these safety projects are included in the list of eligible uses for federal highway improvement grants. This legislation directly affects local education agencies and state transportation departments by expanding their ability to fund infrastructure and educational initiatives that protect students on school bus routes.

This bill establishes a Climate Change Education Program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to increase climate literacy across the United States through formal and nonformal learning opportunities for all ages. The program will award grants to state and local educational agencies, universities, professional associations, and youth organizations to develop climate education curricula, train educators, and support community-based climate action projects. Funding allocations prioritize environmental justice communities and require that grants to local schools provide at least $1 million annually if total funding exceeds $5 million. The bill authorizes $50 million per year from 2027 through 2032 to carry out these educational initiatives and requires the NOAA Administrator to submit annual reports to Congress on program effectiveness.

The Full-Service Community School Expansion Act of 2026 authorizes billions of dollars in federal funding to expand a program that helps public schools in high-poverty areas provide integrated student supports, extended learning time, and active community engagement. The bill establishes specific roles for coordinators and directors to manage these efforts and requires schools to form leadership teams that include students, parents, educators, and community members. Funding is distributed through competitive grants to local educational agencies, states, and tribal organizations, with priority given to schools serving low-income students and those in rural or tribal areas. The legislation also mandates regular reporting on student outcomes and school climate to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.