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Civics Learning Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8402| House 
| Updated: 4/21/2026
Emanuel Cleaver

Emanuel Cleaver

Democratic Representative

Missouri

Cosponsors (22)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Frederica S. Wilson (Democratic)Terri A. Sewell (Democratic)Dina Titus (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)Stephen F. Lynch (Democratic)Mark DeSaulnier (Democratic)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Jerrold Nadler (Democratic)Betty McCollum (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Mary Gay Scanlon (Democratic)Sean Casten (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)William R. Keating (Democratic)Deborah K. Ross (Democratic)Josh Gottheimer (Democratic)Linda T. Sánchez (Democratic)Kevin Mullin (Democratic)Gwen Moore (Democratic)

Education and Workforce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill aims to significantly enhance civics education across the United States by amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. It addresses concerns about declining civics knowledge and political polarization by prioritizing innovative civics learning and teaching , particularly for students and teachers in high-need schools. The legislation seeks to foster a more informed and engaged electorate by strengthening understanding of the nation's constitutional republic and democratic processes. The bill expands the range of activities eligible for federal support, including hands-on civic engagement , comprehensive instruction on the history and principles of the U.S. Constitution —encompassing the Bill of Rights, women's suffrage, and the civil rights movement—and service learning projects. It also encourages student participation in school governance and explores modern learning methods like online and video game-based education. These provisions are designed to make civics education more dynamic and relevant for today's students. Furthermore, the legislation mandates a diverse distribution of grants, ensuring that funding reaches geographically varied areas, including urban, suburban, and rural communities, and public elementary schools. Specific allocation requirements dictate that at least 30 percent of grant funds serve elementary schools, at least 30 percent serve middle schools, and no more than 40 percent serve high schools. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 to support these expanded civics education initiatives, with a preference for programs that strengthen civics learning.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-849
Civics Learning Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-3383
Civics Learning Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-400
Civics Learning Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-1387
Civics Learning Act of 2023
Apr 21, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 21, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-849
    Civics Learning Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-3383
    Civics Learning Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-400
    Civics Learning Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-1387
    Civics Learning Act of 2023


  • April 21, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 21, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Civics Learning Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8402| House 
| Updated: 4/21/2026
This bill aims to significantly enhance civics education across the United States by amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. It addresses concerns about declining civics knowledge and political polarization by prioritizing innovative civics learning and teaching , particularly for students and teachers in high-need schools. The legislation seeks to foster a more informed and engaged electorate by strengthening understanding of the nation's constitutional republic and democratic processes. The bill expands the range of activities eligible for federal support, including hands-on civic engagement , comprehensive instruction on the history and principles of the U.S. Constitution —encompassing the Bill of Rights, women's suffrage, and the civil rights movement—and service learning projects. It also encourages student participation in school governance and explores modern learning methods like online and video game-based education. These provisions are designed to make civics education more dynamic and relevant for today's students. Furthermore, the legislation mandates a diverse distribution of grants, ensuring that funding reaches geographically varied areas, including urban, suburban, and rural communities, and public elementary schools. Specific allocation requirements dictate that at least 30 percent of grant funds serve elementary schools, at least 30 percent serve middle schools, and no more than 40 percent serve high schools. The bill authorizes an appropriation of $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 to support these expanded civics education initiatives, with a preference for programs that strengthen civics learning.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-849
Civics Learning Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-3383
Civics Learning Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-400
Civics Learning Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-1387
Civics Learning Act of 2023
Apr 21, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 21, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-849
    Civics Learning Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-3383
    Civics Learning Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-400
    Civics Learning Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-1387
    Civics Learning Act of 2023


  • April 21, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 21, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Emanuel Cleaver

Emanuel Cleaver

Democratic Representative

Missouri

Cosponsors (22)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Frederica S. Wilson (Democratic)Terri A. Sewell (Democratic)Dina Titus (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)Stephen F. Lynch (Democratic)Mark DeSaulnier (Democratic)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Jerrold Nadler (Democratic)Betty McCollum (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Mary Gay Scanlon (Democratic)Sean Casten (Democratic)Janice D. Schakowsky (Democratic)Nydia M. Velázquez (Democratic)William R. Keating (Democratic)Deborah K. Ross (Democratic)Josh Gottheimer (Democratic)Linda T. Sánchez (Democratic)Kevin Mullin (Democratic)Gwen Moore (Democratic)

Education and Workforce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted