CivicIndex

Federal Policy

Education

Federal education policy spans K-12 funding (Title I, IDEA), federal student aid (Pell Grants, student loans), higher education accreditation, and workforce training programs. The biggest single piece of legislation here is the Higher Education Act, last fully reauthorized in 2008.

Committees with jurisdiction

  • Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
  • House Committee on Education and Workforce
  • Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development
  • Border Management, Federal Workforce, and Regulatory Affairs
  • Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

Members who specialize in this area

Leadership

Committee members

84 more members on jurisdictional committees not shown.

Recent bills in this area

  • SJRES. 196 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Reimagining and Improving Student Education-Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations".

    Latest action:
    Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 45 - 52. Record Vote Number: 190.

  • HR. 7892 — No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026

    Sponsor:
    Burgess Owens · Republican · UT
    Latest action:
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

  • HR. 9218 — Marcus’s Law

    Sponsor:
    Josh Gottheimer · Democratic · NJ
    Latest action:
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

  • HR. 9223 — To amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to authorize the Secretary of Education to extend paperwork reduction waivers, and for other purposes.

    Sponsor:
    Julia Letlow · Republican · LA
    Latest action:
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

  • SRES. 764 — A resolution congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and leaders of charter schools across the United States for making ongoing contributions to education and supporting the ideals and goals of the 27th Annual National Charter Schools Week, to be held May 10 through May 16, 2026.

    Sponsor:
    Tim Scott · Republican · SC
    Latest action:
    Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2705; text: CR S2702)

  • HR. 9203 — Student Protection and University Accountability Act

    Sponsor:
    Elise M. Stefanik · Republican · NY
    Latest action:
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

  • HR. 9195 — Alice Cogswell and Anne Sullivan Macy Act

    Sponsor:
    Morgan McGarvey · Democratic · KY
    Latest action:
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

  • S. 4689 — READ Act

    Latest action:
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Frequently asked

Who handles education in Congress?

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce have primary jurisdiction. Funding flows through the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittees.

What is the Higher Education Act?

The Higher Education Act is the umbrella law that authorizes federal student financial aid, accreditation rules, and most major higher-education programs. It's due for reauthorization, which would be a major opportunity to restructure student loans.