House BillHR 869AppropriationsEducation programs funding
Keep Our PACT Act
INTRO JAN 31· LAST ACTION JAN 31
READING
9MIN
COSPONSORS
24
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it seeks to fulfill long-standing federal commitments to supporting public education, particularly for vulnerable student populations. If it becomes law, it would provide a more stable and predictable funding stream for schools, allowing them to plan and implement educational programs more effectively without constant uncertainty about federal support. For instance, ESEA Title I-A funding helps address educational disparities by giving extra resources to schools in disadvantaged communities, aiming to ensure all students have a fair chance at a quality education.
Similarly, IDEA funding is crucial for ensuring that children with disabilities receive the individualized education and support they need to succeed. Historically, both programs have often been funded below their authorized levels. By mandating increased funding, this bill aims to close that gap, potentially leading to better academic outcomes and more equitable access to educational opportunities for millions of students. If it doesn't pass, schools may continue to face funding shortfalls, placing a greater burden on state and local budgets or potentially limiting services for students who need them most.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Requires mandatory appropriations for ESEA Title I-A programs for fiscal years 2026 through 2035.
This provision aims to guarantee that schools serving low-income students receive consistent and increased federal funding, reducing uncertainty.
PROVISION 02
Sets specific target amounts for ESEA Title I-A, ensuring total funding reaches the greater of these amounts or the full authorized level.
This means the bill attempts to fully fund or significantly increase funding for programs designed to address educational inequality.
PROVISION 03
Authorizes higher funding levels for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
This sets a clear financial goal for Congress to reach for supporting students with disabilities, aligning with a historical commitment.
PROVISION 04
Mandatorily appropriates specific baseline funding amounts for IDEA for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
This ensures a guaranteed level of federal support for special education services, providing some stability for schools and families.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill matters because it seeks to fulfill long-standing federal commitments to supporting public education, particularly for vulnerable student populations. If it becomes law, it would provide a more stable and predictable funding stream for schools, allowing them to plan and implement educational programs more effectively without constant uncertainty about federal support. For instance, ESEA Title I-A funding helps address educational disparities by giving extra resources to schools in disadvantaged communities, aiming to ensure all students have a fair chance at a quality education.
Similarly, IDEA funding is crucial for ensuring that children with disabilities receive the individualized education and support they need to succeed. Historically, both programs have often been funded below their authorized levels. By mandating increased funding, this bill aims to close that gap, potentially leading to better academic outcomes and more equitable access to educational opportunities for millions of students. If it doesn't pass, schools may continue to face funding shortfalls, placing a greater burden on state and local budgets or potentially limiting services for students who need them most.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires mandatory appropriations for ESEA Title I-A programs for fiscal years 2026 through 2035.
This provision aims to guarantee that schools serving low-income students receive consistent and increased federal funding, reducing uncertainty.
high
Sets specific target amounts for ESEA Title I-A, ensuring total funding reaches the greater of these amounts or the full authorized level.
This means the bill attempts to fully fund or significantly increase funding for programs designed to address educational inequality.
med
Authorizes higher funding levels for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
This sets a clear financial goal for Congress to reach for supporting students with disabilities, aligning with a historical commitment.
high
Mandatorily appropriates specific baseline funding amounts for IDEA for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
This ensures a guaranteed level of federal support for special education services, providing some stability for schools and families.
Fiscal Year 2026 (or full authorized amount, whichever is greater)
$22,853,242,000
ESEA Title I, Part A
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2027 (or full authorized amount, whichever is greater)
$25,464,349,000
ESEA Title I, Part A
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2028 (or full authorized amount, whichever is greater)
$28,373,788,000
ESEA Title I, Part A
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2029 (or full authorized amount, whichever is greater)
$31,615,646,000
ESEA Title I, Part A
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2030 (or full authorized amount, whichever is greater)
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
A major federal law that funds primary and secondary education, aiming to provide all children with equal access to a quality education, regardless of their background.
Title I, Part A
A specific part of ESEA that provides financial assistance to local educational agencies and schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure all children meet challenging academic standards.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
A federal law that ensures public schools provide a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to children with disabilities.
Fiscal Year
A 12-month period for budgeting purposes. The U.S. federal government's fiscal year runs from October 1st to September 30th.
Appropriated
Funds that Congress has legally set aside for specific government spending. Once funds are appropriated, agencies are authorized to spend them.
Authorized to be appropriated
Legislative action that establishes a government program or agency and sets the maximum amount of money that Congress *may* provide for that program or agency in the future. It does not actually provide the money.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JAN 31, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JAN 31, 25
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Fiscal Year 2031 (or full authorized amount, whichever is greater)
$39,252,882,000
ESEA Title I, Part A
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2032 (or full authorized amount, whichever is greater)
$43,737,735,000
ESEA Title I, Part A
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2033 (or full authorized amount, whichever is greater)
$48,735,007,000
ESEA Title I, Part A
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2034 (or full authorized amount, whichever is greater)
$54,303,244,000
ESEA Title I, Part A
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2035 (or full authorized amount, whichever is greater)
$16,661,928,000 or 11.6 percent of national average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
discretionary
Fiscal Year 2026
$6,425,048,000 or 4.5 percent of national average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2026
$19,531,844,000 or 13.4 percent of national average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
discretionary
Fiscal Year 2027
$8,372,932,000 or 5.7 percent of national average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2027
$22,896,084,000 or 15.3 percent of national average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
discretionary
Fiscal Year 2028
$10,911,357,000 or 7.3 percent of national average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2028
$26,839,795,000 or 17.6 percent of national average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
discretionary
Fiscal Year 2029
$14,219,357,000 or 9.3 percent of national average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2029
$31,462,786,000 or 20.2 percent of national average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
discretionary
Fiscal Year 2030
$18,530,244,000 or 11.9 percent of national average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2030
$36,882,058,000 or 23.1 percent of national average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
discretionary
Fiscal Year 2031
$24,148,064,000 or 15.2 percent of national average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
mandatory
Fiscal Year 2031
Mandatory funding
Spending that is required by existing laws, rather than being determined each year by Congress through the annual appropriations process. It often refers to entitlement programs or other spending automatically triggered by law.
