House Committee on Education and Workforce

Equitable Access to School Facilities Act

This bill would require schools to provide equal access to their facilities for all student groups and organizations, regardless of the group's beliefs or viewpoints. It aims to prevent schools from denying use of buildings, athletic fields, or other resources to students based on discrimination, ensuring that clubs and organizations have fair opportunities to meet and use school spaces on the same terms as other groups.

To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to allow health marketplace pools to be deemed an employer under section 3(5) of such Act for purposes of offering a group health plan or group health insurance coverage, and for other purposes.

Small businesses and self-employed workers would be allowed to band together through health marketplace pools to purchase group health insurance at lower rates, similar to how large employers can negotiate better prices. This change would make these pooling arrangements officially recognized as employers under federal retirement law, giving them the same legal status and protections as traditional companies when offering health coverage to their members. The goal is to help smaller businesses and independent workers access more affordable health insurance options.

To require an institution of higher education to file a disclosure report with the Secretary of Education whenever such institution receives a gift from or enters into a contract with a foreign source, the value of which is $50,000 or more, and for other purposes.

Colleges and universities would have to report to the Department of Education whenever they receive gifts or sign contracts worth $50,000 or more from foreign sources, such as foreign governments, companies, or individuals. The requirement aims to increase transparency about foreign financial influence on American higher education institutions. Schools that fail to disclose these arrangements could face penalties.

To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify, review, and implement effective interventions in Head Start programs, and for other purposes.

The federal government would review Head Start programs—which provide early education and services to low-income preschoolers—to identify what works best and then put those successful approaches into practice across the country. This would affect millions of young children in disadvantaged families and the teachers and staff who run these programs. The goal is to improve the quality and effectiveness of early childhood education for the students who need it most.

No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026

No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026 This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to establish an identity fraud detection system for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Beginning on October 1, 2026, ED must use an identity fraud detection system to review each submitted application to determine whether the applicant presents a reasonable suspicion of identity fraud. If ED makes such a determination, it must notify the applicant and each institution of higher education (IHE) designated on the application that the applicant is subject to additional identity verification. An IHE may not disburse federal financial aid to an applicant that presents a reasonable suspicion of fraud unless the IHE verifies the applicant's identity in person or by live video. If the applicant's identity is confirmed, the IHE must notify ED that the applicant's identity has been verified. ED must establish guidelines for the identity verification procedures conducted by IHEs. (On April 26, 2026, ED began implementing a real-time identity fraud detection process within the FAFSA form that places applicants into one of four risk categories. High-risk applicants must confirm their identity by presenting documentation during the online application process, including via a live camera process. Applicants who are rejected via this automated process must then have their identity verified in person by IHEs.)

Student Aid Fraud Oversight and Accountability Act of 2026

This bill would create stronger oversight and accountability measures to prevent fraud in federal student aid programs, likely including new reporting requirements, auditing procedures, and penalties for institutions or individuals that misuse education funds. The legislation would affect colleges, universities, student loan servicers, and students by establishing clearer rules about how aid money is tracked and spent. By cracking down on fraudulent practices, the bill aims to protect taxpayer money and ensure that student aid actually reaches students who need it.

Recognizing the 1885 Rock Springs Chinese Massacre.

This resolution acknowledges and commemorates the 1885 Rock Springs Massacre, when a mob of white miners attacked Chinese immigrant workers in Wyoming, killing dozens and destroying their homes and businesses. The measure recognizes this historical tragedy and its impact on Chinese Americans, serving as an official acknowledgment of a violent event that had been largely forgotten in American history. It has been referred to committees in Congress for consideration.

Stay Cool Act

The legislation would strengthen how the federal government prepares for and responds to dangerous heat waves and extreme heat events that threaten public health and safety. It would likely establish new programs, funding, and coordination mechanisms across multiple agencies to help communities, workers, and vulnerable populations better prepare for and survive extreme heat conditions. The bill affects everyday Americans, outdoor workers, elderly people, low-income families, and communities most at risk from heat-related illness and death.

Recognizing the impact the stigmatization of menstruation has on the lives of women, girls, and people who menstruate, and expressing support for the designation of the month of May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month".

This resolution asks Congress to officially recognize May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month" to help reduce the shame and stigma surrounding menstruation that affects women, girls, and people who menstruate. The measure acknowledges how menstrual stigma can impact education, health, and quality of life, and calls for greater awareness and open discussion about menstrual health. The resolution has been sent to two House committees for review but does not create any new laws or programs.

Elder Pride Act of 2026

The proposal would create a new grant program to help rural communities provide services and support specifically for LGBTQI older adults, addressing gaps in care and social services in areas where such resources are often limited. The grants would fund organizations working to improve health care access, social engagement, and quality of life for LGBTQI seniors living in rural regions. This affects rural older adults, community organizations, and health care providers serving aging populations in less populated areas.

Restoration of Employment Choice for Adults with Disabilities Act

The legislation would allow adults with disabilities to continue receiving certain federal benefits while working and earning income, removing restrictions that currently penalize them for employment. Currently, many people with disabilities lose benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income if they earn too much money, which discourages them from seeking jobs. This bill aims to make work more financially feasible for disabled adults by letting them keep more of their benefits as they transition into employment.

CHARLIE Act

This bill would restrict federal funding for American History and Civics education programs, preventing money from going to what the bill's sponsors consider "radical indoctrination" in schools. The legislation gives Congress the power to define which teaching materials and curricula are acceptable for federally-funded history and civics classes. Teachers and school districts receiving federal education funds would need to ensure their programs meet these standards or risk losing that money.

Form 5500 Filing Simplification Act

This bill would simplify the paperwork that employers with retirement plans must file with the government each year, making it easier and less costly for companies to comply with reporting requirements. The changes would primarily affect small and medium-sized businesses that sponsor 401(k) plans and similar retirement accounts for their employees. By reducing the complexity of these annual filings, the bill aims to cut down on administrative burden while still keeping the government informed about how retirement plans are being managed.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to promote comprehensive campus mental health and suicide prevention plans, and for other purposes.

Colleges and universities would be required to develop detailed mental health and suicide prevention plans that include counseling services, crisis response procedures, and training for staff and students to recognize warning signs. The legislation aims to help schools better support student mental health by establishing standards for how they identify and assist students in crisis. This would affect college administrators, mental health professionals, and the millions of students attending higher education institutions across the country.

To promote the economic security and safety of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and for other purposes.

This bill aims to help survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking become more economically stable and safe by providing various protections and support programs. The legislation would likely include measures related to employment protections, housing assistance, financial services access, and other resources to help survivors rebuild their lives and achieve independence. The bill has been sent to multiple congressional committees for review, including those handling education, finance, taxes, and other relevant areas.

Worker Rights and Support Act

The proposal would require employers to give workers paid time for meal breaks, rest periods, bathroom breaks, and medical appointments during the workday. Currently, federal law doesn't guarantee these breaks, so this change would establish a minimum standard that applies across most industries and affects millions of American workers and their employers.

To effectively staff the high-need public elementary schools and secondary schools of the United States with school-based mental health services providers.

The proposal would provide funding and support to hire more mental health professionals like counselors, psychologists, and social workers in schools that serve low-income communities and have the greatest need for these services. This would help students get access to mental health care at school, potentially reducing barriers like transportation and cost that prevent many young people from getting help. The bill would affect schools, students, mental health workers, and families in under-resourced areas across the country.

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require that annual State report cards reflect the same race groups as the decennial census of population.

States would be required to use the same racial and ethnic categories on their school report cards that the U.S. Census Bureau uses in the decennial census, rather than potentially using different groupings. This would create consistency in how student demographics are reported and tracked across schools and districts nationwide. The change would affect state education departments, school districts, and anyone reviewing school performance data based on student demographics.

PBM Kickback Prohibition Act

This bill would ban pharmacy benefit managers (the companies that handle prescription drug coverage for insurance plans) from accepting payments or rebates from drug manufacturers in ways that could incentivize them to favor expensive drugs over cheaper alternatives. The goal is to reduce hidden kickback arrangements that can drive up drug prices for patients and employers. The measure would affect insurance companies, pharmacies, drug makers, and anyone with prescription drug coverage.

Transparency in Billing Act of 2026

This bill would require health insurance companies and employer health plans to only pay hospital bills from facilities that have established systems to prevent billing errors and overcharges. The goal is to reduce fraudulent or inaccurate hospital billing by making accurate billing practices a requirement for getting paid by insurers. This would affect hospitals, insurance companies, and workers who receive health coverage through their employers.