H.R.869 - Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers Act; Keep Our PACT Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.869, also known as the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers Act or the Keep Our PACT Act, seeks to provide mandatory funding for Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The bill outlines specific funding increases for these programs from fiscal year 2026 through 2035. It also designates these funding increases as emergency requirements under the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.869 would significantly increase federal funding for elementary and secondary education, particularly for disadvantaged students and students with disabilities. This would lead to increased resources for schools and educational programs. The bill aims to fulfill the commitment to provide adequate funding for these critical educational programs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for schools serving disadvantaged students through Title I.
- Enhanced resources for special education programs under IDEA.
- Potential for improved educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Greater equity in education funding across school districts.
- Long-term commitment to fully funding these programs through 2035.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased federal spending, potentially leading to higher budget deficits.
- Possible need for increased taxes or cuts in other federal programs to offset the increased spending.
- Potential for inefficient allocation of funds if not managed effectively.
- Dependence on federal funding, which could create challenges if funding levels change in the future.
- The emergency designation may bypass normal budgetary constraints, potentially leading to less scrutiny.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting education. While education is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the federal government's role in education has been established through legislation and court decisions. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but federal funding of education is generally accepted as constitutional when it doesn't unduly infringe on state control.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).