Transforming Education for the Future Act
Expands federal education programs and funding, with changes to teaching, testing, school safety, educator support, preschool, and school meals.
In eight House committees since Sept. 16, 2026, 20 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 16, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Federal education policy shapes what schools teach, how they measure learning, and what support students can access. The bill would expand or revise federal programs involving special education, teaching and assessment, school safety, educators, public-school funding, preschool, and school meals. It would also authorize additional funding for several education programs.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Expands education funding authorizations
Authorizes additional funding for special education and several Elementary and Secondary Education Act programs for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. It also authorizes a rising share of a specified amount for special education, reaching 40 percent for fiscal year 2033 and each later year.
- Supports broader teaching and learning
Would create five-year competitive grants of up to $2 million for partnerships to develop project-based learning in a range of subjects. It would also expand support for arts education and include Black, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic and Latino, and American Indian history in specified history education programs.
- Changes testing and school accountability
Would revise assessment and accountability policies, including by promoting holistic assessment models and changing how states identify and support schools. The later sections also cover literacy programs and reporting on student assessments.
- Addresses school climate and safety
Would cover educator support, school mental health, fentanyl awareness, violence prevention, school libraries, and restrictions on corporal punishment, restraint, and seclusion. The later sections also address civil rights and discrimination in schools.
- Expands supports beyond the classroom
Would address public-school funding, universal preschool, and school meals. The bill also includes sections on community schools and services for students and families.
The bill says its aims include supporting a well-rounded education, reducing reliance on standardized test scores, strengthening public education, improving school infrastructure, and expanding access to preschool and healthy school meals. It also identifies support for students with disabilities and educators as goals.
If adopted, the measure would broaden federal involvement across many parts of education, while authorizing additional funding for several programs. The changes could affect how schools teach, assess students, provide support, and work with families and community organizations.
Written from an excerpt of the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 16, 2026HOUSESEP 16, 2026By Rep. Bonamici with 13 original cosponsorsReferred to Agriculture, Armed Services, Education and Workforce, Energy and Commerce, Oversight and Government Reform, Science, Space, and Technology, Judiciary and Ways and Means
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeesSEP 16, 2026AGRICULTURE · ARMED SERVICES +6 NOWSEP 16, 2026In committee for 20 daysNo hearing yet
- 20 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 162026SEP 16, 2026REFERREDReferred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, Oversight and Government Reform, Science, Space, and Technology, Armed Services, and Agriculture, 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.
- SEP 162026SEP 16, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 20, this bill is already older than 6% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 12 states
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Bonamici’s record: sponsored 68 bills this Congress. 1 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Joyce BeattyD-OH-3ORIGINAL
- Nikki BudzinskiD-IL-13ORIGINAL
- Janelle S. BynumD-OR-5ORIGINAL
- Angie CraigD-MN-2ORIGINAL
- Suzan K. DelBeneD-WA-1ORIGINAL
- John GaramendiD-CA-8ORIGINAL
- Sylvia R. GarciaD-TX-29ORIGINAL
- Adelita S. GrijalvaD-AZ-7ORIGINAL
- Jared HuffmanD-CA-2ORIGINAL
- Eleanor Holmes NortonD-DC-ALORIGINAL
- Ilhan OmarD-MN-5ORIGINAL
- Andrea SalinasD-OR-6ORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
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