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119-hr-7327119th CongressWALLET

Empowering Young Readers Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]

Introduced

Summary

Expands children’s access to books by creating a Department of Education pilot that would give competitive grants to nonprofits to buy and distribute books and run family literacy events.

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  • Families and children: Grants would fund book purchases, distributions, and local literacy activities like story times, with awards capped at $200,000 and lasting 2 years.
  • Nonprofit organizations: Nongovernmental and nonprofit groups could apply and must submit past work, a comprehensive plan, and a community leader’s support letter.
  • Public libraries and communities: Libraries may accept or refuse donated books, and the Secretary must report to Congress on pilot activities and any available changes in child literacy rates after the grants end.

*The bill would authorize $10 million for fiscal year 2026 to be appropriated, creating potential federal spending of that amount if funded.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More book access for kids and families

This bill would create a competitive pilot grant program at the Department of Education. The Secretary would have to start the program within 180 days of enactment. It would authorize $10 million for fiscal year 2026, available through fiscal year 2027. Grants would be up to $200,000 each and last two years. Eligible nongovernmental or nonprofit groups would apply with past-work info, a detailed plan, and a community leader letter. Grant money could buy or acquire new or used books for children (under 19), distribute books (including delivery or events), donate books to public libraries, and run family literacy activities like book fairs and story times. The Secretary would use viewpoint-neutral review criteria and report to Congress within six months after the final grant period ends with data on activities and any available information on changes in child literacy rates. The bill would not stop a public library or other entity from rejecting a book donation.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]

NC • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 2/3/2026

  • Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37]

    TX • D

    Sponsored 2/10/2026

  • Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]

    NC • D

    Sponsored 3/12/2026

  • Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]

    TX • D

    Sponsored 7/18/2026

  • Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 7/20/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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