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119-hr-7890119th CongressWALLET

Science of Reading Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]

Passed House

Summary

Bans the three-cueing model in federally supported literacy instruction. This bill would set a clear, research-based definition of the “science of reading” and tie federal literacy grants to that definition so funding favors instruction focused on phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing.

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  • Students and teachers: Would push classroom instruction and teacher preparation toward the six named components and evidence-based supports like background knowledge and oral language.
  • State education agencies and grants: States would need to describe how their comprehensive literacy plans align to the science of reading when applying, and grant priorities and subgrants would require that alignment.
  • Special education and local control: The bill says it does not change rights or individualized services under IDEA, Section 504, or the Americans with Disabilities Act and bars federal officials from mandating specific curricula.
  • Scope and timing: The rules would apply to Elementary and Secondary Education Act funds awarded after enactment.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Literacy grants tied to reading science

If enacted, states and schools using federal literacy grants would need to follow the “science of reading.” The bill would define it to include phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing, and to exclude the three-cueing model. Programs that rely on pictures, context, or syntax as the main way to teach word reading would not qualify. State applications would need to explain their alignment, and birth‑to‑kindergarten and K–12 subgrants would go to aligned programs. These rules would apply to grants and subgrants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act awarded on or after the date of enactment.

Disability rights and local control preserved

If enacted, the bill would not change rights under IDEA, Section 504, or the ADA. Students with disabilities would still get individualized instruction required by those laws. It would also bar federal officials from forcing states or schools to use specific curricula, standards, tests, or programs. These protections would apply while the new grant rules take effect for awards made after enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]

IN • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 3/12/2026

  • Rep. Kiley, Kevin [I-CA-3]

    CA • I

    Sponsored 3/12/2026

  • Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 3/18/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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