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119-s-2841119th CongressWALLET

CIVICS Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Senator King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]

In Committee

Summary

Prioritizes demonstrable impact in civics and history education.

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The bill would amend the American History and Civics Education program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to replace existing selection criteria with four specific tests: improve student achievement, demonstrate innovation and scalability with attention to underserved students, include hands-on civic engagement, and teach the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

  • Students and families: Students would get clearer instruction on constitutional history and more hands-on civic projects aimed at building civic knowledge and skills.
  • Teachers and schools: Grants and national activities would be judged for measurable classroom impact and scalability, encouraging programs that provide practical teacher support and classroom engagement.
  • Underserved communities: The selection criteria would require attention to underserved populations, steering competitive national activities toward programs that reach those students.
  • Federal program decision-makers: The bill reshapes evaluation standards for which national activities qualify for federal support under ESEA by emphasizing evidence, innovation, and scalability.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New standards for K-12 civics

If enacted, this bill would change which national activities qualify under the American History and Civics Education program. It would make four criteria mandatory. Programs would need to aim to improve student learning and teaching in American history, civics, government, or geography. Programs would also need to show innovation, be scalable, be accountable, and focus on underserved students. Programs would have to include hands-on civic activities for teachers and students and teach the history and principles of the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights. The change would apply to applicants and administrators on enactment and does not authorize new funding.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]

ME • I

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]

    OK • R

    Sponsored 9/17/2025

  • Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]

    MS • R

    Sponsored 9/17/2025

  • Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 9/17/2025

  • Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]

    MO • R

    Sponsored 9/30/2025

  • Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

    MD • D

    Sponsored 9/30/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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