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S4689119th CongressWALLET

READ Act

Sponsored By: Senator Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]

In Committee

Summary

This bill creates a federal Literacy Improvement Grants program to help the lowest‑performing states improve K–8 reading by funding instruction and supports grounded in the _science of reading_. It ties money to screening, teacher preparation, high‑quality materials, tutoring, and parent notification to raise Grade 4 reading outcomes.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More grants for low-reading states

If enacted, this would create federal grants for states with very low 4th-grade reading scores. Up to 10% of subpart funds would be reserved for eligible State grants, up to 5% for national activities, 0.5% for Bureau of Indian Education schools, and 0.5% for outlying areas. State shares would be based on K–12 enrollment and no eligible State would get less than 0.5% of the reserved State money. States would need to pass at least 75% of their grant funds to local school districts or eligible local entities.

New literacy research, state plans, reports

If enacted, the bill would fund new basic and applied literacy research at the Institute of Education Sciences on topics like curriculum, tutoring, writing, and screen time. States receiving funds would need to complete a statewide literacy needs assessment and a comprehensive plan within one year. The Commissioner would provide each State a public NAEP report no later than 5 days after NAEP releases results showing scores, rankings, achievement gaps, percent below basic, and trends.

Define science of reading; limit rules

If enacted, the bill would define the "science of reading" to require explicit, systematic instruction in skills like phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and background knowledge and would exclude three-cueing approaches. The bill would change what counts as "evidence-based" for the program by removing one subclause of the ESEA definition. It would also bar the Secretary from issuing regulations that mandate specific curricula, instructional content, or assessments under this subpart.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]

LA • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]

    NH • D

    Sponsored 6/4/2026

  • Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN]

    IN • R

    Sponsored 6/4/2026

  • Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

    CO • D

    Sponsored 6/4/2026

  • Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC]

    SC • R

    Sponsored 6/4/2026

  • Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]

    AZ • D

    Sponsored 6/4/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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