This bill, called the Keep Our PACT Act, aims to fully fund two major federal education programs that currently don't receive all the money Congress promised them. The first program provides extra funding to school districts with more low-income students to help close achievement gaps. The second program guarantees special education services for children with disabilities.

Right now, Congress has never fully funded these programs—they've only partially paid for them. This bill would gradually increase funding year by year starting in 2024 through 2033. For regular education programs, funding would grow from about $20.5 billion in 2024 to over $51 billion by 2033. For special education, funding would gradually increase from about $5.9 billion in 2024 until it reaches 40% of what Congress originally promised by 2033, then stay at that level permanently.

The bill essentially says Congress made a promise to America's students and teachers, and it's time to keep it. If passed, schools would get significantly more federal money each year to help disadvantaged students and children with disabilities get a better education. The increases happen gradually over a decade, so schools can plan ahead. After 2033, the special education funding stays locked in at the full 40% level that was promised back in 2004.

Keep Our PACT Act

Lee, Susie

Keep Our Promise to America's Children and Teachers Act or the Keep Our PACT Act This bill provides funding through FY2033 for grant programs operated by local educational agencies to provide supplementary educational and related services to low-achieving students and other students who attend elementary and secondary schools with relatively high concentrations of students from low-income families. Additionally, the bill permanently reauthorizes the grant program to assist states and outlying areas in providing special education and related services to children with disabilities.