Science of Reading Act of 2026
Introduced Mar 12, 2026 by Rep. Erin Houchin
The House passed it. The Senate has to pass it before it can reach the President.
This bill revises the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant program to prioritize literacy instruction that is aligned to the science of reading.
Under the bill, science of reading is defined as an interdisciplinary body of evidence-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing that (1) identifies instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing as essential components to skilled reading; (2) demonstrates the importance of background knowledge, oral language, the connection between reading and writing, and strong writing instruction; (3) explains why some students have difficulty with reading and writing; and (4) does not use a three-cueing model. Three-cueing model means an instructional approach or model that (1) uses meaning drawn from context, pictures, or syntax as the primary basis for teaching word recognition; or (2) teaches visual memory as the primary basis for word recognition.
Current law authorizes competitive CLSD grants to state educational agencies (SEAs) and, through them, competitive subgrants to local educational agencies for the development and implementation of a comprehensive literacy instruction plan, professional development, and other activities. Eligible early childhood education programs may also receive subgrants for early literacy services.
The bill (1) specifies that comprehensive literacy instruction for CLSD grants does not include the use of a three-cueing model, and (2) requires the Department of Education and SEAs to prioritize awarding CLSD grants and subgrants for evidence-based activities that are aligned to the science of reading.
Summary by the Congressional Research Service.
No recorded roll-call vote on this bill — it may have passed by voice vote or unanimous consent, which don't record individual votes.
- Sep 17, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sep 16, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 16, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5911)
- Sep 16, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 16, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7890.
- Sep 16, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5911-5913)
- Sep 16, 2026Mr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Jun 29, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 623.
- Jun 29, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-717.
- Mar 17, 2026Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 33 - 0.
- Mar 17, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Mar 12, 2026Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Mar 12, 2026Introduced in House