We have received text from H.R. 8402: Civics Learning Act of 2026. This bill was received on 2026-04-21, and currently has 22 cosponsors.
Here is a short summary of the bill:
The Civics Learning Act of 2026 aims to enhance civics education in the United States by amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The bill addresses concerns regarding the lack of civics education in schools, which has contributed to political polarization and a poorly informed electorate.
Key Elements of the Bill
- Increased Civics Education: The bill seeks to prioritize civics learning in schools, encouraging innovative teaching methods and engaging activities that help students understand their roles as citizens.
- Focus on Higher Needs: It emphasizes support for high-need schools, ensuring that students in these areas receive adequate civics education.
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Grant Programs:
The bill proposes the establishment of grant programs to support civics education initiatives. It requires that grant funds be allocated to various educational levels:
- At least 30% to elementary school students and teachers
- At least 30% to middle school students and teachers
- No more than 40% to high school students and teachers
- Diverse Learning Activities: It encourages a range of civics-focused activities, such as hands-on civic engagement, historical discussions, service learning, and extracurricular programs. This includes content on the Constitution, the civil rights movement, and women's suffrage.
- Annual Reporting: The Secretary of Education will be required to submit an annual report on the grant program's effectiveness, detailing the recipients and the outcomes related to civic education.
- Funding Authorization: The bill authorizes $70 million for fiscal year 2027 to support these initiatives and programs aimed at improving civics education in schools.
Context and Rationale
The bill is founded on the recognition of significant gaps in civic knowledge among American students. Findings include:
- A 2022 survey indicated that only 47% of Americans could name the three branches of government, and a substantial percentage were unaware of basic constitutional rights.
- Only 22% of eighth graders performed at or above proficiency levels on civics assessments, highlighting the need for improved educational efforts in this area.
- The bill emphasizes the importance of teaching historical events, particularly the civil rights movement, to foster a well-informed and engaged citizenry.
Implementation Goals
The Civics Learning Act of 2026 aims to cultivate a more knowledgeable and active electorate capable of participating in democratic processes. By enhancing civics education, the bill seeks to improve understanding of government functions and history, ultimately contributing to a healthier democratic environment.
Relevant Companies
None found.Representative Emanuel Cleaver Bill Proposals
Here are some bills which have recently been proposed by Representative Emanuel Cleaver:
- H.R.8402: Civics Learning Act of 2026
- H.R.8325: Rehabilitation Through Reading Act of 2026
- H.R.8296: Preparing Superfund for Climate Change Act of 2026
- H.R.8002: To require coverage of incarcerated workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, and for other purposes.
- H.R.7309: Reentry Resource Guide Act of 2026
- H.R.7247: Prison Libraries Act of 2026
You can track bills proposed by Representative Emanuel Cleaver on Quiver Quantitative's politician page for Cleaver.
Representative Emanuel Cleaver Net Worth
Quiver Quantitative estimates that Representative Emanuel Cleaver is worth $688.5K, as of April 27th, 2026. This is the 365th highest net worth in Congress, per our live estimates.
Cleaver has approximately $0 invested in publicly traded assets which Quiver is able to track live.
You can track Representative Emanuel Cleaver's net worth on Quiver Quantitative's politician page for Cleaver.
2026 Missouri's 5th Congressional District Election
There has been approximately $3,242,608 of spending in Missouri's 5th congressional district elections over the last two years, per our estimates.
The rating for this race is currently "Solid D".
You can track this election on our matchup page for the 2026 Missouri's 5th congressional district election.
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