H.R. 7890 Passed the House Education

Science of Reading Act of 2026

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to exclude certain instructional approaches from comprehensive literacy instruction, to prioritize certain funds to promote the use of evidence-based literacy instruction and supports aligned to the science of reading, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9] Introduced March 12, 2026 Cosponsors 3 (1 I, 1 D, 1 R) Latest action September 17, 2026

Summary

Science of Reading Act of 2026
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, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Sep 17, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  2. Sep 16, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Sep 16, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5911)
  4. Sep 16, 2026 Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
  5. Sep 16, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7890.
  6. Sep 16, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5911-5913)
  7. Sep 16, 2026 Mr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
  8. Jun 29, 2026 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 623.
  9. Jun 29, 2026 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Workforce. H. Rept. 119-717.
  10. Mar 17, 2026 Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 33 - 0.
  11. Mar 17, 2026 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  12. Mar 12, 2026 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

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