H.R. 8705 Introduced Education

CHARLIE Act

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to prevent the American History and Civics program from funding radical indoctrination, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4] Introduced May 7, 2026 Cosponsors 1 (1 R) Latest action May 21, 2026

Summary

Civics and History Advancement to Restore Learning, Integrity, and Education Act or the CHARLIE Act
This bill prohibits the use of federal funding made available for the American History and Civics Education program to fund discriminatory equity ideology or gender ideology, as defined in certain executive orders. Further, in awarding grants under this program, the Department of Education may not give priority to an eligible entity on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status.
The bill defines discriminatory equity ideology in accordance with Executive Order 14190, which was published on January 29, 2025. This definition refers to ideology that treats individuals as members of preferred or disfavored groups rather than as individuals, including listed ideologies (e.g., an ideology that members of one race, color, sex, or national origin are morally or inherently superior to members of another race, color, sex, or national origin, or that an individual is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive by virtue of the individual's race, color, sex, or national origin).
The bill defines gender ideology in accordance with Executive Order 14168, which was published on January 20, 2025. This definition refers to an ideology that replaces categories of biological sex with gender identity.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. May 21, 2026 Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 19 - 15.
  2. May 21, 2026 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  3. May 7, 2026 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  4. May 7, 2026 Introduced in House

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