Expressing support for designation of March 2026 as Music in Our Schools Month.

Bill Number

H.Res. 1108

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Education

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-05: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2026-03-09T19:47:47Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 1108) expresses the House of Representatives' support for designating March 2026 as "Music in Our Schools Month." It aims to highlight the cultural, educational, and developmental value of music in public schools, while acknowledging inequities in access to music education.

Key Provisions

• Background Clauses ("Whereas"): The resolution outlines the historical and cultural significance of music, including its presence in human cultures, role in national identity, and integration into U.S. schools since the 19th century (e.g., first adopted as curriculum in Boston in 1838). It references the Every Student Succeeds Act (a federal law promoting well-rounded education) and cites research showing music's benefits for student engagement, cognitive/social/emotional development, and workforce skills like teamwork and empathy.
• Core Resolution: The House supports the designation and recognizes:
• Music's fundamental importance to U.S. culture.
• Its long history in schools.
• Disparities in access to quality music education, especially in urban/rural areas, low-income schools, and those serving majority Black, Hispanic, or Native American students.
• The need for greater support for music teaching and learning in public schools.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It builds on prior recognition of music in education (e.g., via the Every Student Succeeds Act) but does not amend or create enforceable requirements.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: May encourage the Department of Education or state agencies to promote music programs during March 2026, potentially influencing future funding priorities under existing laws, though no direct mandates exist.
• On Citizens: Raises public awareness of music education's benefits, particularly for at-risk and underserved students, which could inspire community advocacy for school programs. No direct effects on individuals' rights or obligations.
• On International Relations: None, as the resolution focuses solely on domestic U.S. education and culture.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Students and Families: Especially in underserved public schools (e.g., low-income, urban/rural, or minority-serving), who may gain from increased visibility and potential support for music access.
• Educators and Schools: Music teachers, school administrators, and public school districts, who could benefit from heightened congressional endorsement.
• Cultural and Advocacy Groups: Organizations promoting arts education (e.g., those behind "Music in Our Schools Month") and state educational agencies, which have historically supported music curricula.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: No implications, as this is a simple resolution expressing opinion without legal force. It aligns with the First Amendment's protection of free expression in education but imposes no restrictions.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for arts education (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) and could signal to policymakers the value of addressing educational inequities. It may influence future appropriations or initiatives without binding commitment, serving as a symbolic tool for advocacy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7]

Cosponsors (7)

Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3]

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-05: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2026-03-05: Submitted in House
• 2026-03-05: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for designation of March 2026 as Music in Our Schools Month. — issued 2026-03-05 — PDF (3 pages)