Recognizing the schools selected as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2025 and celebrating the history of the Blue Ribbon Schools Program.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 961
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-18: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-06T18:58:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 961) aims to honor schools selected as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2025, celebrate the program's history since 1982, and urge the reinstatement of the program after its discontinuation by the Department of Education in August 2025. It highlights the program's role in recognizing academic excellence and efforts to close achievement gaps in U.S. schools.
Key Provisions
- Recognition of Schools and Program: Acknowledges the 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools (before the program's end) as exemplars of high achievement, particularly in reading and math amid declining national scores (per the 2024 Nation's Report Card). Lists 28 Illinois schools, including public, charter, private, and parochial institutions like Ascension Catholic School and Lincoln-Way East High School.
- Commendation: Praises educators, administrators, and communities for their dedication to best teaching practices and reducing achievement gaps.
- Call to Action: Urges the Secretary of Education to immediately reinstate the Blue Ribbon Schools program, noting its value as the highest federal honor for over 9,000 schools since inception.
- Context on Discontinuation: Notes the program's federal end but highlights ongoing state and local recognitions continuing its legacy.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or enforceable requirements. It serves as a formal expression of congressional support rather than amending statutes or policies.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Places symbolic pressure on the Department of Education to reconsider discontinuing the program, potentially influencing future budget or policy decisions without mandating action.
- On Citizens and Education: Boosts morale and visibility for recognized schools and educators, inspiring broader adoption of effective practices. May encourage states and localities to expand their own recognition efforts, indirectly supporting student achievement amid national declines in test scores.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. education.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Schools and Educators: The 2025 honorees (especially the 28 listed from Illinois) and program alumni benefit from formal recognition and commendation.
- Communities and Students: Local areas gain pride and motivation to improve education, particularly in closing achievement gaps for underserved students.
- Department of Education: Faces a congressional call to reinstate the program, sponsored by 12 Illinois representatives (e.g., Mr. Casten, Mr. Jackson).
- States and Localities: Encouraged to sustain similar initiatives, maintaining the program's legacy without federal involvement.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution, it requires only a House majority vote and has no force of law, aligning with Congress's constitutional power to express opinions on executive actions (Article I). It does not challenge the Department's authority to end the program.
- Political: Represents bipartisan or regional support for education excellence, critiquing the 2025 discontinuation as a loss of national spotlight on effective practices. Could signal broader congressional interest in federal education roles, potentially influencing future appropriations or oversight hearings, though it remains symbolic and non-binding.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (11)
Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-18: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-12-18: Submitted in House
- 2025-12-18: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the schools selected as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2025 and celebrating the history of the Blue Ribbon Schools Program. — issued 2025-12-18 — PDF (4 pages)