A resolution designating September 30, 2025, as "Impact Aid Recognition Day" to recognize and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Impact Aid program.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 406
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-06: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6959; text: CR 9/18/2025 S6737)
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-12T15:56:08Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 406) aims to designate September 30, 2025, as "Impact Aid Recognition Day" to honor the 75th anniversary of the Impact Aid program, a federal initiative that supports schools affected by federal activities. It highlights the program's history and ongoing importance in providing education funding to communities impacted by tax-exempt federal properties.
Key Provisions
- Designation of the Day: The Senate officially recognizes September 30, 2025, as "Impact Aid Recognition Day" to mark the anniversary of President Harry S. Truman signing the Impact Aid Act on September 30, 1950.
- Background on the Program: The resolution includes detailed "Whereas" clauses explaining:
- The Impact Aid program, administered by the Secretary of Education, reimburses local school districts (local educational agencies) for lost tax revenue and extra costs due to federal properties like military bases or Indian lands that are exempt from local taxes.
- It serves over 600,000 "federally connected children" in 2025, including children of military personnel, those living on Indian lands, in public housing, or on federal property.
- In fiscal year 2025, the program provides $1.625 billion to about 1,100 school districts serving over 8 million students, covering 4.7 million acres of federal land.
- Historical context: The program originated in 1950, was amended in 1965 via the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and recodified in 1994; it has been reauthorized by Congress 16 times through 2020.
- Bipartisan support: Notes the formation of congressional coalitions, including the recent 2025 reorganization into the Congressional Impact Aid Caucus.
- Recognition of Importance: The Senate affirms the program's role under Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) in ensuring high-quality education and opportunities for students in federally impacted districts.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or amendments to existing laws. It does not alter the Impact Aid program's structure, funding, or operations, which remain governed by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Instead, it serves as a symbolic acknowledgment without introducing new requirements or repeals.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; the Department of Education continues administering the program unchanged. It may indirectly encourage sustained congressional funding and awareness.
- On Citizens: Raises public and educational awareness of the program's benefits for students in military families, Native American communities, and other federally affected areas, potentially fostering community pride and support for local schools. No direct financial or service changes for individuals.
- On International Relations: None; the resolution is domestic-focused on U.S. education policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Local Educational Agencies: Over 1,100 school districts receiving Impact Aid funds, particularly those in rural, military, or federal land-heavy areas, benefit from the symbolic recognition of their funding needs.
- Students and Families: More than 8 million students, including over 600,000 "federally connected" children (e.g., military dependents, Native American youth), who rely on the program for educational resources.
- Federal Government Entities: The Department of Education (program administrator) and Congress (through bipartisan caucuses), which demonstrate ongoing commitment to the program.
- Communities: Residents in areas with federal properties, such as near bases or reservations, who depend on stable school funding.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no binding effect and does not require presidential approval or House concurrence. It reinforces the existing statutory framework without creating enforceable rights or obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority under Article I to recognize events and support education, posing no challenges to separation of powers or federalism principles.
- Political: Demonstrates strong bipartisan support (introduced by 24 senators from both parties) for a long-standing program, potentially signaling future reauthorization efforts. The mention of congressional caucuses highlights organized advocacy, which could influence education policy debates without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (26)
Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Thune, John [R-SD], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-06: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6959; text: CR 9/18/2025 S6737)
- 2025-10-06: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-10-06: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-10-06: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-09-18: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S6737)
- 2025-09-18: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating September 30, 2025, as Impact Aid Recognition Day to recognize and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Impact Aid program. — issued 2025-10-06 — PDF (4 pages)