A resolution designating the week of January 25 through January 31, 2026, as "National School Choice Week".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 587
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-27: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S294)
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-02T14:45:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution aims to designate the week of January 25 through January 31, 2026, as "National School Choice Week" to raise public awareness about the benefits of diverse educational options for K-12 students (kindergarten through 12th grade). It emphasizes empowering parents to select schooling that fits their children's needs and highlights the nonpartisan nature of school choice.
Key Provisions
- Designation of the Week: Officially recognizes the specified week as "National School Choice Week."
- Rationale (Preamble): Outlines supporting facts, including:
- The value of diverse K-12 education options, such as traditional public schools, public charter schools (publicly funded but independently operated), public magnet schools (specialized public schools), private schools, online academies, and homeschooling.
- The role of talented teachers and school leaders in preparing students for success.
- Increasing family participation in choosing education and the need for greater public awareness.
- The nonpolitical and nonpartisan process of school selection, with thousands of events planned for the 16th annual observance.
- Actions Encouraged:
- Congratulates students, parents, teachers, and school leaders for their efforts and contributions.
- Urges parents to research available education options during the week.
- Calls on the public to organize programs, events, and activities to promote educational opportunities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding Senate resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of congressional support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase awareness of school choice options, potentially encouraging more parents to explore alternatives to traditional public schools, leading to greater family involvement in education decisions.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; federal agencies are not required to act, though it could indirectly support broader policy discussions on education.
- On International Relations: No impact, as the resolution focuses solely on domestic U.S. education.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Parents and Students: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution promotes informed choices in K-12 education.
- Educators and School Leaders: Recognized for their dedication across various school types.
- Schools and Educational Institutions: Includes public, charter, magnet, private, online, and homeschooling providers, which may gain visibility through related events.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations involved in school choice initiatives, such as those planning National School Choice Week events, could see amplified outreach.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force and does not require House approval or presidential signature; it is referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary for consideration but does not alter rights or obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the 10th Amendment's emphasis on state and local control of education, without infringing on federal powers or individual rights.
- Political: Introduced by a bipartisan group but primarily sponsored by Republican senators, it underscores ongoing debates on education policy, framing school choice as a neutral, family-focused issue to build public support without mandating policy shifts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (35)
Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL], Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI], Sen. Hagerty, Bill [R-TN], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Moreno, Bernie [R-OH], Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA], Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA], Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-27: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S294)
- 2026-01-27: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating the week of January 25 through January 31, 2026, as National School Choice Week. — issued 2026-01-27 — PDF (3 pages)