Bills/H.R. 847

BLOCK Act

BLOCK Act

In CommitteeEducationHouseHouse Bill · 119th Congress
Bill Progress · House
Introduced
Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Passed Both
Signed

Plain Language Summary

# BLOCK Act Summary **What It Would Do** The BLOCK Act would fundamentally change how the federal government funds K-12 education. Instead of using specific formulas to allocate money for various education programs (like funding for disadvantaged students, English language learners, or after-school programs), the bill would convert these programs into "block grants"—lump sums given to each state based on what they received in 2025. Starting in 2026, states would have more flexibility in deciding how to spend this money rather than following federal requirements for specific programs. **Who It Affects** This bill impacts every state and school district in the country, as well as millions of students—particularly those in disadvantaged areas, English language learners, students in rural areas, and those in migrant families.

Teachers and education administrators would also be affected, since the funding structure and program requirements they work under would change significantly. **Key Provisions** The bill repeals detailed funding formulas for nine major federal education programs and consolidates them into block grants. This gives states more control over education spending but removes the federal government's ability to ensure specific student populations (like low-income or English-learning students) receive targeted support. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.

CRS Official Summary

Building Lasting Opportunities for Community K–12 Act or the BLOCK ActThis bill repeals on October 1, 2025, specified formula grants for programs administered by the Department of Education (ED). Beginning with FY2026, ED must instead provide block grants for these programs to each state based on amounts received in FY2025.Specifically, the bill repeals the following allocation formulas for programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965:the Education for the Disadvantaged program (which includes Basic Grants, Concentration Grants, Targeted Grants, and Education Finance Incentive Grants);State Assessment Grants;the Migrant Education Program;Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk;Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants; English Language Acquisition State Grants;Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants;the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program;the Rural Education Achievement Program (which includes both the Small, Rural School Achievement Program and the Rural and Low-Income School Program); andIndian Education Formula Grants.

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Latest Action

January 31, 2025

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Subjects

Academic performance and assessmentsCommunity life and organizationEducation of the disadvantagedEducation programs fundingElementary and secondary educationIndian social and development programsState and local finance

Sponsor

1 cosponsor

Key Dates

Introduced
January 31, 2025
Last Updated
January 31, 2025
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