Bill would fully fund Title I and special education for first time since 2004

What does this do?

HR 869 would require the federal government to fully fund Title I, which supports schools with high numbers of low-income students, and IDEA, which covers special education services. Funding increases would begin in 2026 and grow each year through 2035. The bill uses an emergency spending designation to bypass standard budget rules that limit new federal expenditures.

Who does it affect?

Students from low-income families and students with disabilities would be most directly affected, along with the public schools, teachers, aides, and administrators who serve them. States and local school districts would receive the additional federal dollars.

Why does it matter?

Both programs have been authorized at higher levels than Congress actually appropriates each year, leaving a persistent gap between promised and delivered funding. Schools have relied on local property taxes and other sources to make up the difference, and this bill would shift more of that cost to the federal government.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Title I reaches ~$54B by 2035
• IDEA target: 40% of per-student cost
• Increases begin in 2026