Jim Costa (D-CA)
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that strong public education in United States history and civics is essential to preserving the Nation's founding ideals on the eve of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
A Democratic resolution with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the importance of history and civics education. It highlights that strong instruction is essential to preserving the nation's founding ideals as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary. The text emphasizes learning about the American Revolution, the Constitution, and key leaders like George Washington. It also notes that historical sites and educational professionals help citizens understand the nation's past. Ultimately, the resolution seeks to strengthen civic knowledge and patriotism through various educational avenues.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +3
Would students be better off under this?
The resolution seeks to provide students with a better understanding of their government, institutions, and the responsibilities of citizenship.
- Scored +2
Would children be better off under this?
The resolution emphasizes age-appropriate instruction to prepare the next generation for the responsibilities of citizenship.
- Scored +2
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
The text encourages young people to study the examples of founding leaders to guide their sense of duty and public service.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Stronger Civic Knowledge: The resolution states that strong instruction in United States history and civics helps ensure every student learns how the United States was founded and how its institutions work (Whereas clause regarding instruction in schools).
-
Preparedness for Citizenship: High-quality education helps students understand core principles like individual liberty and the responsibilities of citizenship (Whereas clause regarding high-quality education).
-
Historical Context for Current Events: Learning about the founding era equips students and adults to place current events in a historical context (Whereas clause regarding learning about the founding era).
-
Educational Partnerships: The resolution supports voluntary partnerships between public schools and entities like museums, libraries, and historic sites to help students understand the nation's founding (Section 4).
-
Preservation of Ideals: The resolution reaffirms that history and civics education are essential to preserving the ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government (Section 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would students be better off under this? — The resolution seeks to provide students with a better understanding of their government, institutions, and the responsibilities of citizenship. Would children be better off under this? — The resolution emphasizes age-appropriate instruction to prepare the next generation for the responsibilities of citizenship. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The text encourages young people to study the examples of founding leaders to guide their sense of duty and public service. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The resolution notes that understanding history includes appreciating the nation's struggles, which is relevant to the African American experience. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The resolution aims to ensure all students, regardless of zip code, have access to high-quality civic and historical instruction. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The resolution encourages instruction through States, territories, and Indian Tribes. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The resolution supports partnerships with veteran organizations to assist in civic and historical education. Would women be better off under this? — The resolution highlights the importance of learning about the ordinary men and women who shaped the nation.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into public schools? — The resolution encourages public schools, museums, and libraries to partner for historical and civic instruction.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The resolution notes that history education helps students understand the nation's achievements and struggles, which include its movement toward equality.
- 11/25/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/19/2025
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Bonnie Watson ColemanDemocrat · New Jersey