A Democratic bill with 20 Democratic cosponsors · See all 20 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S491)
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
What this bill would do
The Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2026 aims to provide long-term improvements for public school facilities. The bill establishes a grant program through Title I to fund improvements in public elementary and secondary schools. It also creates a system for school infrastructure bonds under Title II to assist with financing. Additionally, the act includes provisions for repairing school foundations affected by pyrrhotite under Title VI. The legislation requires states to develop specific plans and databases to track the physical condition of their school infrastructure.
Yes· 3 of 16
- Scored +9
Does this put more money into public schools?
The bill authorizes massive federal grants and bond programs specifically for the long-term improvement of public school facilities.
- Scored +8
Would children be better off under this?
The bill improves the safety, health, and learning environments of elementary and secondary schools.
- Scored +8
Would students be better off under this?
The bill improves the physical safety, air quality, and digital learning capabilities of schools.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Long-term facility improvements: The bill provides funds to support long-sterm improvements to public school facilities (Section 101(a)).
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Support for underserved areas: Funds are reserved specifically for assistance to Bureau-funded schools and allocations for outlying areas (Section 101(b)).
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Improved learning environments: Grants can be used to improve indoor air quality, reduce excessive classroom noise, and enhance energy and water efficiency (Section 301(a)).
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Safety and security enhancements: Funds are available to ensure building envelopes protect occupants from natural elements and human threats, as well as to implement security design elements (Section 301(a)).
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Digital access: Up to 10 percent of funds can be used to expand access to high-speed broadband to support digital learning, specifically for schools that lack such access (Section 103(c) and Section 301(b)).
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Health and safety protections: The bill allows for the reduction or elimination of toxic substances like lead, asbestos, and mold (Section s 301(a)).
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Foundation repair assistance: Provides funds to help local educational agencies repair or replace concrete school foundations damaged by the presence of pyrrhotite (Section 602(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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State matching requirements: States are required to contribute an amount from non-Federal sources equal to 10 percent of their allocation (Section 102(c)(1)(A)).
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Restrictions on charter school funding: Covered funds cannot be used for the facilities of a public charter school that is operated or managed by a for-profit entity (Section 302(b)(1)).
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Charter school leasing restrictions: Funds are prohibited for charter schools that lease facilities from an individual or for-profit entity where that entity has a management or governance role (Section 302(b)(2)).
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Prohibited facility uses: Funds cannot be used for facilities primarily used for athletic contests or exhibitions where admission is charged to the general public (Section 302(a)(2)).
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Prohibited central office use: Funds may not be used for central offices or operation centers that are not primarily used to educate students (Section 302(a)(4)).
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 children be better off under this? — The bill improves the safety, health, and learning environments of elementary and secondary schools. Would students be better off under this? — The bill improves the physical safety, air quality, and digital learning capabilities of schools. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes funds for schools serving high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced price lunch. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill reserves funds specifically for assistance to Bureau-funded schools and allows Tribal governments to act as qualified issuers. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes funding for rural schools to expand high-speed broadband access. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill includes provisions to support Bureau-funded schools and increase student diversity through facility improvements. Would union members be better off under this? — The bill includes requirements for the use of American iron, steel, and manufactured products, supporting domestic labor. Would women be better off under this? — The bill encourages contracting with women-owned businesses for school improvement projects.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill authorizes massive federal grants and bond programs specifically for the long-term improvement of public school facilities. Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill allows funds to be used to expand access to high-speed broadband to support digital learning. Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill includes requirements for technical studies and data standards regarding school infrastructure.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill funds large-scale school construction and renovation projects that are expected to create jobs. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Infrastructure investment in school facilities can support local economic vitality and workforce development.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires states to develop publicly accessible databases and annual reports regarding school infrastructure.
- Healthcare
- Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths? — Improved school facilities can support community-based partnerships that provide social and health services.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — The bill notes that school modernization can be part of community-based economic rebuilding efforts.
- 2/10/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/4/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S491)
- 17 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Catherine Cortez MastoDemocrat · Nevada
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
John FettermanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Martin HeinrichDemocrat · New Mexico
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Christopher MurphyDemocrat · Connecticut
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Tina SmithDemocrat · Minnesota
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island