The “Every Child Achieves Act” includes a proposal to authorize a new early education grant to states to improve early childhood education coordination, quality, and access, and would specifically target resources for low- and moderate-income families. Additionally, S. 117 creates a new literacy program that includes a set-aside for early learning initiatives.
Shortly before the Senate approved the bill, Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) offered an amendment authorizing the Preschool Development Grants program, as well as the “Strong Start for America’s Children Act.” The amendment failed on a 45-52 vote.
At this time, it’s unclear what the next steps are with regards to sending a final bill to President Obama. While the Senate bill represents a strong, bi-partisan agreement, the House bill, which barely passed last week, is much different and proposes far more drastic changes to the country's K-12 education policy. The House version, known as the “Student Success Act,” goes much further in eliminating the Federal government’s role in holding schools accountable, especially for low-income districts.
While President Obama has expressed concerns about the Senate-passed measure, he has threatened to veto the House version. However, this should not be interpreted that the President would sign S. 1177.
Congressional leaders could reach a compromise between the House and Senate bills, but it seems very unlikely that a majority of House Republicans would support this. Therefore, House Speaker, John Boehner (R-OH), would need the support of nearly the entire Democratic caucus and some Republicans to approve such a bill. However, this would be a violation of the “Hastert Rule,” which is the legislating principle that any bill should be able to pass with a House Republican majority. Even if a compromise bill clears the House, it could face the threat of a filibuster in the Senate.
We will continue to monitor this and keep you updated.