This week, the U.S. House of Representatives took a big step toward changing how families can pay for their kids’ education.
Included in a major budget reconciliation bill is a bold new school choice proposal that could unlock billions in scholarships for K–12 students every year — but the road ahead still holds some uncertainty.
What the Educational Choice for Children Act Proposes
The centerpiece of this legislation is the Educational Choice for Children Act, or ECCA, which would create a federal tax credit for people who donate to scholarship-granting organizations.
These groups would then hand out scholarships to families, allowing kids to attend private schools, including Catholic schools, or cover other educational costs.
If the law passes, it would provide around $5 billion annually in scholarships through 2029.
That’s a huge boost for families looking for alternatives to traditional public schools, especially those wanting access to private or faith-based education.
How Scholarships Could Be Used Beyond Tuition
The scholarships aren’t just for paying tuition. Students could use them for books, tutoring, or even educational therapies — a big plus for children with disabilities who need extra support.
The act would take effect after December 31 if it makes it through the Senate and gets signed by the president.
Catholic Schools and the Push for More Participation
Catholic schools have already been a big part of state-level school choice programs, with nearly a third participating nationwide.
The U.S. bishops have been vocal supporters of the ECCA, praising its potential but also warning that certain parts of the House bill could limit religious schools’ ability to participate.
The Controversy Over “Poison Pill” Language
What exactly are these concerns? The bishops pointed to “poison pill” language — legal wording that could effectively block Catholic and other religious schools from joining the program.
These restrictions often involve hiring and admissions policies that go beyond existing laws, making it harder for faith-based schools to take part.
These kinds of clauses can shrink the number of private and religious schools eligible to receive scholarship students, defeating the purpose of broadening school choice.
The Bill’s Narrow Passage and What Comes Next
It’s worth noting that the bill squeaked through the House by just one vote, showing how divided lawmakers are on this issue.
Before anything changes on the ground, the Senate has to agree to the reconciliation package, and then the president needs to sign it.
Until then, families, schools, and advocates on all sides are watching closely, hopeful that the ECCA could bring new opportunities — but cautious about the details that might still change the final outcome.