Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representative Susie Lee (D-NV), along with 11 original Senate co-sponsors and 16 original House co-sponsors, introduced the Keep Our Promise to America's Children and Teachers (PACT) Act (S.1172/H.R.2315). This bill would gradually increase funding for Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and special education (Part B, the State Grant Program) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) until both are funded at authorization levels. Title I of the ESEA provides funding to school districts with high percentages of low-income families. Historically, these programs have been underfunded by Congress. In its long history, the IDEA has never been fully funded despite the increased need for special education programs.
