Public schools across the country would get a massive influx of construction and renovation money — $20 billion per year from 2027 through 2031 in direct grants, plus $10 billion per year in tax-credit bonds for 2027 through 2029. The money could be used to fix leaky roofs, replace aging HVAC systems, remove lead and asbestos, improve energy efficiency, and upgrade classrooms and labs. Grants are targeted at the highest-need districts — they must receive Title I funding, serve large numbers of disadvantaged students, and have limited ability to raise construction money on their own. Schools would need to meet green building standards (like LEED) and use American-made iron, steel, and manufactured products. The bill also sets aside $100 million per year for schools near military bases and areas affected by federal activity, creates a new Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability within the Department of Education, and includes a separate grant program to help schools repair foundations damaged by pyrrhotite — a mineral that causes concrete to crumble over time.
Congressional Summary
Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2026This bill provides support for long-term improvements to public elementary and secondary school facilities.First, the bill sets forth allocations to states and establishes a need-based grant program for local educational agencies (LEAs) to improve school facilities. Further, the bill specifies allowable uses of grant funds, including carrying out major repairs, improving indoor air quality, and making facilities accessible to individuals with disabilities.Additionally, the bill requires LEAs that receive funds for new construction, modernization, or renovation projects to comply with hazard-resistance building codes and performance criteria under the WaterSense program of the Environmental Protection Agency. Further, the bill requires such LEAs to adopt certain green practices (environmental standards) and requires the use of iron, steel, and manufactured products that are made in the United States (Buy America).The bill restores school infrastructure tax credit bonds.The bill also sets forth reporting requirements, including annual reports on grant program projects and a report by the Government Accountability Office that requires a study of the geographic distribution of projects, the impact of selected projects on student and staff health and safety, and the accessibility of projects to high-needs schools.The bill also establishes the Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability within the Department of Education.Next, the bill extends through FY2031 the Impact Aid Construction program.Finally, the bill establishes a grant program to assist LEAs with repairing or replacing concrete foundations affected by pyrrhotite (an iron sulfide material linked to crumbling foundations).
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2026-02-04
- Date Added
- 2026-03-30