The U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce passed HR 7661, the 'Stop the Sexualization of Children Act,' out of markup on March 17, 2026. The bill would prohibit federal funds for school programs or materials deemed 'sexually oriented' for children under 18. It now heads to the full House for consideration.
On March 17, 2026, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce held a markup session for HR 7661, introduced by Rep. Mary Miller (R-Illinois) shortly after the State of the Union address. The bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to bar the use of federal funds for developing, implementing, or promoting programs, activities, or materials containing 'sexually oriented material' for children under 18. This includes content related to 'gender dysphoria or transgenderism' or 'lewd or lascivious dancing.' The recording of the session shows discussion starting around the 2:00 mark and the vote at 5:42, with the committee passing the bill along party lines after Democratic amendments failed. Those amendments sought protections for teaching global religions, diverse history, sexual assault, and child trafficking but did not pass. The committee recommended advancement to the full House, where it awaits scheduling amid upcoming district work periods from March 30 to April 13. Source 2 confirms House Republicans advanced the bill, which targets materials discussing transgender topics. Advocates urge contacting representatives, citing concerns over curriculum overreach and vagueness compared to the Supreme Court's Miller Test for obscenity. The bill references a recent Supreme Court ruling in Mahmoud v. Taylor on parental opt-outs but imposes broader restrictions. Opposing measures include H.R. 7691, the 'Fight Book Bans Act,' and H.R. 6440/S. 3365, the 'Right to Read Act,' which aim to support school libraries and diverse materials.
