WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 8705 · 119th Congress

CHARLIE Act

IntroducedEducation
IntroducedMay 7, 2026
Passed HouseNot yet
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Introduced. Latest step, May 21, 2026: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 19 - 15.

What it does

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Civics and History Advancement to Restore Learning, Integrity, and Education Act or the CHARLIE Act

This bill prohibits the use of federal funding made available for the American History and Civics Education program to fund discriminatory equity ideology or gender ideology, as defined in certain executive orders. Further, in awarding grants under this program, the Department of Education may not give priority to an eligible entity on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status.

The bill defines discriminatory equity ideology in accordance with Executive Order 14190, which was published on January 29, 2025. This definition refers to ideology that treats individuals as members of preferred or disfavored groups rather than as individuals, including listed ideologies (e.g., an ideology that members of one race, color, sex, or national origin are morally or inherently superior to members of another race, color, sex, or national origin, or that an individual is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive by virtue of the individual's race, color, sex, or national origin).

The bill defines gender ideology in accordance with Executive Order 14168, which was published on January 20, 2025. This definition refers to an ideology that replaces categories of biological sex with gender identity.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, May 7, 2026).

Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

What has happened

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  1. May 7, 2026Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Show all 5 recorded actions

Cosponsors

  • Ken Calvert R-CA-41