On Friday, House Republicans passed the "Parents Bill of Rights Act", a midterm pledge that will grant parents more access to information about their child's education. This act aims to empower parents by requiring schools to notify them of their right to review the curriculum and school budget, inspect library materials, and receive information about any violent activity in the school. Furthermore, elementary schools or schools housing grades 5-8 will require parental consent before changing a student's pronouns or preferred name, or allowing a student to change their sex-based accommodations like locker rooms or bathrooms. These provisions are aimed at bringing transparency and accountability to education, allowing parents to be informed and lawfully bring their concerns to their local school boards.

The bill also prohibits schools from selling student information and schools that don't comply with the act will be at risk of losing federal funding. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Julia Letlow, emphasized that the legislation is not an attempt by Congress to dictate curriculum or determine the library's books. However, the legislation is a galvanizing issue for the Republican base, and it indicates a further leaning in on culture war issues ahead of the 2024 election. On the other hand, Democrats argue that the bill will not address the real problems of equity in education and the nationwide drop in math and reading competency across all ages. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has already said the bill has no political future in the Democratic-controlled Senate.