S. 4018 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the Senate, Mar 5, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryFederal funds expand arts and music access
Right now, federal money that goes to schools serving low-income students has strict rules about what it can pay for. This bill would let schools use that money for arts and music programs. Schools could hire certified arts and music teachers, buy instruments and supplies, and provide professional development for teachers, as long as the programs tie back to helping students meet academic standards.
How it affects you
Students in low-income schools would have more access to arts and music education if their school chooses to use federal funds this way. Teachers in these schools might get more support and training to teach arts and music.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Mar 5, 2026)
Guarantee Access to Arts and Music Education Act of 2026 or the GAAME Act of 2026
This bill specifies that funds that support the instructional needs of elementary and secondary students from low-income families (i.e., Title I funds) may be used for arts and music programs.
First, the bill specifies that schools operating school-wide programs may include descriptions related to arts and music education in their comprehensive plans. Such a plan may include a description of (1) how sequential, standards-based arts education taught by certified educators and providers meet the challenging state academic standards, and (2) how sequential, standards-based music education taught by certified educators align with the challenging state academic standards.
Second, the bill specifies that schools operating targeted assistance programs may use funds for arts and music programs that address the academic needs of students. This assistance may include providing support for certified educators, professional development, supplies, instruments, and other expenses.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionS. 4018
A BILL
GAAME Act of 2026
Sponsor: Sen. Cory A. Booker (D-NJ) · Introduced Mar 5, 2026 · Education · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 5, 2026: “Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.”