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Several bills floating through Congress right now would permit widespread censorship in public schools if passed. Here’s a refresher about what two of those bills are, their current status, and what you can do to help stop them.

The national book banning bill (HR 7661) , has been placed on the House Union Calendar as of July 2.

This means it is eligible to be heard in front of the whole floor, though as of writing, it has not been scheduled.

While the House is not back in session until July 13, Representatives are working in their districts right now, so it’s a prime opportunity to attend any events or office hours they may be holding near you to talk with them about the bill.

Here’s what HR 7661 is and how it would create rampant book banning.

The nationwide “don’t say trans” bill (HR 2616) has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), after passing the House.

The committee doesn’t meet again until July 15, and as of writing, their agenda hasn’t been set.

Now is the time to reach out to your Senators about this bill, and this goes doubly if your Senator is a part of the HELP committee .

Here’s what HR 2616 is and how it would increase book banning.

“The CHARLIE Act” ( HR 8705 ) is another bill to keep an eye on.

This House bill would withhold money from public schools that teach inclusivity, especially that related to race and gender.

It’s an amalgam of the two previously-mentioned bills and would create the opportunity for rampant book bans (not to mention whitewash and straightwash American history).

The bill has passed out of the House education committee but has not yet been moved to the Union Calendar.

While you call your Senators, don’t forget to remind them they should vote to restore funding to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for Fiscal Year 2027. The House has approved level funding for the only federal agency dedicated to libraries as of late June.

Democracy, including protecting our public schools and libraries, depends upon us.