Two bills aiming to strengthen federal support for evidence-based reading instruction advanced out of a Senate committee, signaling Congress’ continued engagement with the “science of reading” movement. The READ Act would modify existing literacy grants by adding requirements for early screening of reading difficulties and shifting some funding toward states with the lowest reading scores. The companion 21st Century Dyslexia Act would alter how dyslexia is classified under federal disability law by establishing it as its own category. Supporters cite the persistence of reading proficiency gaps and argue that federal standards can reinforce state-led reforms. During markup, Sen. Maggie Hassan highlighted the scale of need, while committee Chair Bill Cassidy pointed to momentum across states, including legislation enacted since 2020 requiring evidence-backed practices. The committee also referenced a new House appropriations provision calling for convening a second National Reading Panel. Opponents questioned whether federal legislation is necessary when more than 40 states have already implemented similar reforms, raising the policy dispute over the federal role versus state experimentation.