Two bills to expand federal roles in reading instruction cleared a Senate committee Thursday, signaling renewed momentum for the “science of reading” policy agenda. The READ Act would add requirements to existing literacy grants, including early screening for reading difficulties and shifts in funding toward states with the lowest reading scores. The 21st Century Dyslexia Act would change how dyslexia is classified under federal disability law, creating dyslexia as its own category. During the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee session, Sen. Maggie Hassan cited the scale of reading proficiency challenges, while committee Chair Bill Cassidy pointed to state-led reforms as evidence for federal action. For universities and education research leaders, the bills could alter how federal literacy dollars are distributed and how institutions align teacher preparation, intervention models, and disability supports. Both bills now move to the full Senate.