Congress advanced two “science of reading” bills that would expand federal involvement in literacy instruction—an area that has largely been driven by state policy. The Senate HELP Committee approved the bipartisan READ Act and the 21st Century Dyslexia Act, moving both bills toward full Senate consideration. The READ Act would require changes in how federal literacy grants are used, including early screening for reading difficulties and evidence-based reading instruction, with some funding shifted toward states with the lowest reading scores. The dyslexia bill would change how dyslexia is classified under federal disability law by creating a standalone category. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) cited the ongoing literacy gap, while sponsors pointed to momentum from more than 40 states that have already adopted reading reforms since 2020. The push also sets up a policy debate over whether federal action is needed when state-level reforms already exist.