1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

OPPOSE H.R. 7661. This bill would restrict federal funds for educational materials deemed "sexually oriented”, using a fuzzy definition of "sexually oriented" that does not include exceptions for teaching history and is so broad that the mere mention of nudity could be banned. In addition, this bill targets content about LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, and especially trans people. The bill is an example of government overreach and threatens the First Amendment rights of students, local control of education, and the rights of parents to guide their children's reading. Obscene materials are already banned in schools, making this bill an unnecessary intrusion on local control and effectively making Congress a school board. Similar bills have faced legal challenges by parents, costing school districts and local governments significant fees and damages. H.R. 7661 does not safeguard children; it empowers politicians to override local control over education and restrict content based on warped viewpoints. Further, it burdens communities with unnecessary costs. A better path is the Right to Read Act (H.R.6440/S.3365) which supports well-staffed and well-resourced school libraries,  strengthens evidence-based literacy instruction, and  protects library workers. Vote AGAINST H.R. 7661 to protect educational freedom and prevent federal overreach into American communities. Instead, support the Right to Read Act and invest in our children's literacy education.