In a major legislative breakthrough, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee has released its version of the reconciliation bill, locking in a permanent federal scholarship tax credit and advancing one of the most significant school choice victories in recent history. This development follows a sustained advocacy campaign led by Agudas Yisroel of America and its Director of Legislative Affairs, Avi Schnall.
The Senate version of the bill strengthens and improves upon the earlier House proposal in several key ways. It eliminates the four-year expiration clause, making the scholarship tax credit a permanent fixture of federal education policy. Without a sunset provision, the credit can now only be removed through a full act of Congress, offering long-term certainty to parents and private schools nationwide.
The credit’s funding has been significantly increased from the original $20 billion, while misleading special education language was stripped from the text. The bill also includes clear protections for religious liberty and ensures private school autonomy, both top priorities for Agudas Yisroel during negotiations.
Since the House passed its version last month, Avi Schnall and his team at Agudas Yisroel have been on the ground in Washington and in key districts across the country. Working in coordination with allies and grassroots supporters, Agudas Yisroel mobilized a powerful effort—spearheading thousands of emails, meetings with senators, and local outreach that educated lawmakers and helped shape the Senate’s final language.
“Our message was clear, and it was heard,” said Schnall. “This bill reflects what our communities asked for: long-term stability, stronger funding, and firm protections for religious schools.”
The bill is now headed to the Senate floor for a vote, which could happen as early as next week. Under reconciliation rules, only 51 votes are needed to pass the measure, pending a review by the Senate Parliamentarian to ensure compliance with budgetary guidelines. Because the Senate’s version differs from the House bill, both chambers will need to align on final language before it can be sent to President Trump.
President Trump has asked Congress to deliver the final bill before July 4, though negotiators acknowledge that finalizing all details may take a few additional weeks. The tax credit will not go into effect immediately but marks a monumental shift toward universal school choice.
Agudas Yisroel of America is urging supporters to continue advocating and helping push the legislation over the finish line. With strong leadership from Avi Schnall and the unified voice of parents and educators nationwide, the path to expanded school choice is now clearer than ever.
