Data Science and Literacy Act of 2026

Enumerated powers · passes

Congress may spend federal funds to promote the general welfare under Article I, Section 8, Clause 1. The grant program is a conditional spending measure, not a direct command to states or individuals. The data collection requirement falls within the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) as ancillary to the spending power. No enumerated power is exceeded.

Bill of Rights · passes

The bill imposes no restrictions on speech, religion, press, assembly, petition, arms, quartering, search and seizure, self-incrimination, due process, takings, trial rights, or cruel and unusual punishment. It does not abridge any right protected by the first ten amendments.

Individual liberty · passes

The bill does not restrict any individual's person, property, speech, labor, or belief. It creates a voluntary grant program that educational entities may choose to apply for. No individual is compelled to participate or to alter their conduct. The government bears no burden to justify a restriction because no restriction exists.

Decentralization · passes

The bill passes all four questions: (1) individuals and families are not required to do anything; (2) local communities and counties may apply for grants but are not compelled; (3) states may apply for grants but are not compelled; (4) the program does not consolidate decision-making upward because it is a voluntary funding mechanism, not a preemptive mandate. The Tenth Amendment is fully respected.

Due process and takings · passes

The bill imposes no penalties, deprivations, or property takings. It creates no adjudicative or administrative proceedings that could bypass due process. The data collection requirement is purely informational and does not affect any person's liberty or property interest. No Fifth Amendment concerns arise.