Republicans, Democrats Stake Out Education Agendas in Senate Bills

Washington

Expanding school choice to private and religious schools tops Senate Republicans' agenda for education this year, along with measures to compensate victims of violence in schools, a prepaid-tuition plan, and a big boost for special education funding.

The GOP senators have lumped their proposals into a package dubbed "The Safe and Affordable Schools Act." That bill, S 1, is among Republican priorities that also include a balanced-budget amendment and other measures related to taxes, crime, and the workplace. No companion bill has been...