Incoming Chairman Cassidy Offers Insights into HELP Committee Priorities

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, will become the next committee chair. In a recent address to education advocates, Cassidy commented, “We are the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, so we should do a little more on education. And that’ll be an emphasis of mine.”

One of Cassidy’s main priorities is to separate dyslexia from the category of specific learning disabilities (SLD) and provide its own definition. Cassidy introduced the 21st Century Dyslexia Act in the 118th Congress (2023-24) and intends to lead it again in the 119th. He argues that by separating dyslexia out as a distinct disability, students would receive services specific to their needs. He is also a strong proponent of school choice, leading the Educational Choice for Children Act. However, the HELP Committee does not have jurisdiction over that bill, the Senate Finance Committee does, as it amends the tax code.

Cassidy has pledged to hold more education-related hearings as chair, and he will also lead the Committee in confirmations of cabinet-level nominees including leadership at the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Labor.