H.R. 8654 aims to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 by reauthorizing the Nita M. Lowey Community Learning Centers program for the fiscal years 2026 through 2035. This program typically supports after-school and summer learning opportunities for students, focusing on improving educational outcomes and providing additional resources for students in need.
Supporters of H.R. 8654 have praised the bill for its commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for children, particularly those from low-income families. Media coverage has highlighted the importance of after-school programs in fostering academic success and providing safe environments for students, emphasizing that the reauthorization will ensure continued funding and support for these vital services.
Critics of H.R. 8654 have raised concerns about the long-term funding implications and the effectiveness of the Community Learning Centers program. Some media outlets have questioned whether the program adequately addresses the root causes of educational disparities, suggesting that simply reauthorizing existing programs may not lead to significant improvements in student outcomes.
The analysis of H.R. 8654, which aims to reauthorize the Nita M. Lowey Community Learning Centers program, shows no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor Dan Goldman’s top donor industries and the bill's subject matter. The lobbying activity in this policy area includes multiple organizations, but the disclosed amounts are limited, with only DIRSHU INTERNATIONAL contributing $100,000 through MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION. This suggests a low likelihood of conflicts of interest as the primary focus of the bill is educational funding, which does not align with the interests of the listed donors. Voters should be aware that while lobbying exists, the lack of significant financial ties to the bill's objectives minimizes potential conflicts.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| DIRSHU INTERNATIONAL | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | $100,000 |
| CEO WORKS | SAUNDERS GLOBAL DIPLOMACY | $45,000 |
| KAZI IG | SAUNDERS GLOBAL DIPLOMACY | $15,000 |
| SOUTHERN FOLGER CONTRACTING | BBT STRATEGIES LLC | $10,000 |
| WATERFRONT GLOBAL | BBT STRATEGIES LLC | $5,200 |
| DIGITALEUROPE | VIVID STRATEGIES LLC | undisclosed |
| INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| DR. STEPHEN SOLOWAY | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| ONE ISRAEL FUND | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| HEMOGLOBIN OXYGEN THERAPEUTICS | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| ATAOLLAH AMINPOUR | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| HERSEL NEMAN | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| MORAD BEN NEMAN | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| MARK SCOTT | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
| BORIS MINTS | MERKAVA STRATEGIES CORPORATION | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Dan Goldman, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
