S.Res. 639 — A resolution establishing an annual Senate academic civics competition for secondary school students.

This section states six Senate findings concerning declining civics education, including that the average eighth-grade civics score on the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress was 2 points lower than in 2018; 1 in 6 U.S. adults could not name any of the three branches of government per the 2023 Annenberg Civics Knowledge Survey; such declines contribute to lower youth voter turnout and reduced community participation; misinformation underscores the need for civic reasoning and media literacy; congressional competitions like the Congressional Art Competition and Congressional App Challenge demonstrate Congress's role in student achievement; and the 250th anniversary of U.S. founding provides an opportunity to renew commitment to civic education.

This section directs the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration to establish and carry out an annual academic competition in civics for secondary school students (as defined in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965). The committee may partner with public or nonprofit organizations (e.g., iCivics or the National Constitution Center) for support and accept private donations to offset costs, and must promulgate necessary regulations.