Chambana Sun

Congresswoman Mary Miller of Illinois’ 15th district has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that would require U.S. military academies to accept the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as part of their admissions process. The legislation, called the Promoting Classical Learning Act, mirrors a similar measure sponsored by Senator Jim Banks of Indiana.

The proposed law would formalize a directive from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who announced earlier this year that the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy will begin accepting CLT scores for admissions starting with the 2027 cycle. The bill seeks to make this policy permanent.

Additionally, the act would require all federally operated secondary schools—including Department of Defense and Bureau of Indian Education schools—to administer the CLT to all 11th-grade students. There are currently 161 Department of Defense schools across the country.

“America’s service academies should represent the highest ideals of our nation—courage, integrity, and intellect. The Classic Learning Test upholds those same ideals,” said Congresswoman Miller. “Requiring our military academies to accept the CLT will help cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only exceptionally capable but deeply grounded in the principles that make America strong.”

The CLT was created in 2015 by Jeremy Tate as an alternative to traditional standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. It focuses on reading, writing, and arithmetic using texts from Western and Christian traditions.

Miller has represented Illinois’ 15th congressional district since replacing John Shimkus in 2021. She won her seat after defeating Erika Weaver in 2020 with over 73% of the vote and was re-elected in 2022 by securing more than 71% against Paul Lange.

More details about the bill can be found at Fox News.