WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans in the House of Representatives want to save up to $5 billion every year for money to help families send their kids to private and religious schools. This is a big plan to use government money for private education.

The plan, which is part of a budget bill presented on Monday, would help President Donald Trump achieve his goal of letting all families choose their children's school. This means families could choose schools other than their local public school. Almost all families could get this option, except those who earn more than three times the average income in their area.

People who support private school vouchers say they want to give families whose children are in schools that are not doing well more choices.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana said that when parents can choose the best school for their child, it helps make the 'American Dream' possible.

People could support the program by giving money or shares. They would get all of their donation back as a tax discount. This would help people who own shares avoid paying taxes they would normally pay if they gave away or moved their shares.

Critics strongly disliked the idea, saying it would help rich people and harm public schools, where most students go. They said it would create a way for smart investors to make money while pretending to give a donation.

This is happening while the Trump government is making the Education Department smaller and reducing money for public schools. This includes cutting $1 billion for mental health support and teacher training.

"This is a big problem," said Sasha Pudelski from AASA, the School Superintendents Association. She also said that states with voucher programs often help families who were already paying for private school. "It's making the problems that voucher programs across the country already have even worse, like a lot of wasted money, cheating, and misuse."

Programs that help pay for private school have become common in states like Texas, which recently approved a $1 billion program. People who support public schools are concerned these programs lead to fewer students and less money for public schools, meaning less support for families who choose them.