The Education Department is considering a $1 billion student support program that, unlike a previous measure approved by Congress, does not explicitly prohibit school districts from using federal funds to purchase firearms, reports the New York Times.

Why it matters: The omission could pave the way for Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to allow the arming of teachers. The idea sparked nationwide controversy when it was first proposed in February, in the aftermath of the Parkland school shooting. If the Education Department moves forward with the proposal, it would be the first time a government agency has authorized the use of federal funds for weapons without congressional approval, per the Times.