119-sres400

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 400 Agreed to Senate

    (ATS) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
S. RES. 400

Expressing support for designation of the week of September 14 through 
 20, 2025, as ``National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week''.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

 September 17 (legislative day, September 16), 2025

 Mr. Reed (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. King, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. 
 Blumenthal, and Mr. Durbin) submitted the following resolution; which 
 was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

Expressing support for designation of the week of September 14 through 
 20, 2025, as ``National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week''.

Whereas new data released in December 2024 by the Program for the International 
 Assessment of Adult Competencies reported that nearly 59,000,000 adults 
 in the United States lack the basic literacy, numeracy, and digital 
 skills necessary to succeed at home, in the workplace, and in society;
Whereas data from the 2023 American Community Survey indicated that nearly 
 21,000,000 adults in the United States lack a high school credential and 
 another 20,000,000 adults in the United States lack adequate English-
 language skills;
Whereas the literacy of the people of the United States is essential for the 
 economic and societal well-being and the national security of the United 
 States;
Whereas the United States reaps the economic benefits of individuals who improve 
 their literacy, numeracy, and English-language skills;
Whereas literacy, numeracy, and digital skills are necessary for individuals to 
 fully benefit from the range of opportunities available in the United 
 States;
Whereas the economy and position of the United States in the world marketplace 
 depend on having a literate, skilled population;
Whereas the unemployment rate in the United States is highest among those 
 without a high school diploma or an equivalent credential, demonstrating 
 that education is essential for economic recovery;
Whereas the educational skills of the parents of a child and the practice of 
 reading to a child have a direct impact on the educational success of 
 the child;
Whereas parental involvement in the education of a child is a key predictor of 
 the success of a child, and the level of parental involvement in the 
 education of a child increases as the educational level of the parent 
 increases;
Whereas parents who participate in family literacy programs become more involved 
 in the education of their children and gain the tools necessary to 
 obtain a job or find better employment;
Whereas, as a result of family literacy programs, the lives of children become 
 more stable and the success of children in the classroom and in future 
 endeavors becomes more likely;
Whereas adults need to be part of a long-term solution to the educational 
 challenges faced by the people of the United States;
Whereas many older individuals in the United States lack the reading, numeracy, 
 or English-language skills necessary to read a prescription and follow 
 medical instructions, which endangers the lives of older individuals and 
 the lives of their loved ones;
Whereas many individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, or receive public 
 assistance lack the literacy skills necessary to obtain and retain 
 employment, to continue their education, or to participate in job 
 training and career development programs;
Whereas many high school dropouts do not have the literacy skills necessary to 
 complete their education, transition to postsecondary education or 
 career and technical training, or obtain work that provides a living 
 wage;
Whereas a large portion of individuals in prison have low educational skills, 
 and individuals without educational skills are more likely to return to 
 prison once released;
Whereas many immigrants in the United States do not have the literacy skills 
 necessary to succeed in the United States; and
Whereas National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week highlights the need to 
 ensure that each individual in the United States has the literacy, 
 numeracy, and digital skills necessary to succeed at home, at work, and 
 in society: Now, therefore, be it
 Resolved, That the Senate--

    (1) supports the designation of the week of September 14 
 through 20, 2025, as ``National Adult Education and Family 
 Literacy Week'', to raise public awareness about the importance 
 of adult education, workforce skills, and family literacy;

    (2) encourages people across the United States to support 
 programs that assist individuals in need of adult education, 
 workforce skills, and family literacy programs;

    (3) recognizes the importance of adult education, workforce 
 skills, and family literacy programs; and

    (4) calls on public, private, and nonprofit entities to 
 support increased access to adult education and family literacy 
 programs to ensure a fully literate society.
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