[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 821 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

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118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 821

Expressing support for designation of the week of September 15 through 
  21, 2024, as ``National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           September 16, 2024

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

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
Expressing support for designation of the week of September 15 through 
  21, 2024, as ``National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week''.

Whereas the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reports that 
        more than 43,000,000 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 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 ``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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