[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 156 (Thursday, September 26, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5756-S5757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 355--DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22 THROUGH 28, 
     2019, AS ``NATIONAL ADULT EDUCATION AND FAMILY LITERACY WEEK''

  Mrs. MURRAY (for herself, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Reed, Ms. Collins, Mr. 
Durbin, Mr. Murphy, Ms. Klobuchar, and Mr. King) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 355

       Whereas the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and 
     Development reports that approximately 36,000,000 adults in 
     the United States lack the basic literacy and numeracy 
     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 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 and educational 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 
     important to 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 people in the United States lack the 
     reading, math, or English-language skills necessary to read a 
     prescription and follow medical instructions, which endangers 
     the lives of the older people 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 keep a job, to continue their 
     education, or to participate in job training programs;

[[Page S5757]]

       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 a job;
       Whereas a large portion of individuals in prison have low 
     educational skills, and prisoners 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 skills necessary to succeed at 
     home, at work, and in society: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the week of September 22 through 28, 2019, 
     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 to 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 literate society.

                          ____________________