[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 26 (Friday, February 7, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE UNDERSTANDING AND STUDYING AMERCIAN (USA) CIVICS 
                              ACT OF 2020

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 7, 2020

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce the 
Understanding and Studying American (USA) Civics Act of 2020.
  Today, only 32 percent of Americans can name all three government 
branches. That means two-thirds of the people in the U.S. are not 
equipped with foundational knowledge necessary to participate in and 
navigate our democracy. Investing in civics education is key to 
ensuring that future participants and leaders in our democracy are 
equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to do so.
  The USA Civics Act of 2020 would provide grants to establish and 
strengthen civics programs to promote more comprehensive understandings 
of the history, achievements, and global impacts of American 
constitutional and representative democracy. Specifically, the bill 
supports the efforts of social science teachers in primary and 
secondary schools. In addition to funding teacher initiatives and 
educational curricula and materials, the USA Civics Act of 2020 would 
provide funding to develop open educational resources and outreach 
activities.
  The USA Civics Act promotes the study of American political thought 
and constitutional democracies globally, invests in opportunities for 
civics educators to deepen their knowledge of the field, and opens new 
doors for our young future leaders to learn how they can participate in 
the country's political life. I urge my colleagues to support this 
bipartisan legislation.

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