[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 12 (Thursday, January 21, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E55-E56]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            INTRODUCTION OF THE CIVICS LEARNING ACT OF 2021

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 21, 2021

  Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Civics 
Learning Act of 2021, a bill that aims to promote democratic ideals by 
ensuring that young Americans receive a strong civics education.
  On January 6, 2021, our country witnessed an armed insurrection on 
this sacred ground. This insurrection was fueled by lies and conspiracy 
theories that were allowed to take hold in too many minds of our fellow 
Americans because they have not come to understand even the most basic 
parameters of our democratic republic. Disturbingly, an Annenberg 
Public Policy Center poll conducted in 2018 found that only 32 percent 
of American adults could name all three branches of government. In 
2017, only 37 percent of Americans surveyed could name any of the 
rights guaranteed under the First Amendment. The failure to establish 
an extensive understanding of American democratic principles begins in 
grade school: In 2014, only 23 percent of eighth graders performed at 
or above the proficient level on the National Assessment of Educational 
Progress civics exam. This lack of civic awareness leads to an unstable 
bedrock for our democracy, which requires widespread knowledge of 
American government for it to function properly.
  This is why I have introduced the Civics Learning Act of 2021, which 
increases funding for innovative and evidence-based civics learning and 
teaching programs, including hands-on civic engagement activities, 
online and video game-based learning, service learning, and 
participation in student governance. Recognizing that most civics 
programs focus on high school teachers and students, this bill would 
ensure funding for elementary, middle, and high school programs to 
create a strong foundation for civic knowledge. In addition, this bill 
would prioritize funding for high-need schools, underserved 
populations, and low-access areas such as rural or inner-city 
communities. With this focus, the bill can inspire the participation of 
marginalized communities and better integrate them into American 
democracy.
  Madam Speaker, it is my sincere hope this body will expeditiously 
pass this measure. Doing so will reaffirm America's commitment to 
civics education, fostering a more informed citizenship that will only 
strengthen our democracy.

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