[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 153 (Thursday, September 21, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4660-S4661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 358--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR DESIGNATION OF THE WEEK 
   OF SEPTEMBER 17 THROUGH 23, 2023, AS NATIONAL ADULT EDUCATION AND 
                          FAMILY LITERACY WEEK

  Mr. REED (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. King, Mr. Lujan, Mr. Young, 
Mr. Padilla, and Mr. Whitehouse) submitted the following resolution; 
which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 358

       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 and educational skills are necessary for 
     individuals to fully benefit

[[Page S4661]]

     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 addressing the education needs of adults needs 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 keep a job, 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 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 fully literate society.

                          ____________________