[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 11586]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                               LEARN ACT

  (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, literacy is the foundation for success in 
every aspect of our economy and society.
  Research clearly demonstrates that a literacy-rich environment 
starting in early childhood is a critical prerequisite for high school 
graduation, college success, and career readiness; but according to the 
National Assessment of Educational Progress, two-thirds of all fourth 
and eight graders do not read at a proficient level. Underachievement 
in literacy at all educational levels contributes significantly to our 
Nation's high dropout rate, which costs the country hundreds of 
billions of dollars and squanders the potential and contribution of 
each student who drops out.
  That is why today, along with my colleague, the gentleman from 
Colorado (Mr. Polis), I am introducing the Literacy Education for All, 
Results for the Nation Act. The LEARN Act provides a strong Federal 
investment for States and localities to develop and implement 
comprehensive literacy plans for children from birth through the 12th 
grade.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the 
LEARN Act in order to help ensure today's students are prepared to lead 
the workforce of the future and to keep our Nation at the forefront of 
the global economy.

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