[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 714 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 714
Expressing support for designation of the week of September 14 through
20, 2025, as ``National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 15, 2025
Mrs. McBath (for herself, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Mrvan, Mrs. Houchin, Mr.
Fields, Mr. Mannion, Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania, Ms. Norton, Mr. Johnson
of Georgia, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mr. Swalwell, and Mr. Bishop)
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee
on Education and Workforce
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for designation of the week of September 14 through
20, 2025, as ``National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week''.
Whereas new data released in December 2024, by the Program for the International
Assessment of Adult Competencies reported that nearly 59,000,000 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 data from the 2023 American Community Survey indicated that nearly
21,000,000 adults in the United States lack a high school credential and
another 20,000,000 adults in the United States lack adequate English-
language skills;
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, numeracy, and digital 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 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 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 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 retain
employment, 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 House of Representatives--
(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 that 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.
<all>