Expressing support for designation of the week of September 14 through 20, 2025, as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 714
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Labor and Employment
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-15: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-24T16:55:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 714) expresses congressional support for designating the week of September 14 through 20, 2025, as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week." It aims to raise awareness about the importance of literacy, numeracy, digital skills, and family literacy programs in addressing educational challenges faced by adults in the United States.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses outlining the rationale, followed by a "Resolved" section with four main directives:
- Supports the designation of the week to highlight the role of adult education, workforce skills, and family literacy in public awareness.
- Encourages individuals and communities across the U.S. to back programs that provide adult education, workforce training, and family literacy support.
- Recognizes the critical value of these programs for personal, economic, and societal success.
- Urges public, private, and nonprofit organizations to expand access to adult education and family literacy initiatives, promoting a fully literate society.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution and introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic statement of support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: May increase public awareness of literacy issues, potentially leading to greater participation in education programs, better job opportunities, improved family involvement in children's education, and reduced risks for vulnerable groups like the unemployed, immigrants, older adults, and former prisoners.
- On government agencies: Could indirectly encourage federal and state education departments to prioritize funding or resources for adult literacy, though it imposes no mandates.
- On international relations: Minimal direct impact, but it underscores U.S. efforts to build a skilled workforce, which could enhance economic competitiveness globally.
Overall, the effects are primarily educational and promotional, fostering voluntary support for literacy initiatives without creating new obligations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Adults lacking basic skills: Including the estimated 59 million with low literacy/numeracy/digital proficiency, 21 million without high school credentials, and 20 million with limited English skills, such as immigrants, the unemployed, underemployed, high school dropouts, and prison populations.
- Families and children: Parents in family literacy programs who gain tools for better involvement in their children's education, leading to improved child outcomes.
- Older individuals: Those needing skills to manage health instructions and daily life.
- Educators and programs: Providers of adult education, workforce training, and family literacy services.
- Public, private, and nonprofit entities: Encouraged to invest in and expand access to these programs.
- Bipartisan lawmakers: Sponsors from both parties, indicating broad political support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and does not require presidential approval or Senate concurrence; it is limited to expressing the House's view.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to recognize observances and promote education under its general powers, without infringing on individual rights or federalism principles.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan collaboration (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) on a non-controversial issue, potentially building momentum for future education policy without partisan division. It highlights ongoing national concerns about workforce readiness and equity in education access.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (14)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-15: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-09-15: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-15: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for designation of the week of September 14 through 20, 2025, as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week". — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (4 pages)