Expressing support for the designation of October 2025 as "National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 793
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-08: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-19T09:07:42Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 793) expresses support for designating October 2025 as "National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month." It aims to highlight the challenges faced by students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and promote awareness of effective educational strategies to support them.
Key Provisions
- Definition of Specific Learning Disabilities: Draws from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), defining SLD as disorders in psychological processes affecting language use, which can impact listening, thinking, speaking, reading, writing, spelling, or math calculations. It includes conditions like dyslexia but excludes issues primarily due to visual, hearing, motor, intellectual, emotional, or socioeconomic factors.
- Prevalence and Challenges: Notes that SLD is the most common disability among students receiving special education under IDEA, affecting 32% of them. Cites data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) showing over 96% of 4th and 8th graders with SLD were not proficient in reading, and over 92% were not proficient in math during the 2023-2024 school year. Highlights larger gaps for Black and Hispanic students compared to White and Asian peers.
- Research and Recommendations: Emphasizes that students with SLD can achieve at levels similar to peers with proper instruction and support. Calls for early universal screening to identify at-risk students and promotes evidence-based methods from the "science of reading" for developing reading skills.
- Resolution Actions:
- Supports the designation of National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month.
- Urges state and local educational agencies to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with SLD, as required under IDEA.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution and introduces no changes to existing laws. It references IDEA (a federal law ensuring educational rights for students with disabilities) but does not amend or alter it.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Increases public awareness of SLD, potentially leading to earlier identification and better support for affected students, families, and educators. May encourage schools to adopt evidence-based teaching methods, improving educational outcomes for about 32% of special education students.
- On Government Agencies: Prompts state and local educational agencies to reaffirm their commitment to FAPE under IDEA, possibly influencing resource allocation for screening and instruction without mandating new funding or programs.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic awareness initiative focused on U.S. education.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students with Specific Learning Disabilities: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution highlights their needs and promotes equitable education.
- Parents and Families: Gain awareness and advocacy tools to ensure schools meet their child's rights under IDEA.
- Educators and Schools: State and local educational agencies are called upon to enhance screening, instruction, and support services.
- Bipartisan Lawmakers: Sponsored by a diverse group of representatives from both parties, indicating broad congressional interest in disability education.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces existing obligations under IDEA (a 1975 law providing federal funding for special education) without creating new enforceable requirements. The emphasis on FAPE underscores schools' legal duty to provide tailored education for students with disabilities.
- Constitutional: No significant implications; it aligns with the U.S. Constitution's equal protection principles by promoting access to education for disabled students.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by 15 representatives from both major parties), signaling congressional consensus on disability awareness. As a resolution, it serves as a symbolic gesture to build momentum for future education policy discussions rather than enacting immediate change.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
Cosponsors (17)
Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-08: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-10-08: Submitted in House
- 2025-10-08: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of October 2025 as "National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month". — issued 2025-10-08 — PDF (3 pages)