Expressing support for the recognition of October 2025 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month".

Bill Number

H.Res. 821

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Education

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-10-17: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2025-12-09T15:37:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 821) aims to express the support of the U.S. House of Representatives for designating October 2025 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month." It highlights the nature of dyslexia as a learning disability and emphasizes the need for awareness, early screening, and appropriate interventions to help affected individuals succeed in education and life.

Key Provisions

• Definition and Characteristics of Dyslexia: Dyslexia is described as an unexpected reading difficulty in people who are otherwise intelligent, often due to challenges in phonological processing (understanding the sounds of spoken language), which impacts speaking, reading, and spelling. It is noted as a persistent condition affecting 1 in 5 people and 80-90% of those with learning disabilities. People with dyslexia may struggle with word recognition but excel in areas like reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
• Reference to Existing Law: It cites the First Step Act of 2018, which defines dyslexia in federal statute (18 U.S.C. § 3635) and requires screening for it among federal prison inmates upon intake—the first such federal definition.
• Scientific and Educational Context: Progress in understanding dyslexia's causes (including cognitive and brain-based factors) is acknowledged. The resolution stresses that reading gaps appear as early as first grade, and early screening and evidence-based interventions are essential for fluent reading, self-awareness, and accommodations.
• Call to Action: The House resolves to urge Congress, schools, and state/local educational agencies to recognize dyslexia's educational impacts and support the "National Dyslexia Awareness Month" designation for October 2025.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It references but does not amend the First Step Act of 2018 or any other statutes.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Could increase public awareness of dyslexia, encouraging early identification and support for the estimated 20% of the population affected, potentially leading to better educational outcomes, reduced achievement gaps, and improved self-empowerment for individuals with dyslexia.
• On Government Agencies and Education: May prompt informal actions by schools and educational agencies to address dyslexia through screenings and interventions, though it has no enforceable requirements. Federal prisons already screen for dyslexia under the First Step Act, and this could reinforce that practice symbolically.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the resolution is domestic and focused on U.S. education and awareness.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Individuals with Dyslexia and Their Families: Primary beneficiaries through heightened awareness and potential access to better support.
• Educators and Schools: Encouraged to recognize and address dyslexia's implications in teaching and accommodations.
• State and Local Educational Agencies: Called upon to promote awareness and interventions.
• Congress and Policymakers: Positioned to support broader dyslexia-related initiatives.
• Federal Prison System: Indirectly referenced via the First Step Act's screening requirements.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force and cannot create obligations or allocate funds. It builds on the First Step Act's statutory definition without altering it, potentially signaling support for future dyslexia-related legislation.
• Constitutional: No implications, as it involves non-binding expressions of congressional sentiment, which fall within the House's internal powers under Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
• Political: Serves as a symbolic gesture to advocate for dyslexia awareness, introduced by bipartisan sponsors (e.g., Republicans and Democrats), which may foster cross-party collaboration on education issues. It could influence public policy discussions without partisan controversy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Bean, Aaron [R-FL-4], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-10-17: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-10-17: Submitted in House
• 2025-10-17: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the recognition of October 2025 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month". — issued 2025-10-17 — PDF (3 pages)