A resolution designating September 2025 as "National Literacy Month".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 394
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-16: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6637; text: CR S6653)
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-22T19:06:54Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 394) aims to raise awareness about the importance of literacy in personal development, economic success, and societal strength. It highlights challenges like low reading proficiency among students and adults, educational disparities, and the economic costs of illiteracy, while promoting evidence-based reading strategies (known as the "science of reading," which involves research-proven methods to build skills in sound recognition, word decoding, reading speed, vocabulary, and understanding text).
Key Provisions
- Designates September 2025 as "National Literacy Month."
- Encourages the Federal Government, states, local communities, schools, libraries, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and the general public to participate through relevant programs and activities focused on improving literacy.
The resolution is supported by "Whereas" clauses that cite data on literacy issues, such as:
- Poor student reading scores from national assessments.
- 28% of U.S. adults (about 59 million) at the lowest literacy level.
- Higher risks of dropping out, unemployment, and incarceration for those with low reading skills.
- Annual costs of adult illiteracy estimated at $224 billion to taxpayers and $40 billion in lost business productivity.
- The role of federal programs under laws like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (which funds K-12 education), the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (supporting adult learning), and the Museum and Library Services Act (aiding libraries and museums).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It does not create new mandates, funding, or enforcement mechanisms but builds on ongoing federal investments in literacy programs.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May encourage federal agencies (e.g., Department of Education) to promote literacy initiatives during the designated month, potentially increasing visibility for existing programs without adding new requirements.
- On citizens: Could foster greater public awareness of literacy challenges, especially for vulnerable groups like students of color, low-income families, English learners, and adults with low skills, leading to more community-based reading support and reduced long-term economic burdens from illiteracy.
- On international relations: Minimal impact, as it focuses on domestic education; however, it indirectly addresses U.S. standing in global literacy assessments (e.g., international adult competency tests).
- Overall, the resolution is symbolic and likely to inspire voluntary activities rather than direct policy shifts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Educators and schools: Impacted by calls for evidence-based reading instruction to address proficiency gaps.
- Libraries and nonprofits: Encouraged to host literacy programs, building on federal support.
- Businesses: Highlighted for potential involvement in workforce literacy efforts to reduce economic losses.
- Students and adults: Particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds (low-income, communities of color, English learners), who face barriers to reading success.
- Government entities: Federal, state, and local levels urged to observe the month, with indirect benefits to programs serving at-risk populations.
- General public: Invited to participate in awareness-raising activities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no force of law and cannot be enforced; it serves as an expression of congressional intent rather than a binding directive.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to recognize observances and promote public welfare under the First Amendment (free speech and assembly for educational activities) and the General Welfare Clause, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties) signals consensus on education priorities, potentially influencing future funding debates for literacy programs. It emphasizes equity in education without partisan controversy, focusing on data-driven solutions to persistent social issues.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (19)
Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK], Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-16: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6637; text: CR S6653)
- 2025-09-16: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-09-16: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating September 2025 as National Literacy Month. — issued 2025-09-16 — PDF (3 pages)