A resolution expressing support for designation of the week of September 14 through 20, 2025, as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 400
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Labor and Employment
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-17: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6700; text: CR S6698)
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-24T16:37:02Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 400) expresses support for designating the week of September 14 through 20, 2025, as "National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week." Its main goal is to raise public awareness about the importance of adult education, workforce skills (like literacy, numeracy, and digital abilities), and family literacy programs, highlighting how these address widespread literacy challenges in the United States.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes extensive background ("Whereas" clauses) detailing literacy issues, followed by specific actions in the "Resolved" section:
- Background on Literacy Challenges:
- Nearly 59 million U.S. adults lack basic literacy, numeracy, and digital skills needed for daily life, work, and society (based on 2024 international data).
- About 21 million adults lack a high school credential, and 20 million lack adequate English-language skills (from 2023 survey data).
- Low literacy affects economic well-being, national security, unemployment (highest among those without high school diplomas), child education (parental skills influence child success), older adults (e.g., reading medical instructions), unemployed or underemployed individuals, high school dropouts, prisoners (who are more likely to reoffend without skills), and immigrants.
- Family literacy programs help parents engage more in their children's education, leading to better child outcomes and parental job opportunities.
- Senate Actions:
- Supports the designated week to promote awareness of adult education and family literacy.
- Encourages individuals and communities to back programs that provide adult education, workforce skills, and family literacy support.
- Recognizes the critical role of these programs in building a skilled population.
- Urges public, private, and nonprofit organizations to expand access to such programs for a more literate society.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or policies. It serves as a symbolic statement of Senate support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Could increase public awareness of literacy gaps, encouraging more adults (especially those without high school credentials, immigrants, unemployed individuals, and parents) to participate in education programs, potentially improving job prospects, family stability, and child educational outcomes.
- On Government Agencies: May indirectly prompt federal agencies like the Department of Education to highlight or promote related initiatives during the designated week, though no new funding or mandates are created.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but it underscores U.S. efforts to address domestic literacy issues, which could align with global education goals (e.g., referencing international assessment data).
- Overall, the resolution aims to foster voluntary support for literacy efforts without direct enforcement.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Adults Lacking Skills: Including the 59 million with low literacy/numeracy/digital abilities, 21 million without high school credentials, 20 million with limited English, unemployed/underemployed individuals, high school dropouts, prisoners, older adults, and immigrants—who stand to benefit from improved access to education.
- Families and Children: Parents in family literacy programs and their children, as enhanced parental skills boost child success in school and life.
- Educators and Programs: Providers of adult education, workforce training, and family literacy services, who may gain visibility and community support.
- Employers and Economy: Businesses and the broader workforce, as a more literate population supports economic recovery and global competitiveness.
- Public, Private, and Nonprofit Entities: Encouraged to expand programs, potentially increasing collaboration.
- Government: The Senate (as the resolution's origin) and related agencies, which may use it to advocate for education priorities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: None, as this is a simple resolution with no binding effect or legal authority; it does not create rights, obligations, or penalties.
- Constitutional: No implications, as it aligns with Congress's power to express policy views without infringing on individual rights or federal structure.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan Senate support (introduced by senators from both parties) for education initiatives, potentially signaling priority for literacy in future budgets or legislation. It highlights ongoing societal challenges without partisan debate, serving as a platform for non-controversial advocacy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-17: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6700; text: CR S6698)
- 2025-09-17: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-09-17: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for designation of the week of September 14 through 20, 2025, as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. — issued 2025-09-17 — PDF (4 pages)