Washington D.C. – This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution to designate September 2024 as National Literacy Month. The resolution, introduced by Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.), highlights the crucial role of literacy in children’s development and success.
Reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a key indicator of future academic achievement and career success, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Research suggests that early reading significantly benefits brain development and lays a foundation for lifelong learning.
Senator Britt emphasized the importance of literacy, stating, “Literacy is foundational for success and provides children with the tools needed to pursue their American Dream. Reading is especially important at an early age for babies, toddlers, and young children. I am proud to support this resolution and will continue to work on a bipartisan basis to improve child literacy rates so every Alabamian has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The resolution is supported by a diverse group of senators, including Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Tex.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N. Mex.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Angus King (I-Maine), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
