H.Res. 707 is being considered under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jared Polis (D-CO) on July 31, 2009.
H.Res. 707 resolves that the House of Representatives:
• "Supports the designation of National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, including raising public awareness about the importance of adult education and family literacy;
• "Encourages people across the United States to support programs to assist those in need of adult education and family literacy programs; and
• "Requests that the President issue a proclamation recognizing the importance of adult education and family literacy programs, calling upon the federal Government, States, localities, schools, libraries, nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, consumer advocates, institutions of higher education, labor unions, and businesses to support increased access to adult education and family literacy programs to ensure a literate society."
According to the resolution's findings, the National Assessment of Adult Literacy reports that 90 million adults lack the literacy, numeracy, or English language skills to "succeed at home, in the workplace, and in society." National Adult Education and Family Literacy week would highlight the need for efforts to ensure that every citizen has the necessary literacy skills to succeed at home, at work, and in society.
