U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Jack Reed (D-RI) have introduced a resolution to designate September 2025 as “National Literacy Month.” The initiative aims to address declining literacy rates in the United States.
“The NAEP scores show our K-12 system is failing on literacy. If students do not learn to read, they cannot succeed in school or compete in the workforce. Children and families deserve better,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This resolution highlights the urgency to improve literacy nationwide, so children have a chance at a better future.”
Senator Reed added: “Reading unlocks opportunity and strengthening literacy for Americans of all ages will help us build a stronger society. We need to do a better job of reaching learners where they are and not letting them slip through the cracks. I’m proud to work with Senator Cassidy and our colleagues to introduce this important resolution that amplifies the need for more effective literacy instruction for students of all ages.”
The move follows recent findings from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which reported that high school students are graduating with historically low literacy scores. In response, Senator Cassidy released a report proposing reforms such as using federal resources for early-detection screening for learning needs like dyslexia.
A 2020 study by Gallup in partnership with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy estimated that low adult literacy levels could cost the U.S. economy up to $2.2 trillion annually.
During National Literacy Month in September, schools, libraries, non-profits, and other organizations plan to hold events and workshops focused on improving literacy skills and promoting reading as part of healthy development.
The resolution is co-sponsored by several senators including Jon Husted (R-OH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Jim Justice (R-WV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Katie Britt (R-AL), Angus King (I-ME), James Lankford (R-OK), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
The full text of the resolution is available online.
