John Reed (D-RI)
A resolution designating September 2026 as "National Literacy Month".
A Democratic resolution with 10 Republican cosponsors · See all 17 cosponsors
Last activity — Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5186)
Adopted
The chamber formally agreed to it, and for a resolution that is the finish line: what it says is now officially the chamber's position, rule or tribute.
Nothing more is needed. A resolution is how a chamber speaks for itself or sets its own rules, so adopting it is what puts it into effect. It is not a law, so there is nothing for the President to sign.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Officially Recorded
- Adopted by the Senate unanimous consent
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
The Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote): no senator's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This resolution designates September 2026 as "National Literacy Month." It highlights serious concerns about low reading proficiency among students and millions of adults in the United States. The text points out that struggling with reading leads to lower graduation and employment rates, higher incarceration rates, and massive economic losses. It emphasizes the importance of the science of reading and evidence-based instruction. Finally, the resolution calls on the government, schools, businesses, and citizens to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +3
Would children be better off under this?
Emphasizing evidence-based reading instruction aims to improve foundational literacy outcomes for students and children.
- Scored +3
Would students be better off under this?
Designating National Literacy Month prioritizes student reading proficiency and evidence-based instruction in schools.
- Scored +2
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
Focusing on literacy awareness and adult education helps young adults build necessary skills for employment and success.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Designating September 2026 as "National Literacy Month" under Resolved (1) calls attention to the critical issue of reading proficiency. This could encourage the public and officials to focus heavily on improving literacy for everyone.
-
The resolution calls on various groups, including the Federal Government, States, schools, and libraries under Resolved (2) to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities. This could lead to a coordinated effort to support reading skills and educational outcomes.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- There are no specific sections or provisions within the bill that identify negative consequences or burdens for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — Emphasizing evidence-based reading instruction aims to improve foundational literacy outcomes for students and children. Would students be better off under this? — Designating National Literacy Month prioritizes student reading proficiency and evidence-based instruction in schools. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The resolution specifically highlights educational disparities impacting students of color and calls for improved literacy strategies. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The resolution notes educational disparities affecting English learners and students of color, drawing attention to necessary reading interventions. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Addressing literacy disparities particularly benefits low-income households and individuals striving for economic mobility. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Focusing on literacy awareness and adult education helps young adults build necessary skills for employment and success.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Promoting literacy initiatives helps address a root cause of economic struggle and supports upward mobility. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The resolution draws attention to educational disparities affecting students of color and the need for targeted literacy improvements.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Highlighting literacy and evidence-based reading instruction supports long-term economic productivity and mobility.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into public schools? — Calling for focused observance and programs during National Literacy Month supports strengthened educational efforts in public schools.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The resolution brings national awareness and attention to critical educational data and literacy challenges.
- 9/29/2026
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5186)
- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5186)
- 17 Cosponsors added.
- Bill introduced.
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
Susan CollinsRepublican · Maine
Shelley CapitoRepublican · West Virginia
John CornynRepublican · Texas
Bill CassidyRepublican · Louisiana
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Martin HeinrichDemocrat · New Mexico
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
James LankfordRepublican · Oklahoma
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Tim ScottRepublican · South Carolina
Tommy TubervilleRepublican · Alabama
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island