Reed, Cassidy Lead Bipartisan Colleagues in Designating September 2026 as “National Literacy Month”

WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of literacy, boost literacy support programs, and encourage more Americans of all ages to read, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) are teaming up on a bipartisan resolution to designate September 2026 as "National Literacy Month."

The measure is being cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Scott (R-SC), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Susan Collins (R-ME).

"Reading unlocks opportunity, and education is a lifelong pursuit. By strengthening literacy for Americans and doing a better job of reaching learners of all ages where they are, we can help people reach their full potential and build a stronger society," said Senator Reed. "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 all students, regardless of their age or background."

"Literacy opens the door for children to achieve the American Dream," said Dr. Cassidy. "Congress must prioritize fixing our broken K-12 education system, so all children learn how to read proficiently."

Reading is a cornerstone for personal growth, economic opportunity, and a strong society. Reading proficiency by third grade is one of the most important predictors of whether a student will graduate high school and succeed in a career, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies estimates that 28% of American adults perform at the lowest literacy proficiency level. Low levels of adult literacy in the U.S. are estimated to cost the nation as much as $2.2 trillion annually, According to a 2020 study by Gallup in partnership with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

In recognition of National Literacy Month, throughout the month of September, schools, libraries, non-profits, and other organizations will host a variety of activities, events, and free workshops highlighting the importance of building and strengthening literacy skills and the benefits of reading on healthy development.

Senator Reed is the author of the Right to Read Act (S.3365) which would ensure the nation's school libraries are fully-stocked and staffed by surging federal investments in support of increasing student literacy. Additionally, he helped write the bipartisan Adult Education WORKS Act (S.1400) to strengthen and expand access to adult education services aimed at increasing literacy rates and growing the economy.

Full text of the resolution can be found here.

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