Chairman Cassidy, Reed, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Recognizing September 2026 as National Literacy Month

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing September 2026 as National Literacy Month.

"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 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."

Cassidy and Reed are joined by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Martin Heinrich (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).

Background:

The 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results reveal the lowest average 12th-grade reading scores since the exam began in 1992. As Chairman, Cassidy is leading efforts to improve literacy and ensure children with dyslexia have the resources they need to reach their potential.

His 21^st Century Dyslexia Act which advanced out of committee in July would improve diagnoses for individuals with dyslexia and enhance access to evidence-based interventions and resources. Cassidy also introduced the bipartisan Reading Excellence and Achievement for Development (READ) Act, improving literacy instruction, requiring early literacy screening, and empowering states, local communities, and parents with more resources. Additionally, Cassidy led a roundtable discussion with parents to support students with dyslexia.

Full text of the resolution can be found here.