H. Res. 707 
In the House of Representatives, U. S., 
October 6, 2009. 
Whereas the literacy of its citizens is essential for the eco-
nomic well-being of the United States, our society, and 
the individuals who can benefit from full participation 
therein; 
Whereas literacy and education skills are a prerequisite to in-
dividuals reaping the full benefit of opportunities in the 
United States; 
Whereas the economy and our position in the world market-
place depend on having a literate, skilled population; 
Whereas the education skills of parents and reading to chil-
dren have a direct impact on the educational success of 
their children; 
Whereas, parental involvement is a key predictor of a child’s 
success, the level of parental involvement increases as the 
education level of the parent increases; 
Whereas parents in family literacy programs become more in-
volved in their children’s education and gain the tools 
necessary to obtain a job or find better employment; 
Whereas, as a result, children’s lives become more stable, and 
success in the classroom, and in all future endeavors, be-
comes more likely;
•HRES 707 EH 
Whereas studies show that two important factors that influ-
ence student achievement are the mother’s education level 
and poverty in the home, it is clear that if adults are not 
part of the learning equation, then there is no long-term 
solution to our Nation’s education challenges; 
Whereas many older people in the United States lack the 
reading, math, or English skills to read a prescription 
and follow medical instructions, endangering their lives 
and the lives of their loved ones; 
Whereas many individuals who are unemployed, under-
employed, or receive public assistance lack the literacy 
skills to obtain and keep a job with a family-sustaining 
income, continue their education, or participate in job 
training programs; 
Whereas many high school dropouts do not have the literacy 
skills to complete their education, transition to postsec-
ondary education or vocational training, or become em-
ployed; 
Whereas a large portion of those in prison have low edu-
cational skills, and prisoners without skills are more like-
ly to return to prison once released; 
Whereas many of our Nations’ immigrants do not have the 
literacy skills to succeed in their new home country; 
Whereas the National Assessment of Adult Literacy reports 
that 90,000,000 adults lack the literacy, numeracy, or 
English language skills to succeed at home, in the work-
place, and in society; 
Whereas National Adult Education and Family Literacy week 
highlights the need for our government to support efforts 
to ensure each and every citizen has the necessary lit-
•HRES 707 EH 
eracy skills to succeed at home, at work, and in society; 
and 
Whereas the week of October 18, 2009, would be an appro-
priate date to designate as National Adult Education and 
Family Literacy Week: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) supports the designation of National Adult Edu-
cation and Family Literacy Week, including raising pub-
lic awareness about the importance of adult education 
and family literacy; 
(2) encourages people across the United States to 
support programs to assist those in need of adult edu-
cation and family literacy programs; and 
(3) 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 organiza-
tions, community-based organizations, consumer advo-
cates, institutions of higher education, labor unions, and 
businesses to support increased access to adult education 
and family literacy programs to ensure a literate society. 
Attest: 
Clerk.