To declare it to be the policy of the United States that there should be a renewed and sustained commitment by the Federal Government and the American people to the importance of adult education.
PL 102-74 (H.J.Res.279), enacted 07/26/1991

PUBLIC LAW 102-74—JULY 26, 1991 
105 STAT. 363 
Public Law 102-74 
102d Congress-
Joint Resolution 
To declare it to be the policy of the United States that there should be a renewed and 
j ^ 
og 1991 
sustained commitment by the Federal Grovemment and the American people to the 
' 
importance of adult education. 
[H.J. Res. 279] 
Whereas a well educated citizenry is the foundation of democracy, 
the people of all ages should use every means available to gain 
knowledge and skills; 
Whereas the Adult Education Act offers educational opportunities 
for out-of-school adults age 16 and older who lack the literacy 
levels needed for effective citizenship and productive employment; 
Whereas the Adult Education Act serves adults who need to acquire 
basic and life skills, to continue their education through second-
ary school, and to attain literacy levels required to secure employ-
ment or occupational training; 
Whereas the Adult Education Act puts special emphasis on such 
adult populations as the incarcerated, individuals of limited Eng-
lish proficiency, adults with disabilities, adult immigrants, the 
chronically unemployed, homeless adults, the institutionalized, 
and minorities; 
Whereas the Adult Education Act has provided adult basic, adult 
secondary, and English-as-a-Second-Language instruction to over 
40,000,000 men and women since 1966; 
Whereas the Adult Education Act has initiated programs located 
throughout the 57 States and territories, in urban, suburban, and 
rural settings; 
Whereas the Adult Education Act encourages the participation of 
over 94,000 volunteers who selflessly devote their time to educat-
ing adults in need of literacy instruction; 
Whereas the Adult Education Act supports the national goal that 
every adult American will be literate and will possess the knowl-
edge and skill necessary to compete in a global economy and 
exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship; 
Whereas the Adult Education Act reinforces the principle that we 
are a nation of students and recognizes that learning is a lifelong 
process; 
Whereas on November 3, 1966, the Adult Education Act was signed 
into law; and 
Whereas the Congress supports the Adult Education Act's goal of 
educating adults so that they can lead fulfilling, more productive 
lives: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled. That it is the 
policy of the United States that— 
105 STAT. 364 
PUBLIC LAW 102-74—JULY 26, 1991 
(1) the 25th anniversary of Federal aid to improve the basic 
and literacy skills of adults through the Adult Education Act 
should be recognized and observed by the Nation; and 
(2) there should be a continued commitment to Federal aid for 
educating adults through the Adult Education Act in order to 
increase adult literacy and assure a productive workforce and a 
competitive America in the 21st century. 
Approved July 26,1991. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 279: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 137 (1991): 
July 9, considered and passed House. 
July 11, considered and passed Senate.