READ Act Becomes Law

Washington, DC, September 12, 2017 — The READ Act, legislation that will help millions of vulnerable children around the world access a quality education, has been signed into law.

The READ Act (Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development Act, H.R. 601) will ensure that U.S. investments in global basic education are having the greatest impact, while also advancing quality education services for children affected by conflict and emergencies.  In addition, the bill will strengthen the accountability and transparency of global education programs to help ensure that every dollar is spent effectively.

“This remarkable victory was made possible by the persistent efforts of RESULTS advocates and partners across the country, as well as strong bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate,” said Joanne Carter, Executive Director of RESULTS.

Carter praised Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA), and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), for leading efforts on the legislation in the House and Senate, respectively.

Carter urged Congress and the Administration to build on progress with the READ Act and now turn their attention to a new plan to give 25 million more children the quality education they deserve through the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). GPE is the only partnership of its kind dedicated exclusively to education in the world’s lowest-income and most fragile countries. It leverages the support of donor countries and major investment by low-income countries themselves to advance access to education for the most vulnerable children.

While the White House signaled its intention earlier this year to drastically slash funding for global education and other international anti-poverty programs, Congress has fortunately pushed back to protect these critical programs against cuts. Now, a new bipartisan resolution calls on the U.S. government to make a bold financial commitment to GPE’s multi-year strategy.

The READ Act, which had already passed both chambers earlier this year, later became the legislative vehicle for emergency supplemental funding for disaster relief, a short term continuing resolution funding the government, and a debt ceiling increase. It was signed into law on Friday, September 8.

About RESULTS and RESULTS Educational Fund:

RESULTS supports a movement of passionate, committed everyday people using their voices to influence political decisions that will bring an end to poverty. Our movement of volunteers is backed by a staff of researchers, policy analysts, and legislative and media experts. Our shared goal is the end of poverty. We have affiliates and partners across five continents, and a network of volunteers in all 50 states and worldwide. We’re a non-partisan advocacy group comprised of RESULTS Educational Fund, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and RESULTS, a nonprofit 501(c)4 grassroots lobbying organization.

Media Contact:

Colin Smith
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