House Passes READ Act

Washington, DC, February 3, 2017 — Last week, the House of Representatives passed the READ Act, legislation to improve the lives of children around the world who don’t have access to a quality education.

The READ Act (Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development, or H.R. 601) will strengthen the accountability and transparency of U.S. global basic education programs to ensure our investments are having the greatest impact and are advancing quality education services for girls and for children affected by conflict or emergencies.

“We are thrilled that the READ Act has passed the House. This is thanks to the hard work of many people, especially the bill’s lead sponsors, Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA), and committed advocates across the country,” said Dr. Joanne Carter, Executive Director of RESULTS and RESULTS Educational Fund.

“We know that investing to ensure all children, especially the most vulnerable, have access to a quality education provides enormous benefits across society. From ending intergenerational poverty to reducing girls’ vulnerability to HIV and early marriage, education is one of our most powerful tools,” said Carter. “Countries themselves invest the great majority of money for education, and the U.S. plays a vital role in supporting them. This important legislation will help fill critical gaps and increase the impact of U.S. investments, and it’s time for the Senate to make sure it becomes law.”

Rep. Lowey said in a statement that “prioritizing children’s access to education around the world strengthens our national security and global leadership. Simply put, we cannot build the world we want for ourselves, and for future generations, without making education the center of our efforts.”

Rep. Reichert added that “helping these children receive a basic education is not only the right thing to do, but will also give them skills to care for their families, improve their own health outcomes, contribute positively to their communities, and foster more stability in conflict-prone regions.”

About RESULTS and RESULTS Educational Fund:

RESULTS and RESULTS Educational Fund are sister organizations that, together, are a leading force in ending poverty in the United States and around the world. We create long-term solutions to poverty by supporting programs that address its root causes — lack of access to health, education, or opportunity to move up the economic ladder. We empower ordinary people to become extraordinary voices for the end of poverty in their communities, the media, and the halls of government.

Media Contact:

Colin Smith
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