Senate Passes READ Act
Washington, DC, August 2, 2017 — RESULTS applauds the Senate for passing the READ Act, legislation that will improve the lives of millions of children around the world who don’t have access to a quality education.
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 or emergencies. In addition, the bill will strengthen the accountability and transparency of global education programs to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely.
Joanne Carter, Executive Director of RESULTS and RESULTS Educational Fund, commended the efforts of the bill’s lead sponsors, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), as well as RESULTS and other advocates around the country.
“The READ Act demonstrates that bipartisan leadership is alive and well in Washington, and that citizen advocacy is powerful,” Carter said. “This legislation is a remarkable achievement and will help to ensure that all children, especially the most vulnerable, have access to a quality education. We urge the president to sign this bill as soon as it reaches his desk.”
The READ Act passed the House of Representatives in January, where it was led by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA). The Senate passed the House version of the bill, with minor amendments. The legislation will still need to be taken up again by the House in September for final passage.
“There is no greater force multiplier in foreign aid than education,” said Rep. Lowey after the Senate passage of the bill. “Prioritizing education around the world will not only help students learn to read and write—it will ultimately help protect vulnerable children from poverty, disease, hunger, and even extremism. Simply put, we cannot build the world we want for ourselves, and for future generations, without making education the center of our efforts.”
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. Volunteers and staff multiply their impact through the enormous power of advocacy.
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.
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