III 115th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 79 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 2, 2017 Ms. Collins (for herself, Mr. Reed , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Carper , Mr. Cochran , Mr. Durbin , Mr. Markey , Mr. Tillis , and Mrs. Capito ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating March 2, 2017, as Read Across America Day .

Whereas reading is a basic requirement for quality education and professional success and a source of pleasure throughout life; Whereas the people of the United States must be able to read if the United States is to remain competitive in the global economy; Whereas Congress has placed great emphasis on reading intervention and providing additional resources for reading assistance, including through the programs authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) and through annual appropriations for library and literacy programs; and Whereas more than 50 national organizations concerned about reading and education have joined with the National Education Association to designate March 2, the anniversary of the birth of Theodor Geisel (commonly known as Dr. Seuss ), as a day to celebrate reading: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1) designates March 2, 2017, as Read Across America Day ; (2) honors— (A) Theodor Geisel (commonly known as Dr. Seuss ) for his success in encouraging children to discover the joy of reading; and (B) the 20th anniversary of Read Across America Day; and (3) encourages— (A) parents to read with their children for at least 30 minutes on Read Across America Day in honor of the commitment of the Senate to building a country of readers; and (B) the people of the United States to observe Read Across America Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.