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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H. Res. 1467 Introduced in House (IH)]
118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1467
Expressing support for the recognition of October 2024 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month".
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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 18, 2024
Mr. Westerman (for himself, Mr. Bucshon, Ms. Brownley, Ms. Kuster, Mr. Hill, Mr. Fitzpatrick, and Mrs. Houchin) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce
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RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the recognition of October 2024 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month".
Whereas dyslexia is--
(1) defined as an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader; and
(2) most commonly caused by a difficulty in phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, and spell;
Whereas the First Step Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-391; 132 Stat. 5194) included a definition of dyslexia as part of the requirement of the Act to screen inmates for dyslexia upon intake in Federal prisons; Whereas the definition of dyslexia in section 3635 of title 18, United States Code, as added by section 101(a) of the First Step Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-391; 132 Stat. 5195), is the first and only definition of dyslexia in a Federal statute; Whereas dyslexia is the most common learning disability and affects 80 to 90 percent of all individuals with a learning disability; Whereas dyslexia is persistent and highly prevalent, affecting as many as 1 out of every 5 individuals; Whereas dyslexia is a paradox, in that an individual with dyslexia may have both--
(1) weaknesses in decoding that result in difficulties in accurate or fluent word recognition; and
(2) strengths in higher level cognitive functions, such as reasoning, critical thinking, concept formation, and problem solving;
Whereas great progress has been made in understanding dyslexia on a scientific level, including the epidemiology and cognitive and neurobiological bases of dyslexia; Whereas the achievement gap between typical readers and dyslexic readers occurs as early as first grade; Whereas early screening for, and early diagnosis of, dyslexia are critical for ensuring that individuals with dyslexia receive focused, evidence-based intervention that leads to fluent reading, the promotion of self- awareness and self-empowerment, and the provision of necessary accommodations that ensure success in school and in life; and Whereas October 2024 is an appropriate month to designate as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month": Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) calls on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize that dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed; and (2) supports the designation of "National Dyslexia Awareness Month".