Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) this week reintroduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development (READ) Act through 2026 to ensure children around the world have access to quality basic education.

            “The global investment in children’s education gives society’s youngest members—and future leaders of our world—the knowledge and opportunities needed to make positive advancements in their own communities and work toward societies that are less prone to conflict and corruption,” said Smith.

            Cosponsored by Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), the bill fosters sustainable basic education for all children—especially marginalized children and vulnerable groups—through coordination, oversight, monitoring and evaluation.

            “Millions of children around the world are out of school and without access to basic education,” said Meng, a Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. “I am proud to join Rep. Chris Smith in working to reauthorize the READ Act to ensure the U.S. continues its work to promote basic education in some of the most challenging parts of the world. Access to basic education is a human right, and it helps ensure children—particularly marginalized children—have the tools to succeed in life. I look forward to the speedy passage of this bipartisan legislation.”

            “Our legislation recognizes and facilitates partnerships with parents who are the primary educators of our children,” Smith continued. “It will also enhance US collaboration with partner countries, the private sector, and non-government organizations—including faith-based organizations that are active in many countries where state agencies do not exist—to promote basic education in some of the world’s most challenging places.”

            “Access to high quality foundational learning is one of the most decisive levers in the fight against poverty,” said Dr. Joanne Carter, Executive Director of RESULTS. “The READ Act Reauthorization can enshrine the U.S.’s commitment to education as a basic human right and will help propel a much-needed reversal in the educational progress lost during the height of COVID-19. RESULTS grassroots advocates are grateful to Congressman Smith and Congresswoman Meng for their committed leadership on this legislation, and we call upon Congress to take swift action to pass the READ Act Reauthorization into law.”

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