MENG, QUIGLEY, AND FITZPATRICK INTRODUCE RESOLUTION AFFIRMING U.S. SUPPORT FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION ACCESS IN HONOR OF INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, on the International Day of Education, U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-NY), New York's senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Mike Quigley (D-IL), Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan International Basic Education Caucus, and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Co-Chair of the International Basic Education Caucus, announced that they introduced a bipartisan resolution reaffirming U.S. support for access to quality, inclusive public education for children and young people, especially girls, around the world.

The resolution highlights how access to education helps make our world safer, more peaceful, healthier, and more economically secure. It provides children and young people with critical foundations that increase their economic potential, prevent disease through basic hygiene like handwashing, avoid unexploded bombs, and lead to a stronger and more stable future for themselves and their communities.

Access to education disproportionately impacts girls, who are 2.5 times more likely to be out of school in emergency settings and are less likely to return. Without it they are more vulnerable to trafficking, child marriage, and adolescent pregnancy.

In 2023, U.S. global education programs administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) reached more than 44 million learners at all levels of education. Despite work from the U.S. to date, much remains to be done. Three out of four children in low- and middle-income countries cannot read and understand a simple text. In 2024, nearly half of all school-aged refugee children were out of school. However, every dollar invested in their education generates as much as $2.80 in return, creating billions in additional GDP growth.

In recognition of the United States' role in addressing the challenges students face to accessing education across the globe, the resolution calls for:

• The U.S. Government to integrate education in all humanitarian response efforts, both bilateral and multilateral;
• The U.S. Government to meet its various commitments to international basic education through its annual budget requests; and
• The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to use all means at its disposal to promote access to quality education, globally, and commit to prioritizing quality and inclusive public education for children and youth - especially girls and those with disabilities - in emergency and crisis settings.

"Quality education should be a fundamental right. However, millions of children around the world still lack basic access," said Congresswoman Meng. "Foundational learning is essential to reducing poverty, building peace and prosperity, and creating a stronger economic future worldwide, especially for millions of women and girls. On the International Day of Education, I am honored to lead a bipartisan resolution with Representatives Quigley and Fitzpatrick, underscoring our shared commitment to supporting U.S. leadership that ensures students have the educational tools they need to succeed. I urge our colleagues in the House, as well as the new administration, to support this resolution and realize its goal and values."

"On International Day of Education, I'm proud to stand with my colleagues in reinforcing the importance of education across the world. I know firsthand how life-changing education can be, and we must make it clear that the United States has a duty to ensure access to quality education in the developing world," said Congressman Quigley.

"Access to education is not just a pathway to opportunity-it is the bedrock of global stability, economic prosperity, and lasting peace. Meaningful progress on an international scale requires steadfast alliances, and our partnership with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) is pivotal. Congress must remain united in its bipartisan support for the GPE, ensuring that quality education reaches every corner of the globe. This resolution reaffirms our unwavering commitment to empowering every child, regardless of their circumstances, with the tools they need to learn, thrive, and shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities," said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

"Far too many children, particularly girls, are still denied access to quality basic education. Without action, millions of children could miss out on the foundational learning that is their right," said Dr. Joanne Carter, Executive Director of RESULTS. "By investing in foundational learning and the right to education for every child, the U.S. strengthens the global effort against poverty and helps ensure every child has access to the quality learning that they deserve. As a network of grassroots advocates, RESULTS and our partners support the International Day of Education and urge bold continued U.S. commitments to global education."

"The Global Campaign for Education-US welcomes the introduction of this bipartisan resolution affirming the important role the U.S. plays in providing access to quality education around the world," said Giulia McPherson, Executive Director. "As global challenges become more and more complex, this resolution reminds us that education is fundamental to ensuring that the U.S. and our partners remain safer, stronger, and more prosperous. U.S. leadership is needed now more than ever to protect critical education programs that have transformed lives and served as the building blocks for long-term progress. We thank Representatives Meng, Fitzpatrick, and Quigley for championing this issue, and look forward to working with them and their colleagues in the 119th Congress to advance this important work."

"Today, on International Day of Education, more than ever, we emphasize the importance of access to quality education. The Basic Education Coalition applauds Reps. Meng, Fitzpatrick, and Quigley for their valued leadership on international education by introducing this bipartisan resolution affirming the role of the U.S. in improving access to quality education globally," said Heather Simpson and Eric Eversmann, Co-Chairs of the Basic Education Coalition. "Investing in education has a high-impact ripple effect, as it also advances economic prosperity, bolsters peace and security, reduces poverty, and strengthens public health. We look forward to continued collaboration with Congress, alongside the Trump administration, to make the goals of this resolution a reality."

"Building on the reauthorization of the READ Act last year, we thank Congress for its longstanding bipartisan support and look forward to continued engagement to advance quality inclusive education for children and adolescents around the globe," said Michael J. Nyenhuis, UNICEF USA CEO and President. "Education access strengthens economies and reduces inequality. It contributes to more stable, resilient societies that give all individuals the opportunity to fulfill their potential."

"Save the Children thanks Congresswoman Meng, Congressman Fitzpatrick, and Congressman Quigley for their reintroduction of this resolution and for their continued and tireless leadership on access to education for children impacted by conflict and disaster globally," said Allison Dembeck, Head of Policy, Save the Children. Education during an emergency is lifesaving for children, providing children with a sense of normalcy and support, opportunities to learn and grow, and a safe place to be kids, despite the uncertainty that a conflict or disaster can bring."

"Access to quality education is essential for lifting children out of poverty, protecting them from exploitation, and empowering generations of youth," said Robert Zachritz, Vice President of Advocacy at World Vision US. "Yet, there are still more than 250 million children out of school around the world. That is why World Vision is supporting this resolution to affirm the United States' role in improving access to quality education globally. This resolution is an important step toward making sure that all children, no matter where they live, have access to an education."

Cosponsors of Meng, Quigley, and Fitzpatrick's measure include: Reps. Joyce Beatty, Sanford Bishop, Susan Bonamici, Troy Carter, Ed Case, Yvette Clarke, Steve Cohen, Debbie Dingell, Dwight Evans, Raúl Grijalva, Jahana Hayes, Chrissy Houlahan, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ted Lieu, Jim McGovern, LaMonica McIver, Seth Moulton, Eleanor Norton-Holmes, Ilhan Omar, Linda Sánchez, Jan Schakowsky, Dina Titus, Jill Tokuda, Nydia Velázquez, and Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.

The bipartisan resolution is endorsed by RESULTS, Global Campaign for Education-US, Basic Education Coalition, UNICEF-USA, Save the Children, and World Vision.

A copy of the resolution is available here.

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