Expressing support for the importance of Braille in the lives of blind people.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1034) expressing support for designation of July 2010 as ``Braille Literacy Month'', as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 1034 into the Record.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1034, which recognizes the importance of braille in the lives of blind people. We know that education is the key to success and that every American deserves an equal opportunity to a good education. Literacy, or the ability to read and write, is the key to this education.

Braille has been a recognized reading and writing code for the blind since its invention by Louis Braille in 1821. Braille translates to most written languages, and it is even used in converting figures in the areas of math, science, and music. Braille code has improved the lives of blind people by facilitating quick access to information and technology resources. It has even given blind persons the ability to read and write simultaneously.

Despite the freedom that comes from learning braille, fewer than 10 percent of the 1.3 million people who are legally blind in the United States are braille readers. According to the American Printing House for the Blind, there are approximately 58,000 legally blind children in the United States, but only 10 percent of these children are learning the code. This resolution honors, celebrates, and encourages the learning of braille, but it also recognizes the need for more education in the teaching of braille so that America's blind children can learn this important code.

In 2006, Congress recognized the importance of braille by passing the Louis Braille Bicentennial-Braille Literacy Commemorative Coin Act. This act authorizes the striking of a United States silver dollar, marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, and emphasizes the connection between the learning of braille and the empowerment of blind people everywhere. A portion of the sale of each coin goes towards a braille literacy campaign that will help provide more blind youth and adults with access to this important code.

Mr. Speaker, let us continue to emphasize the importance of learning

braille by supporting House Resolution 1034. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, which celebrates braille and which pays much needed attention to braille literacy in America.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume the sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes).

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that the House move in favor of H. Res. 1034.

With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, literacy is a fundamental building block for individuals to thrive in our society and in a constantly changing world. Literacy can have an impact on an individual's ability to be self-sufficient, and it is essential in overcoming social and economic barriers. Low literacy skills, on the other hand, are associated with poor health, lower income levels, and social exclusion.

Braille is an internationally recognized method of reading and writing for the blind community and is the key to literacy. It provides the blind community with the tools they need to succeed and to improve their lives. Yet braille literacy has declined to 10 percent in the United States compared to 50 percent in the 1960s.

House Resolution 1034, which I was proud to introduce and which has cosponsorship among both Republicans and Democrats, recognizes the importance of braille for success and adult independence. Studies show that braille literacy leads to higher educational levels, better employment, and increased financial independence. While 70 percent of blind adults face unemployment, 85 percent of those who are employed are able to read and write braille fluently.

I am pleased to have worked with the National Federation of the Blind in developing this resolution that calls attention to the need for a renewed commitment to braille literacy. The National Federation of the Blind, which is the Nation's largest blind membership organization and is headquartered in my congressional district, helps blind persons achieve self-confidence and self-respect, and it acts as a vehicle for collective self-expression by the blind community. The NFB has been a champion of braille literacy over the years, and I would like to congratulate them on their efforts.

Mr. Speaker, literacy provides individuals with basic life skills that can lead to access to higher educational opportunities and economic success. By promoting literacy within all communities, we can help our Nation and its citizens reach their full potential. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this resolution.