Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) today recognized the 9th Annual Read Across America Day, an annual reading motivation and awareness program to celebrate reading and literacy on March 2, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss. The National Education Association supports the program and expects over 45 million children and adults to participate today.

"Reading and writing are fundamentally important life skills and that’s why we’re celebrating how important it is to read," said Congressman Cuellar. "Children and adults can expand the world around them by making reading a daily routine."

National Read Across America Day recognizes how motivating children to read is an important factor in academic achievement. As a long-time literacy advocate, Congressman Cuellar believes education is one of the greatest equalizers in society.

"Reading plays a pivotal role in building the foundation for academic success," said Congressman Cuellar. "The more we can do to help our children read, the more opportunities they’ll have in the future. This is a community-wide priority to advance literacy among our youth."

Since coming to Congress, Congressman Cuellar has collected books of all kinds in his congressional offices to distribute to local public schools, libraries and youth organizations. Books include: children’s books, text books, study guides, books for young adults and families. Approximately, 50-100 books are collected weekly throughout Congressman Cuellar’s district.

To learn more about donating books locally, please call Congressman Cuellar’s Washington D.C. office at (202) 225-1640. To learn about National Read Across America Day, please visit: http://www.nea.org/readacross/
 
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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Government Oversight & Reform Committees in the 111th Congress. Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.