Van Hollen, Petri, Walz Introduce Bipartisan Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act

Press Release

Today, Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI), and Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN) announced the introduction of the Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act (H.R. 885), legislation that would help all young people acquire the vital global knowledge they need to compete in today's rapidly-changing and competitive global economy.

In order to compete, Americans must know and understand the countries and cultures that could become our economic and political partners. Additionally, the Department of Labor identifies geotechnology as one of the three fastest-growing employment fields. However, Americans ranked second to last in a survey of geographic literacy among young adults aged 18 through 24. This legislation would provide dedicated federal funding to programs that seek to improve geography education. The bulk of the funding would support the training of geography educators across the country and provide grants to promote geography research.

"Geographic literacy plays an important role in our nation's economic competitiveness and national security," said Congressman Van Hollen. "By improving our children's understanding of the relationships between countries and cultures, we prepare them to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world."

Congressman Petri said, "If we want America to be safe and prosperous, we need our young people to know about the countries of the world, where they are and how the people there live. Geography is a basic discipline for anyone with a good education."

"As a geography teacher on leave from Mankato West High School while I serve in Congress, I am proud to co-sponsor the Teaching Geography is Fundamental Act," said Congressman Walz. "It is important for our students to understand other countries and cultures in order for them to compete in a global economy. This legislation will ensure schools have the resources to improve student achievement and increase teacher training."

"The National Geographic Society commends Congressman Van Hollen for his continuing leadership on geographic education in American public schools," said Gil Grosvenor, Chairman of the National Geographic Education Foundation. "Congressman Van Hollen, Congressman Petri, and Congressman Walz are demonstrating their understanding of how important geographic literacy is for 21st century Americans. Understanding how the world works and how to analyze geographic problems is a critical job skill in the modern world and is essential knowledge for participation in the democratic process at all levels from local to national."

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