IntroducedIntroduced Jan 29, 2025

S.RES. 45: A resolution supporting the contributions of Catholic schools in the United States and celebrating the 51st annual National Catholic Schools Week.

This legislation was introduced in the on 2025-01-29. It currently has a status of Introduced.

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AI Short Summary

This resolution expresses support for the goals of National Catholic Schools Week and recognizes the academic, moral, and community contributions of Catholic schools across the United States.

Education Commemorations

Sponsors

Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]

Primary Sponsor (R-MO)

This resolution expresses the U.S. Senate's support for the contributions of Catholic schools in the United States and recognizes the week of January 26, 2025, through February 1, 2025, as "National Catholic Schools Week."

Summary Senate Resolution 45 (S. Res. 45) is a simple, non-binding resolution designed to honor and celebrate the academic, moral, and civic contributions of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the United States. Co-sponsored by Senators Eric Schmitt and Tim Kaine, the resolution acknowledges the role these institutions play in educating a diverse student population and marks the 51st annual National Catholic Schools Week.

Key Provisions Because S. Res. 45 is a simple resolution rather than a bill, it does not draft new laws or allocate federal funding. Instead, it formally declares that the Senate:

Supports the goals of National Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Applauds the 2025 theme, "Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community," which emphasizes the collaborative educational environment involving students, parents, and local communities.
Recognizes the dedication of Catholic school students, parents, and teachers to academic excellence and their role in supporting a stronger future for the country.
Cites key statistics regarding Catholic education in the United States, including an enrollment of approximately 1,700,000 students, a 10-to-1 student-teacher ratio, a 98.9% graduation rate, and a diverse student makeup (including 29.4% from racial minority backgrounds and 20.8% from non-Catholic families).

Impact Analysis

No Legal or Financial Changes: As a simple resolution that has been agreed to by the Senate, this measure does not carry the force of law, does not change existing federal education policies, and does not authorize any public funding for private or religious education.
Public Recognition and Validation: The resolution serves as a formal gesture of appreciation from the federal government, validating the efforts of Catholic educators, families, and administrators. It highlights their contributions to community service, high graduation rates, and academic achievement.
Support for School Choice Advocacy: By formally recognizing Catholic schools as affordable and high-performing options, particularly in underserved urban areas, the resolution aligns with broader public discussions regarding educational diversity and school choice.

Co-Sponsors (1)

Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

Co-Sponsor (D-VA)

Bill Rendering

119 SRES 45 ATS: Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools in the United States and celebrating the 51st annual National Catholic Schools Week. U.S. Senate2025-01-29text/xmlENPursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III

119th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. RES. 45

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

January 29, 2025 Mr. Schmitt (for himself and Mr. Kaine) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools in the United States and celebrating the 51st annual National Catholic Schools Week.

Whereas Catholic schools in the United States are internationally acclaimed for their academic excellence and provide approximately 1,700,000 students with more than an exceptional scholastic education;

Whereas Catholic schools instill a broad, values-added education emphasizing the lifelong development of moral, intellectual, physical, and social values in young people in the United States;

Whereas Catholic schools serve the United States by providing a diverse student population from all regions of the United States and all socioeconomic backgrounds with a strong academic and moral foundation, including 29.4 percent of students from racial minority backgrounds, 18.8 percent from Hispanic heritage, and 20.8 percent from non-Catholic families, according to the 2023–2024 National Catholic Education Association survey of elementary and secondary Catholic schools in the United States;

Whereas Catholic schools are an affordable option for parents, particularly in underserved urban areas;

Whereas Catholic schools produce students who are strongly dedicated to their faith, values, families, and communities by providing an intellectually stimulating environment that promotes spiritual, character, and moral development;

Whereas Catholic schools are committed to community service, producing graduates who hold "helping others" among their core values;

Whereas the total Catholic school student enrollment for the 2023–2024 academic year is 1,700,000, and the student-teacher ratio is 10 to 1, according to the 2023–2024 National Catholic Education Association survey of elementary and secondary Catholic schools in the United States;

Whereas the Catholic high school graduation rate is 98.9 percent, with 85.2 percent of graduates attending 4-year colleges;

Whereas the week of January 26, 2025, to February 1, 2025, has been designated as "National Catholic Schools Week" by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; and

Whereas the theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2025 is "Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community", which reflects the fact that Catholic schools, united in their faith, expand beyond the walls of the classroom to envelop the parents and families of students as integral parts of the school community: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate—

(1)

supports the goals of National Catholic Schools Week, an event—

(A)

cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; and

(B)

established to recognize the vital contributions of the thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the United States;

(2)

applauds the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on their selection of the theme "Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community", which is a theme that all can celebrate; and

(3)

supports—

(A)

the dedication of Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers across the United States toward academic excellence; and

(B)

the key role they play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for the United States.

Official Source

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