WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Gary Loomis (R-OH), 61, stood before a crowd of reporters Tuesday to deliver what his office described as “a defining moment in his legislative legacy,” expressing full-throated support for the National Adult Literacy Partnership Act — a program he voted to defund on three separate occasions, most recently in 2022.

Loomis, visibly moved, called the initiative “a lifeline for working families across this great nation” and announced he had signed on as a co-sponsor of the bill’s reauthorization. His office confirmed he did not recognize it as the same program. A staffer described the situation as “an ongoing discovery.”

“I’ve always believed in this work,” Loomis told reporters. “Some things are just bigger than politics.”

“Some things are just bigger than politics.” — Rep. Gary Loomis, who voted against this program’s funding in three consecutive Congresses

Loomis’s chief of staff, Renata Phelps, 38, said the congressman’s support was “entirely genuine” and declined to comment on the voting record, which is publicly available. A copy of the record was faxed to his office by a constituent in 2023. Phelps confirmed the fax was received.

The bill’s original sponsor, Rep. Diane Calloway (D-MA), said she was “grateful for the support” and had decided not to ask further questions. She was described by colleagues as “pragmatic.”

At press time, Loomis had issued a statement calling the literacy program “a fresh, bold idea whose time has finally come.”