In the light of recent initiatives, new questions have arisen regarding the federal role in literacy. Although federal adult literacy efforts have been ineffective, the link between literacy and the productivity of the work force may justify a stronger national investment in literacy. Among the major federally supported literacy programs are the Adult Basic Education matching grants to state and local programs, Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act, Even Start, Job Training Partnership Act, Indian Education Act, Library Services Act, Department of Justice, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), Adult Education for the Homeless, Family Support Act, Food Stamp Program, Higher Education Act, and the Workplace Literacy section of the Adult Education Act. Other political initiatives include the Jump Start report and the establishment of the Barbara Bush Foundation for intergenerational literacy efforts. Criticisms of various initiatives include disagreement with Jump Start's premises that more can be done with not much more money and that emphasis should be on leadership from the top. Three primary needs at the federal level are (1) enhancing the quality and accountability of adult literacy programs; (2) establishing labor force development as a goal of Adult Education Act programs; and (3) increasing financial support for adult literacy in all sectors. (A listing of questions to ask focuses on looking at reports of programs and checking on current program activities. Addresses and telephone numbers are listed for 10 sources of information in the area of federal initiatives on literacy.) (CML)