[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 453 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 453

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         June 10, 2009.
Whereas the AmeriCorps national service program, since its inception in 1994, 
        has proven to be a highly effective way to engage Americans in meeting a 
        wide range of local needs, national response directives, and promote the 
        ethic of service and volunteering;
Whereas, each year, AmeriCorps provides opportunities for 75,000 citizens across 
        the Nation to give back in an intensive way to their communities, 
        States, and to the Nation;
Whereas those same individuals have improved the lives of the Nation's most 
        vulnerable citizens, protect the environment, contribute to public 
        safety, respond to disasters, and strengthen the educational system;
Whereas AmeriCorps members, after their terms of service end, remain engaged in 
        their communities as volunteers, teachers, and nonprofit professionals 
        in disproportionately high levels;
Whereas AmeriCorps members serve thousands of nonprofit organizations, schools, 
        and faith-based and community organizations each year;
Whereas, on April 21, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy 
        Serve America Act, passed by bipartisan majorities in both the House and 
        the Senate, which reauthorizes and expands AmeriCorps programs to 
        incorporate 250,000 volunteers each year;
Whereas national service programs have engaged millions of Americans in results-
        driven service in the Nation's most vulnerable communities, providing 
        hope and help to people facing economic and social needs;
Whereas, this year, as the economic downturn puts millions of Americans at risk, 
        national service and volunteering are more important than ever; and
Whereas 2009s AmeriCorps Week, observed May 9 through May 16, provides the 
        perfect opportunity for AmeriCorps members, alums, grantees, program 
        partners, and friends to shine a spotlight on the work done by members--
        and to motivate more Americans to serve their communities: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) encourages all citizens to join in a national effort to salute 
        AmeriCorps members and alumni, and raise awareness about the importance 
        of national and community service;
            (2) acknowledges the significant accomplishments of the AmeriCorps 
        members, alumni, and community partners;
            (3) recognizes the important contributions to the lives of our 
        citizens by AmeriCorps members; and
            (4) encourages citizens of all ages and backgrounds and from each 
        state to consider serving in AmeriCorps.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.