IA 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. J. RES. 115 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 24, 2012 Mr. Larson of Connecticut (for himself and Mr. Clay) introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce JOINT RESOLUTION Supporting the establishment of a Presidential Youth Council.

Whereas the unique perspectives and insights of young people, especially young people who have previously participated in a public policy-related program, outreach initiative, internship, or fellowship opportunity, are essential to ensure that investments made by the Federal Government in youth services are effective and efficient; Whereas existing outreach and engagement mechanisms of the Federal Government are designed in ways that inhibit the participation, and lead to the underrepresentation, of young people in the policymaking process; and Whereas numerous Members of Congress, Governors, State legislatures, mayors, and city councils have created youth councils that have proven to be an effective means of receiving input from young people, which leads to more effective and efficient policies: Now, therefore, be it

That Congress— (1)calls on the President of the United States to establish a Presidential Youth Council to create recommendations that— (A)advise the President and the administration on the perspectives of young people; (B)make public policy-related youth programs more efficient and effective; and (C)address issues that will affect the long-term future of the United States; (2)recommends that the members of the Presidential Youth Council be young people who— (A)are to be appointed by leaders of the majority and minority parties in the House and the Senate, and the President; (B)are 16 to 24 years of age; (C)have participated in a public policy-related program, outreach initiative, internship, fellowship, or congressionally sponsored youth advisory council; (D)can constructively contribute to policy deliberations; (E)can conduct outreach to solicit the views and perspectives of peers; and (F)have backgrounds that reflect the racial, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity of the United States; and (3)recommends that the Presidential Youth Council as a whole undertake activities to solicit the unique views and perspectives of young people and bring those views and perspectives to the attention of the head of each department or agency of the Federal Government and Congress.