[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 14 (Tuesday, January 24, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             CALLING FOR A RENEWED COMMITMENT TO AMERICORPS

  (Mr. WARD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. WARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the President in 
his efforts to strengthen our communities and enable young Americans to 
further their education through the National Service Program, 
AmeriCorps.
  As a former Peace Corps volunteer, I know the value of serving our 
community here in the United States as well as around the world.
  Despite its short existence, President Clinton's National Service 
Program has already achieved remarkable results in terms of 
participation, serving our communities, and extending the invaluable 
benefits of higher education to tens of thousands of young Americans.
  In my hometown of Louisville, the 22 volunteers of the ACME Program, 
which is affiliated with AmeriCorps, serves at-risk youths in local 
schools through safety and education programs. Also in Kentucky, 
AmeriCorps sponsors a housing and homeless program. This program seeks 
to provide affordable housing for those in need.
  I believe that programs such as AmeriCorps can only make our Nation 
stronger and bring our people closer. Mr. Speaker, I call for a renewed 
commitment to AmeriCorps.


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