[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 172 (Wednesday, December 12, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H9244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORT CALL TO SERVICE ACT
(Mr. OSBORNE asked and was given permission to address the House for
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. OSBORNE. Mr. Speaker, since the events of September 11, our
country has witnessed a surge of patriotism and a desire to serve. This
morning the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Ford) and I introduced the
Call to Service Act which attempts to harness some of this energy.
I would like to emphasize three parts of this act which are
particularly noteworthy. Number one, the act provides service
opportunities all across the country, particularly in rural and
underserved areas. An example is incentives for teachers to stay in
rural and underserved areas.
Secondly, the act creates a new short-term military service category:
18 months of active duty and 18 months of reserve duty. These troops
will provide security at airports, bridges, nuclear facilities, and our
Nation's borders. They would also provide technical assistance in case
of a health emergency caused by bioterrorism.
Lastly, the Call to Service Act will create thousands of
opportunities to provide mentoring and tutoring for children who are
desperately in need of a caring adult role model. Senior citizens will
be especially helpful in this endeavor.
Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support the Call to Service Act.
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