[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 61 (Tuesday, April 17, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H3432-H3434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS HIGHLIGHTED THROUGH NATIONAL VOLUNTEER 
                                  WEEK

  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 293) supporting the goals and ideals 
highlighted through National Volunteer Week.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 293

       Whereas National Volunteer Week will be observed during the 
     week of April 15 through 21, 2007;
       Whereas the National Volunteer Week theme, ``Inspire By 
     Example'', truly reflects the power volunteers have to 
     inspire the people they help and to inspire others to serve;
       Whereas about 61.2 million people volunteered through or 
     for an organization at least once between September 2005 and 
     September 2006, according to a recent survey by the United 
     States Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the proportion of 
     people who volunteered was 26.7 percent, more than a quarter 
     of the total United States population;
       Whereas the estimated dollar value of volunteer time was 
     $18.04 in 2005, according to the latest information provided 
     by Independent Sector, a nonpartisan leadership forum, and 
     the coalition estimates the value of volunteer time for 2005 
     to be $280 billion;
       Whereas volunteers have contributed to the enhancement and 
     improvement of communities across the United States, 
     especially with respect to the aftermath of the hurricanes on 
     the Gulf Coast; and
       Whereas National Volunteer Week will continue to build 
     awareness of the role that volunteers play in local, 
     national, and international communities, and their commitment 
     and dedication to improving lives, strengthening communities, 
     and fostering civic engagement through service and 
     volunteering: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals highlighted through 
     National Volunteer Week;
       (2) acknowledges the diligent efforts of our major 
     federally funded community service and volunteer programs;
       (3) recognizes with gratitude the contributions of the 
     millions of dedicated and caring individuals who have chosen 
     to serve others through volunteerism; and
       (4) encourages all American people, of any age and 
     background, to seek out opportunities to serve through 
     volunteerism.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania 
(Mr. Platts) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Hampshire.


                             General Leave

  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during 
which Members may insert material relevant to House Resolution 293 into 
the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from New Hampshire?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Ms. SHEA-PORTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
her remarks.)
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. House Resolution 293 is a bipartisan bill 
recognizing the important role of volunteers in local, national, and 
international communities and their dedication to improving lives, 
strengthening communities, and fostering civic engagement through 
service and volunteering.
  April 15-21, 2007 is recognized as National Volunteer Week. The theme 
is Inspire by Example, which reflects the power volunteers have to 
inspire the people they help and to aspire others to serve.
  Inspire by Example has been the theme throughout our history. We have 
61 million volunteers out of a population of 300 million who volunteer 
some time each day to serve others.

[[Page H3433]]

From the very beginning of our time, we have been committed to serving 
each other. Benjamin Franklin started a volunteer fire department in a 
library and took care of those in the community, as have others.
  From the beginning, through war, through disaster and through famine, 
we have seen the greatest step forward to serve our country. Who could 
forget the service of the Greatest Generation who came forward in so 
many ways as others went to war and we saw our own population step up 
to fulfill the roles in our community and to each other?
  What do these volunteers do each day of the year? They teach others 
to read. They care for others who are ill. They work on the forefront 
for disaster. Right now, in my own State of New Hampshire, which has 
once again been hit by flood waters, we have volunteers who are out 
there serving our community. They serve to take care of babies and 
young mothers. They serve to take care of alcoholics and drug addicts 
and the most vulnerable in our communities, and they continue their 
service right through hospice and in senior settings. So we have to 
thank our volunteers and also recognize what motivates them and to 
encourage them. That is what this resolution does, to speak to them and 
to urge them to continue their service.
  While we have had the greatest numbers at all in the past year, 61.2 
million volunteers, we have also had a slight drop. We have to make 
sure it is possible for volunteers to continue their full-time lives of 
service in their own jobs and then also in their communities.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 
293, which supports the goals and ideals highlighted through National 
Volunteer Week.
  I would like to thank my colleague from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-
Porter) for introducing this legislation and bringing it to the floor 
here today.
  As we have heard, National Volunteer Week has been celebrated since 
1974, when President Nixon signed an executive order establishing this 
annual celebration of volunteerism.
  As we now celebrate another National Volunteer Week, we are reminded 
that community service takes place through efforts both large and small 
throughout our great country. This year's Volunteer Week theme is 
Inspire by Example, and countless individuals of all backgrounds and 
ages inspire others every day through their efforts to address the 
common concerns of our neighborhoods, communities, Nation, and world. 
And I know personally that it was the example of my parents, Babs and 
Dutch Platts, volunteering in our community as a Sunday school teacher, 
a Little League coach, running the school candy sales; their example of 
volunteerism for me and my four siblings helped to inspire my interest 
in public service and pursuit of this very position I now hold.
  Our country has seen the inspiring example of our citizens' 
willingness to serve others in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 9/
11 and rebuilding efforts along the gulf coast, and in response to 
countless other tragedies, large and small, that touch lives every day.
  Community service isn't just about responding to disaster. It is also 
about lifting a hand to help a neighbor, teaching a child to read, 
restoring a neglected park, and numerous other acts of good will that 
reaffirm our common humanity. As cochair of the National Service Caucus 
here in the House with Representatives Chris Shays, Doris Matsui and 
David Price, I am particularly interested in seeing the spirit of 
volunteerism celebrated and extended to as many Americans as possible.
  As this resolution says, more than a quarter of this country's 
population volunteered in some capacity from September of 2005 to 
September of 2006 at an estimated value or benefit to our country of 
$280 billion. I certainly hope these numbers continue to grow.
  I also want to express my thanks to the thousands of organizations 
and their leaders across the country that capture the spirit of our 
volunteers and bring that spirit to bear in a concentrated way to 
relieve suffering, provide opportunities to the needy, to clean up our 
communities, and bring hope to millions. These organizations and the 
public and private partners that support them provide needed 
infrastructure to support the energy of our community service 
providers.
  As this resolution states, National Volunteer Week will continue to 
raise awareness of the role that volunteers play in local, national and 
international communities, and their commitment to improving lives, 
strengthening communities and fostering civic engagement.
  Again, I thank my colleague, Ms. Shea-Porter, and urge my colleagues 
to support National Volunteer Week and to support House Resolution 293.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. I now yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
Kentucky, John Yarmuth.
  Mr. YARMUTH. I thank the gentlewoman.
  Madam Speaker, in a week when our hearts are heavy with the weight of 
yesterday's tragedy at Virginia Tech and the anniversary of the 
shooting at Columbine High School, it is important that we also 
remember America's tremendous capacity for selfless acts of goodness.
  I refer to a spirit that sets aside superficial desires in favor of 
the needs of our fellow human beings, a spirit that shows our Nation at 
its best, the spirit honored during this National Volunteer Week.
  Last year, as has been said, more than a quarter of Americans 
dedicated their time to bettering their communities, inspiring by 
example and improving lives.
  I am fortunate to represent a community in which passionate 
leadership and dedicated citizens have enacted community service 
projects on every scale throughout Louisville. Just during our recent 
recess, I think a picture has been painted of what people are willing 
to give to others. On one morning I joined more than 3,000 volunteers 
of all ages as we embarked on a project to clean up across the 
communities in furthering the Operation Brightside movement. In 
visiting schools, we saw parents and grandparents volunteering their 
time to help kids. In hospital after hospital we saw people of all ages 
helping our sick. And also in one of the most moving experiences during 
my recess, two first grade classes at Coleridge-Taylor Elementary had 
decided to help the troops in Iraq. They went out and collected 200 
pounds of candy to send overseas. These were sixth graders who saw the 
need to give of their time and energy to help others. It was truly an 
inspirational moment.
  The great thing about volunteering is it is a way that you 
demonstrate your citizenship. We talk a lot about patriotism and 
citizenship in this body, but nothing demonstrates citizenship more 
than your willingness to spend your dear time to help others.
  I hope this week does not stand alone in honoring our generous 
citizens and organizations. And I urge every citizen to join them in 
discovering the rewards that volunteering has to offer.
  I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 293.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Connecticut, cochair of the National Service Caucus (Mr. 
Shays).
  Mr. SHAYS. I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 293, supporting the 
goals and ideals of National Volunteer Week.
  This week, we celebrate the millions of volunteers from around the 
country who give their time and energy to their communities.
  National Volunteer Week's theme, ``Inspire by Example,'' says it all. 
Volunteers set an example of selfless service in giving in support of 
our country's most vulnerable residents, the homeless, hungry, elderly, 
at-risk youth, and disabled. Their work not only supports their 
communities, but encourages others to do the same.
  More than 61 million people volunteered between September 2005 and 
September 2006. The estimated value of volunteer time given in 2005 is 
$280 billion.
  This underscores the value of national service. Our Federal national 
service programs give Americans of all ages the opportunity to serve in 
areas of need around the country, recruiting

[[Page H3434]]

and managing volunteers. They help ensure the volunteer's time is used 
effectively to provide the maximum benefit to the organization and the 
people it serves.
  I still remember how I felt as a 14-year-old watching the 1960 
Presidential election between Vice President Richard Nixon and Senator 
John Kennedy. I felt energized listening to Senator Kennedy when he 
spoke of the Peace Corps and making the world a better and safer place. 
I wanted to be part of his vision. I wanted to give to the world 
community. Years later that dream was fulfilled when my wife, Betsi, 
and I served 2 years in the Peace Corps. The same powerful emotions, 
the same sense of energy and eagerness we felt in the 1960s is alive 
today and expressed by those who give back to their communities.
  Today is a day to recognize the millions of Americans who volunteer 
and express our sincere gratitude for their service.
  I thank my colleague Carol Shea-Porter, for introducing this 
resolution.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. I now yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland 
(Mr. Sarbanes).

                              {time}  1515

  Mr. SARBANES. Madam Speaker, before I say anything else, I would like 
to extend my deepest sympathies and prayers to the families and friends 
of the victims of yesterday's tragedy, and to the entire Virginia Tech 
community.
  I rise today in support of H. Res. 293 which recognizes the diligent 
efforts of federally funded and volunteer programs, and generally 
observes the role of volunteers in the life of our country. When 
somebody volunteers to perform a service, it is not only a service for 
other people, it is a service for them as well.
  Now more than ever, Americans need a restored sense of greatness and 
purpose. On the release of the Corporation for National and Community 
Service's report on volunteering in America, CEO David Eisner's remarks 
poignantly address the importance of community and national service. He 
said, ``Service and volunteering aren't just nice things to do, but are 
necessary parts of how our Nation deals with its challenges.''
  In the wake of tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina, hundreds of 
thousands of lives have been changed for the better because of the 
dedication and hard work of volunteers all across the country. But it 
is not enough. We can do much more. According to the Corporation for 
National and Community Service, while there has been a significant 
increase in the number of volunteers nationwide, one in three Americans 
dropped out of volunteering between 2005 and 2006. Volunteer programs 
need more than just willing and able volunteers, they need national 
support.
  By reinvigorating national and community service programs, and 
honoring our volunteers, we feed our democratic spirit and cultivate 
citizenship. Being engaged in democracy through service, we bolster the 
best of what citizenship is about. The result will be more vibrant 
communities and a stronger America, cultivated through experiences that 
all people share regardless of their background. No young American 
should be deprived of these opportunities due to a lack of commitment 
from Washington.
  I ask for your support of H. Res. 293.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I urge passage of H. Res. 293, and thank 
Ms. Shea-Porter for her introduction of this resolution, and hope that 
all of our fellow Americans will experience and celebrate the spirit of 
volunteerism throughout our country.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
H. Res. 293 honoring volunteer service and thank Representative Shea-
Porter for introducing this bill. As Chairwoman of the Healthy Families 
and Communities Subcommittee, I wanted to highlight this extremely 
important issue which is why the first hearing the HFC Subcommittee 
held was on national service. This is a bipartisan issue, and I am 
looking forward to working with Ranking Member Platts to move ahead on 
reauthorizing the service bill.
  National service has a distinguished and strong history in our 
Nation. Our roots in service extend back to the first pioneers, when 
colonists had to ban together to overcome the challenges of surviving 
and adjusting to a new land.
  Evidence shows that service and volunteering lowers dropout rates 
among teens, lowers crime rates in communities with high rates of 
volunteerism, lowers costs associated with the aging population and 
improves the health and lowers the rates of depression among the 
elderly. Volunteering is a cost effective way of meeting our Nation's 
social needs both from the standpoint of the volunteers and the people 
who benefit from the services.
  In my home state of New York, more than 76,000 people of all ages and 
backgrounds are helping to meet local needs and strengthen communities. 
There are 239 national service programs in New York alone. In my 
district we have more than 1,300 service volunteers, and we have almost 
3,000 students age K-12 that participate in the Learn and Serve 
programs.
  I truly believe that expanding national service, particularly to 
disadvantaged youth, is an effective way to combat things like youth 
gangs and violence, and the evidence bears that out. And it is critical 
that we begin teaching about participation and service at an early age.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Congresswoman Shea-Porter for 
her hard work to in introducing this resolution. I urge my colleagues 
to support this important legislation.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. 
Res. 293, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 293.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will 
be postponed.

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