[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.
____________________