[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 79 (Monday, May 14, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H4927-H4929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL AMERICORPS WEEK

  Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 385) recognizing National AmeriCorps Week.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 385

       Whereas the AmeriCorps national service program, since its 
     inception in 1994, has proven to be an effective way to 
     engage Americans in service to the Nation that meets a wide 
     range of local and national needs and promotes the ethic of 
     service and volunteerism;
       Whereas the AmeriCorps program, working closely with its 
     Nationwide network of Governor-appointed state service 
     commissions, has strengthened America's nonprofit sector 
     community nonprofit groups, in every State in our Nation;
       Whereas the AmeriCorps programs across our Nation have 
     leveraged additional funds and in-kind donations from other 
     sources to further service and volunteerism in America;
       Whereas each year AmeriCorps provides opportunities for 
     75,000 citizens to serve in and work to improve communities 
     in our Nation;
       Whereas since 1994 a total of 500,000 citizens across the 
     Nation have taken the AmeriCorps pledge to ``get things done 
     for America'' by becoming AmeriCorps members;
       Whereas those same individuals have served a total of more 
     than 630,000,000 hours in service to our Nation, helping to 
     improve the lives of our Nation's most vulnerable citizens, 
     protect our environment, contribute to our public safety, 
     respond to disasters, and strengthen our educational system;
       Whereas AmeriCorps members last year recruited and 
     supervised more than 1,400,000 community volunteers, serving 
     as a powerful volunteer catalyst;
       Whereas AmeriCorps members, in return for their service, 
     have earned nearly $1,300,000,000 to further their own 
     education at our Nation's colleges and universities;
       Whereas AmeriCorps members, after their terms of service 
     end, remain engaged in our communities as volunteers, 
     teachers, and nonprofit professionals in disproportionately 
     high levels; and
       Whereas the inaugural National AmeriCorps Week, May 13-20, 
     2007, is an opportune time for the people of the United 
     States to recognize current and former AmeriCorps members for 
     their service to our Nation; thank AmeriCorps' community 
     partners who make the program possible; and bring more 
     Americans into service: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
       (1) encourages all citizens to join in a national effort to 
     salute AmeriCorps members and alumni to raise awareness about 
     the importance of national and community service;
       (2) acknowledges the significant accomplishments of the 
     AmeriCorps members, alumni and community partners;
       (3) recognizes the important contribution to the lives of 
     our citizens by AmeriCorps members; and
       (4) encourages citizens of all ages to participate in 
     service opportunities in their communities, including in 
     AmeriCorps programs.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Kentucky (Mr. Yarmuth) and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Kentucky.


                             General Leave

  Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 385 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Kentucky?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
385, which recognizes National AmeriCorps Week.
  Since Congress created AmeriCorps in 1994, the program has generated 
numbers that are impressive by any measure. In 13 years, AmeriCorps has 
mobilized 1.5 million volunteers in every State in the Union, 
accumulating nearly 700 million hours of service, a value of $12 
billion.
  In addition, AmeriCorps volunteers have earned more than $1 billion 
in scholarships for that service. My home State of Kentucky has 
benefited from 7 million of the service hours from nearly 5,000 
volunteers.
  Few Federal programs can quantify this type of success across the 
board, but the numbers would be meaningless were it not for the 
tremendous impact these hours and all those volunteers have made on 
countless lives throughout our communities. In my district in 
Louisville, that impact can be felt throughout the community.
  I see it on the optimistic face of a young girl who recently found 
new reasons to smile, thanks to her mentor from Big Brothers/Big 
Sisters of Kentuckiana. We feel it walking through a Portland 
neighborhood, freshly cleaned and painted by volunteers participating 
in the second annual Martin Luther King Season of Service. You hear it 
in the voice of a boy proudly reading his first book to his mother, who 
would not have been able to provide adequate education if not for the 
AmeriCorps Every 1 Reads program.
  There can be no doubt that in our world, the ways these lives have 
been touched is exceptional. But in AmeriCorps, by providing resources 
to Court Appointed Special Advocates, Habitat For Humanity, Kentucky 
Domestic Violence Association, and other educational and non-profit 
services, these successes are the norm.
  They happen every day all across the country over and over again, 
because this unique and ambitious government initiative provides the 
catalyst for selfless Americans of all backgrounds to push the limits 
for our capacity of service, and turn awareness into action, compassion 
and commitment.
  AmeriCorps members live every day with the understanding that when we 
act as one for progress, we progress together. Yet all too often, these 
life-changing individuals and community building programs go 
unrecognized. So I ask all my colleagues to join me for the next 7 days 
in honoring all AmeriCorps members and alumni, to say thanks for all 
that they have done and continue to do and to encourage more people to 
get involved.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the remainder of my time.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 385, which recognizes National AmeriCorps Week. This first 
ever National AmeriCorps Week gives us an opportunity to acknowledge 
the impact of AmeriCorps members, alumni and community partners around 
the country.
  As we recognize National AmeriCorps Week, we are reminded of the 
spirit of service that is such an integral part of our national 
character. Throughout our country, countless individuals of all 
backgrounds and ages engage in community service every day to address 
the common concerns of our neighborhoods, communities, Nation and the 
world.
  Our community has seen the inspiring example of citizens' willingness 
to serve others in the wake of tragedies large and small that touch our 
lives

[[Page H4928]]

every day. But community service is also about lifting a hand to help a 
neighbor, teaching a child to read, restoring a neglected park and 
other numerous acts of goodwill that reaffirm our common humanity.
  Last month, we celebrated National Volunteer Week and learned that 
more than a quarter of this country's population volunteered in some 
capacity from September 2005 to September 2006, at an estimated value 
of $280 billion. These numbers are a clear indication of our commitment 
to service.
  AmeriCorps is part of that commitment. As this resolution says, 
AmeriCorps provides 75,000 citizens of this country opportunities to 
engage in work to improve our communities each year. In total, 500,000 
individuals have become AmeriCorps members since the program began and 
have engaged in 630 million hours of work to help improve the lives of 
their fellow citizens.
  AmeriCorps works closely with a number of community partners across 
the country, and I also want to express my thanks to those 
organizations and their leaders. These organizations capture the spirt 
of service and bring that spirit to bear in a concentrated way to 
relieve suffering, provide opportunities to the needy, clean up our 
communities and bring hope to millions. These organizations and the 
public and private partners that support them provide the needed 
infrastructure to support the energy of our community service 
providers.
  As this resolution states, National AmeriCorps Week will continue our 
efforts to raise awareness of the importance of service in local, 
national and international communities, and the commitment of our 
community service providers to improving lives, strengthening 
communities and fostering civic engagement.
  I thank my colleague from Kentucky for introducing this resolution, 
and I urge its passage.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the 
gentlelady from California, and cochair of the National Service Caucus, 
the distinguished Ms. Matsui.
  (Ms. MATSUI asked and was given permission to revise and extend her 
remarks.)
  Ms. MATSUI. I want to thank my good friend from Kentucky (Mr. 
Yarmuth) for yielding me time.
  I also want to thank Chairwoman McCarthy and Ranking Member Platts 
for their leadership in the committee and their tireless efforts to 
reauthorize and strengthen the program.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be part of those standing up in support of 
the first ever AmeriCorps Week. I believe strongly that the AmeriCorps 
program embodies the spirit of the American people, and it's important 
for Members of Congress to acknowledge the work accomplished by 
AmeriCorps members.
  As a cochair of the National Service Caucus, it's a pleasure to 
highlight and honor the tremendous work of those involved at every 
level and every program of AmeriCorps.
  AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages Americans of 
all ages and backgrounds in service. Since AmeriCorps was established 
in 1994, AmeriCorps members have performed over 630 million hours of 
service addressing a critical need in education, housing, public 
safety, disaster response and recovery and environmental preservation.
  The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, popularly known as 
NCCC, has a campus in my congressional district in Sacramento. I have 
had the opportunity to see firsthand how the experience positively 
influences the communities served by the team members and how it also 
enriches the lives of the participants.
  Nearly everywhere I go in Sacramento someone stops me and tells me 
about how amazing and committed the NCCC members are to their mission. 
Most recently I have heard from AmeriCorps members about their 
experiences in the gulf coast recovery efforts. These participants all 
remarked that they are not just rebuilding communities, they are, quite 
literally, rebuilding people's lives.
  It is because of all of the great work of AmeriCorps members that 
extraordinary things are happening all around America. Just last week, 
I learned that the Child Abuse Prevention Council, an important program 
in my district, will receive support from AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps 
members will serve as home visitors, resource aides and community 
coordinators.
  There is nothing more important than our children, and I appreciate 
the Corporation for National and Community Service and for providing 
the program with 96 AmeriCorps members to help them carry out their 
mission. I know that we will be hearing more about the great work of 
AmeriCorps as the 110th Congress proceeds, and we consider 
reauthorization and funding.
  AmeriCorps members are a vital part of our communities. With very 
little funding, they leverage millions of dollars and perform crucial 
work, whether in a classroom, in a national park, or rebuilding houses 
on the gulf coast. I truly hope that my colleagues will continue to 
support AmeriCorps programs.
  The spirit of service that is so important in our communities is one 
that should be encouraged. I want to extend my greatest appreciation to 
those who have served and continue to serve in the AmeriCorps programs 
throughout the country.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to 
the distinguished gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).
  Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House 
Resolution 385, a bill to recognize National AmeriCorps Week, and the 
importance of the contributions made by AmeriCorps volunteers across 
the country.
  The goal of AmeriCorps is one of the most noble. AmeriCorps enables 
each and every individual who is interested in giving of their time and 
talents to do just that. AmeriCorps members provide service to address 
our country's most pressing needs, including improving education, 
working to protect our environment, fighting poverty, ending 
homelessness and much more.
  Margaret Meade said, ``Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, 
committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing 
that ever has.'' Since 1994, AmeriCorps has supported over 500,000 
people who have contributed nearly 700 million hours of service to 
local communities. These are individuals who truly embody Margaret 
Meade's words.
  These are committed individuals who are helping to change our world 
for the better. The dedication and passion of these volunteers is 
admirable. I am proud that there are so many Americans who believe that 
volunteerism is important and necessary. In fact, it's the very 
foundation of our democracy.
  Iowa is lucky to have a strong AmeriCorps presence. Iowa nonprofits 
rely heavily on volunteers to carry out their missions. Between 2003 
and 2005, Iowa volunteers contributed nearly 300 million hours of 
volunteer service to organizations in the State. In 2005 alone, the 
economic impact of volunteer service to Iowa charitable organizations 
was over $1.78 billion.
  My district is lucky to have Senior Corps programs, AmeriCorps 
programs and Learn and Serve in both Iowa City and Van Buren Community 
School Districts. The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service wants to 
increase volunteer presence across the State, and I fully support this 
goal.
  This resolution is both necessary and important. Congress and the 
Nation should be proud of AmeriCorps members and alumni. We must also 
raise awareness about the importance of national and community service 
and encourage individuals to participate in service opportunities in 
their communities, including in AmeriCorps programs.
  I strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. It has been a pleasure working with the gentleman from 
Kentucky on this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge its passage and yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, we have just heard many ways in which 
AmeriCorps has benefited our communities and touched so many lives 
within them. Still, these are just a few of the many stories that 
illustrate the spectacular influence that AmeriCorps has had on our 
Nation in a little over a decade.

                              {time}  1330

  The outstanding individuals who have contributed over the years 
deserve our thanks and recognition.

[[Page H4929]]

  And so I am proud to stand here today and urge the passage of H. Res. 
385 and ask my colleagues to join me these next 7 days in honoring all 
that AmeriCorps has already accomplished and encourage others to join 
in their commitment to continue that work in the years to come.
  I would also like to commend both Congresswoman Matsui and 
Congressman Platts of Pennsylvania, the cochairs of the National 
Service Caucus, for their leadership in these efforts.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 385, which 
supports the goals and ideals of National AmeriCorps Week.
  This week AmeriCorps celebrates its 500,000th member and we celebrate 
the achievement of all the members of AmeriCorps from around the 
country who have given 637 million hours of their time and energy to 
their communities.
  AmeriCorps members have made important contributions addressing our 
Nation's most pressing needs and set an example of selfless service and 
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.
  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 emotion--the same sense of energy and eagerness we 
felt in the sixties--is alive today and expressed through those who 
give back to their communities.
  In my own state of Connecticut, over 7,000 resident have served in 
AmeriCorps. Those members serving in AmeriCorps in Connecticut have 
earned over $17 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Award 
scholarships to use for college or to pay off student loans. 
Nationwide, over $1.2 billion has been earned.
  Over 8.5 million hours of service have been performed by the 
residents of Connecticut to assist community nonprofits groups. Those 
hours equate to nearly $200 million in value.
  I am grateful we are considering this resolution and urge its 
adoption.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, during the first 
ever AmeriCorps week I would like to extend my support to the 
oranization and all of the great things that its members have done. 
Since AmeriCorps was created in 1994, Texas has benefited from over 
22,000 young people serving a year or more in our communities.
  Nearly 72 AmeriCorps volunteers have tutored 691 youths in the State 
of Texas including the Dallas Habitat for Humanities and the YMCA of 
Dallas Oak Cliff Branch.
  In Texas, as in other States, AmeriCorps volunteers provide a host of 
services including building affordable housing, teaching computer 
skills to youth and seniors, and managing after-school programs aimed 
at youngsters who might otherwise drop out of school. Through programs 
such as the ``National Civilian Community Corps'' or ``City Year,'' 
AmeriCorps volunteers address critical Texas needs in education, public 
safety, disaster response and recovery, and environment preservation.
  These programs serve an important role as they provide an outlet for 
people to serve their country in a manner that they previously had not 
be afforded. The AmeriCorps program has done great things for Texas and 
the country as a whole, as the Corps members promise to do in the 
pledge they take every day, they ``get things done.''
  Mr. Speaker, we will not find common ground or reach higher ground if 
we turn national service into a partisan playground.
  I will continue to work hard and do everything I can to strengthen 
this program, and I ask my House colleagues to do everything as well.
  Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Yarmuth) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 385.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. 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.

                          ____________________