[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 38 (Thursday, March 6, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H1349-H1393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        GENERATIONS INVIGORATING VOLUNTEERISM AND EDUCATION ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015 and rule 
XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House 
on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill, H.R. 2857.

                              {time}  1114


                     In the Committee of the Whole

  Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the 
Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill 
(H.R. 2857) to reauthorize and reform the national service laws, with 
Mrs. Tauscher in the chair.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the rule, the bill is considered read the 
first time.
  The gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentleman 
from California (Mr. McKeon) each will control 30 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. George 
Miller).
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong 
support of H.R. 2857, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and 
Education Act, the first reauthorization of national and community 
service laws and programs since 1993. I am pleased that today this 
House is taking up this important measure that will take volunteerism 
and service into the 21st century.
  It was in March of 1961 that President John F. Kennedy first 
challenged a generations of Americans to ask ``not what your country 
can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.'' By establishing 
the Peace Corps and the Volunteers in Service to America programs, he 
inspired millions of Americans to make a difference here at home and 
around the globe. He created a powerful legacy of hope and service that 
connects us as Americans.
  Almost 50 years later, we should be very proud that volunteering in 
America is at a 30-year high. Through AmeriCorps and other service 
programs, new generations of Americans have become inspired to build 
stronger, more vibrant communities, help children succeed in schools, 
and rebuild cities in times of disaster.
  In fact, in 2006, more than 61 million Americans gave back to their 
communities through service. That same year, volunteers in my home 
State of California contributed more than 858 million hours of service 
to our State economy, a value of more than $17 billion. In the 15 years 
since AmeriCorps was enacted into law, more than 500,000 Americans of 
all ages and backgrounds have participated in this program.
  Our current and future generations of volunteers deserve our renewed 
support for their programs, just as President Kennedy first provided 
decades ago. The GIVE Act, this legislation, recognizes this growing 
service movement that is taking place across the Nation. It builds upon 
the successful work being done in communities across by members of 
AmeriCorps, VISTA, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America.
  AmeriCorps has become a successful model for public-private 
partnerships. Last year, the AmeriCorps program leveraged more than 
$200 million in matching funds, mobilized more than 1.4 million 
volunteers, and worked with 2,000 small and large faith-based and 
community-based organizations across the country.
  The GIVE Act would strengthen the AmeriCorps service model by putting 
us on the path to increasing the number of AmeriCorps members from 
75,000 to 100,000 by 2012 with a focus of engaging low-income, 
disadvantaged, and at-risk youth.
  With soaring tuition prices making it more difficult for many 
students to get a college degree, the GIVE Act would help AmeriCorps 
members pay for college by increasing the scholarship that they earn in 
exchange for their service from $4,725 to $5,255 by 2012.
  This bill would also introduce young people to community service by 
creating a new Summer of Service initiative that will offer middle 
school and high school students the opportunity to spend the summer 
working to improve their communities while earning a $500 education 
award that can be used for college or for college preparation.
  Alumni of these programs remain valuable resources to our 
communities. More than 72 percent of AmeriCorps members continue to 
volunteer in their communities after their term of service ends. After 
Hurricane Katrina devastated gulf coast communities, AmeriCorps alumni 
played a key role in relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.
  To help tap into these resources in times of emergency, this bill 
would expand the number of volunteers ready to respond by creating an 
Alumni Reserve Corps of service alumni with previous experience serving 
during disasters.
  Volunteering also provides critical opportunities for older Americans 
to make a difference in their communities. Each year, nearly half a 
million older Americans participate in the Senior Corps programs, 
mentoring children of prisoners, providing independent living services 
to seniors, assisting victims of natural disasters, and mobilizing 
other volunteers.
  The GIVE Act would expand the purpose of Senior Corps programs by 
adding an emphasis on recruiting retired STEM, health care, law 
enforcement and military professionals to help with education, after-
school, public safety and technology needs.
  In addition, it would phase in the competition for the Retired and 
Senior Volunteer Programs, an important part of the Senior Corps by 
2013, allowing new grantees and volunteers to join the service movement 
and encouraging innovation and evolution among high-performing 
programs. I also want to thank the RSVP program for working with us to 
ensure a responsible transition.
  I want to thank Members on both sides of the aisle, in particular 
Representatives McCarthy, McKeon and Platts, for their leadership, as 
well as the Service Caucus for their support.
  I also want to thank our committee staff for their hard work on this 
bill, including Alex Ceja, Denise Forte, Stephanie Moore, Deborah 
Koolbeck with Mrs. McCarthy, Brad Thomas with Mr. McKeon, and Becky 
Wolfkiel with Mr. Platts.
  Let me also thank Voices of Services and its member organizations, 
who were invaluable in helping us develop this legislation.
  It is clear that service has played an important role in this 
country's history and will continue to help us meet the challenges and 
needs of our communities. It is clear that the interest in volunteering 
reaches across all generations: our young people, retiring baby 
boomers, and older Americans. The GIVE Act reflects their commitment, 
and our commitment, to building a stronger country through service. I 
urge my colleagues to join us in this effort by supporting this 
legislation.
  Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. McKEON. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume, and I rise in support of the GIVE Act.
  I would like to begin by thanking Chairman Miller, as well as the 
Chair and the ranking member of the subcommittee, Mrs. McCarthy of New 
York and Mr. Platts from Pennsylvania, for their efforts to develop a 
solid, bipartisan bill that will strengthen our national service 
programs. I would also like to recognize Brad Thomas from my staff for 
his hard work on this bill.
  Like many of my colleagues, particularly on this side of the aisle, I 
historically have had concerns about AmeriCorps and the other programs 
within the Corporation for National and Community Service. Particularly 
during the 1990s, Federal management of these programs was at best 
dismal.

[[Page H1350]]

For years, I joined many of my colleagues, led by Mr. Hoekstra, in 
seeking to establish performance measures to ensure that these national 
service programs are in fact meeting their goals.
  Under the Bush administration, it has become clear that these 
programs are being held more accountable and they have become more 
efficient as a result. For example, the corporation received its 
seventh consecutive clean audit during the fiscal year 2006. Likewise, 
the corporation's leadership has instituted significant improvements in 
efficiency and quality, including streamlining the grants and 
application reporting processes, consolidating five field service 
centers into one, and automating education award payments, time and 
attendance, and travel.
  In short, the recent management of this program has far surpassed its 
record of low accountability under the previous administration; and for 
that reason in particular, it deserves our continued support.
  Moreover, this program brings together our neighbors to serve one 
another and thus benefit our Nation. Although there are clear 
opportunities to strengthen and improve these programs, the simple fact 
is that the corporation plays a key and increasingly effective role in, 
as President Bush would say, ``rallying the armies of compassion.''
  Later today I plan to offer an amendment that will strengthen this 
already good bill. The purpose of my amendment is to acknowledge the 
patriotism, commitment, and sacrifice made by members of the military 
and their families. In return for their service to our Nation, I 
believe the least we can do is ensure our national service programs are 
able to benefit veterans and military families.
  Madam Chairman, this bill is based on sound principles for reform 
outlined by the administration and developed in conjunction with the 
corporation. It includes a long overdue emphasis on accountability with 
its inclusion of performance measures and increased competition. And on 
the whole, I find the bill to be a balanced one that is worthy of our 
support.
  Madam Chairman, this bill represents a bipartisan effort to come 
together on a program that is good for the citizens of this Nation.
  Unfortunately, our Democrat colleagues have been unwilling to work in 
the same bipartisan fashion on our Nation's security interests. It has 
been 18 days since the Protect America Act expired, nearly 3 weeks that 
the majority has conspicuously refused to bring the bipartisan Senate 
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act modernization bill to a vote. And 
yesterday we got a glimpse of the reason why. An anonymous Member 
argued that delaying action on this critical security measure made for 
good politics. Madam Chairman, it is unfathomable that our Nation's 
security may be put at risk in the name of political gamesmanship. I 
strongly urge the majority to bring FISA modernization for a vote.
  Madam Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts), and I ask unanimous consent that he be 
allowed to control that time.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Pennsylvania will control the time.
  Mr. PLATTS. I reserve my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  This is a great day for national service. It has been 15 years since 
we reauthorized our national service laws. As chairwoman of the Healthy 
Families and Communities Subcommittee, I am pleased to speak in support 
of H.R. 2857, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education 
Act, the GIVE Act.
  I am also pleased to say that the administration and the service 
community support the GIVE Act. I would like to thank Chairman Miller 
for his continued strong support and work on this reauthorization. I 
would also like to extend my thanks to the ranking member of our 
committee, Mr. McKeon, for his hard work.
  Finally, I would like to thank my good friend and ranking member of 
the subcommittee, Mr. Platts, for his work on this reauthorization.
  Later I will speak on my manager's amendment, which is also a 
bipartisan effort. National service has a distinguished and strong 
history in our Nation. The benefits of service cannot be disputed. 
Evidence shows that service and volunteering lowers school dropout and 
crime rates, lowers costs associated with the aging population, and 
improves health among the elderly.
  Volunteering is a cost-effective way of working to solve the 
challenges facing our Nation today. That is why the passage of the GIVE 
Act is necessary. One of the most effective volunteer organizations in 
this Nation is AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps volunteers offer a range of 
services focused on low-income and disadvantaged communities. Our 
legislation recognizes their invaluable work and increases the number 
of participants to 100,000.
  The GIVE Act also encourages programs to recruit underrepresented 
populations to serve, including scientists and engineers, young people 
in our aging-out foster care, children at risk of delinquency, and 
other disadvantaged young people.
  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 it out.

                              {time}  1130

  If we are serious about reducing gang violence, we must take the 
first step and offer children an alternative.
  This legislation creates a Summer of Service program which gives 
middle school and high school students an opportunity to become engaged 
in a positive way within their community. Through the Summer of Service 
program, our Nation's young people will have a chance to serve with 
others their own age while improving their community.
  Research shows that if students are engaged in service at an early 
age, they continue to serve throughout their life.
  We are strengthening the mission of the first responder volunteer 
program, the National Civil Community Corps by requiring more intense 
disaster and emergency relief training during down periods in order to 
be better prepared in a time of crisis.
  We are all aware of what our Nation faced in the wake of Hurricane 
Katrina, and the NCCC was there to respond, and continues to recover 
today.
  The GIVE Act will help our Nation become better prepared for future 
disasters by training and preparing more emergency volunteers. The GIVE 
Act creates in the corporation an office of outreach and recruitment. 
The new office will establish a reserve corps made up of those who have 
gone through the program and are alumni. The reserve corps alumni will 
be called on during emergencies, disasters, or other times of national 
need.
  We've heard people asking over and over again during our hearings, 
why aren't we using former volunteers? The new outreach office will 
work to connect over 500,000 former volunteers who can be resources for 
recruitment.
  The GIVE Act lowers the age of participation in the National Senior 
Service to 55 years old. By lowering the age, we are encouraging 
retiring Americans to participate in national service and giving older 
Americans the opportunity to lead us into the future. Our Nation's 
retiring and retired adults are a rich resource that cannot be 
overlooked.
  Every American, old and young, has skills that improve the day-to-day 
functions of our society. The GIVE Act encourages individuals to get 
involved, creates a deeper commitment to service, and makes our Nation 
more like what it should be.
  I want to again thank Chairman Miller for his deep commitment to 
national service, Ranking Member McKeon and Congressman Platts for 
their work with us on this bipartisan activity. And I urge my 
colleagues to support this much needed legislation.
  Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to speak 
today, and I certainly rise also in support of H.R. 2857, the 
Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. This program 
will certainly strengthen and finally reauthorize the Nation's national 
and community service programs. And after 15 years, this 
reauthorization is certainly long overdue.
  I want to add my words of praise and thanks to my Chair, Chairwoman

[[Page H1351]]

McCarthy, as well as to the full committee Chair, Chairman Miller, and 
the ranking member, Buck McKeon, for their important leadership in 
moving this reauthorization forward of this very important program that 
promotes active involvement of citizens of all ages.
  In 1973, Congress passed the Domestic Volunteer Service Act, DVSA, to 
foster and expand volunteer service in communities while helping 
vulnerable and disadvantaged populations such as the elderly and the 
poor. DVSA authorized the National Senior Volunteer Corps, made up of 
the Foster Grandparents Program, the Senior Companion Program, and the 
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
  Seventeen years later, Congress passed the National and Community 
Service Act, NCSA, of 1990. NCSA aims to address unmet human, 
educational, environmental, and public safety needs, as well as to 
renew a sense of civic responsibility by encouraging citizens to 
participate in national service programs. Authorized under NCSA are 
Learn and Serve America, AmeriCorps State and national grants, and the 
National Civilian Community Corps.
  Both DVSA and NCSA are administered by the Corporation for National 
Community Service, and both laws were most recently amended in 1993 by 
the National and Community Service Act. While authorization of 
appropriations for both laws expired at the end of fiscal year 2006, 
these programs have remained funded through annual appropriations 
measures.
  I'm pleased to be a cosponsor of H.R. 2857, the GIVE Act, and believe 
that this bill makes commonsense improvements to our Nation's national 
service programs. Not only does it provide increased flexibility for 
States, but importantly, and as referenced by Ranking Member McKeon, it 
also increases accountability and efficiency within the administration 
of these programs.
  H.R. 2857 strengthens existing community and national service 
programs by providing year-round service opportunities for students and 
elderly alike, and further encourages involvement of disadvantaged 
youth. This legislation also expands eligibility requirements for 
senior serving programs like Foster Grandparents and the Senior 
Companion Program, ensuring that individuals with an interest in 
serving have options available to them. Finally, the GIVE Act 
reauthorizes DVSA and NCSA through fiscal year 2013.
  Recent natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well 
as the wild fires in California, have showcased the important efforts 
of AmeriCorps and NCCC volunteers. I am proud to be part of this effort 
to strengthen national service programs and ensure that participants 
can continue to aid disadvantaged and needy populations. And I have 
seen firsthand in my district the great work of senior citizens in the 
Senior Companion Program and young citizens in AmeriCorps partnering 
with Habitat for Humanity to truly make a difference in Central 
Pennsylvania. And we know that these efforts are being replicated 
across the country.
  So, Madam Chairman, I hope that all will join in supporting the GIVE 
Act and vote in favor of this legislation.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Chairman, may I inquire how much 
time we have on both sides.
  The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman from New York has 19\1/2\ minutes 
remaining. The gentleman from Pennsylvania has 22\1/2\ minutes 
remaining.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to 
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare), a member of the Education and 
Labor Committee.
  Mr. HARE. Madam Chairman, H.R. 2857, the GIVE Act, reauthorizes our 
national service programs for the first time in 15 years. This 
legislation strengthens programs like AmeriCorps, Vista, Senior Corps 
and Learn and Serve America so they can continue their invaluable 
services and expand into underserved communities.
  The people of my congressional district are no strangers to community 
service. We have four effective Retired Senior Volunteer Programs, 
known as RSVPs, located in my district: West Central Illinois RSVP, 
Adams County RSVP, RSVP of the Quad Cities, and RSVP of Springfield, 
Illinois. Together, these programs engage 3,464 volunteers in 577,226 
hours of services in 13 counties. I had the opportunity to visit 
several of these last October and was impressed by their organization, 
their large number of volunteers, and the variety of services that they 
offer.
  Illinois RSVP volunteers serve the young and old, the healthy and the 
infirm. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, with the Red 
Cross, police department, and assist with home delivery meal programs. 
These dedicated volunteers touch the lives of hundreds of people and 
have a profound impact on the communities in which they serve.
  I want to thank Chairman Miller, Ranking Member McKeon, and their 
staffs for their work on this legislation and their efforts to address 
these concerns.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Chairman, I yield as much time as he consumes to 
the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra).
  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Madam Chairman, you know it's a good day today where we 
have the opportunity to go back and reauthorize the Corporation for 
National and Community Service. This is a program that 15 years ago is 
a program that I supported, and I'm glad that this Congress is going to 
take the steps to move this program forward and continue the efforts in 
this area.
  However, if we're really going to protect the Corporation for 
National and Community Service, if we are really going to protect the 
individuals that are working in these types of programs, what we should 
have been doing today and what we should do is we should extend the 
terrorist surveillance program. We should pass FISA modernization.
  You know, 3 weeks ago the majority said that this bill would come to 
the floor. They needed a 3-week extension to get the bill done. That 
expires this week.
  We're going to have a long day today. We'll be here till 2 or 3 
o'clock, which I think will be the third week in a row where we will go 
home early and we will not take care of this vital national security 
issue.
  We've had a 6-month extension, we had a 2-week extension. The program 
now has lapsed for 3 weeks. Each and every day our capabilities erode 
just a little bit more. And each and every day we remove these 
capabilities to track foreign terrorists by our Intelligence Community, 
each and every day America becomes a little bit more vulnerable. 
Americans living at home, people in this program, our men and women in 
uniform in Afghanistan and in Iraq, they're a little bit more 
vulnerable. Our embassy personnel around the world are a little bit 
more vulnerable.
  Earlier this week the statement was made, well, you know, we'd maybe 
like to do FISA this week but the schedule is just too full. We're not 
going to have the opportunity to get to it. We're not going to have the 
opportunity to get to it. We're going to be done working some time in 
the middle of the afternoon and we're going to leave a national 
security issue laying on the table for the third week in a row?
  Will the majority deal with this issue next week? Will they deal with 
it before we go on recess? Or will they allow it to lapse for 6 weeks? 
How vulnerable does America need to become before the majority decides 
to act on FISA?
  I just wonder if the majority's even looking at what's going on 
around the world, taking a look at the attacks that are taking place in 
Pakistan, taking a look at the attacks that are happening in 
Afghanistan, listening to the rhetoric that's coming out of Iran, 
listening to the rhetoric that's coming out from al Qaeda in Iraq, 
listening to the rhetoric that's coming out of Hezbollah in Syria and 
in Lebanon. There are threats against our allies. There are threats 
against Western Europe. There are threats against our friends in 
Northern Africa. There are threats against Western Europe, and yes, 
there are threats against the United States of America.
  They're not listening to what al Qaeda and radical jihadists and 
other terrorists are saying. They're not reading what these individuals 
are saying, because if you were listening to what they were saying, if 
you were reading what they were writing, and if you were watching what 
they were doing, you would understand that the threat is real and that 
it is a grave mistake to

[[Page H1352]]

allow this intelligence tool and to allow other intelligence tools to 
erode continually.
  Yes, America's more vulnerable today than it was 3 weeks ago. America 
is more vulnerable today than it was 14 months ago because, on national 
security issue after national security issue, the other side refuses to 
give our intelligence community the tools that they need to keep 
America safe. These tools have developed. They've evolved. They've been 
working very, very well in protecting America. But for the last 14 
months, the majority has not only let these tools evolve and 
deteriorate, in many cases they've been under direct attack from the 
majority. Today our intelligence community is paying a price because 
they do not have the tools necessary to keep America safe. Hopefully, 
America will not pay a price because the intelligence community hasn't 
been given the tools by the majority to keep America safe.

  It's time to bring the Senate bill to the floor. This is a bill that 
has widespread support, passed by 68 votes in the Senate, supported by 
a majority of the Republicans and the Democrats in the Senate.
  Bring that bill to the House. Bring it up right after the GIVE Act. 
Make sure that we've got the tools in place to keep America safe and to 
keep the people working in this program and other programs safe.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to my 
colleague on the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes).
  Mr. SARBANES. Madam Chairman, I rise today to commend Chairman 
Miller, Chairwoman McCarthy, Ranking Member McKeon, and others for 
putting together a very strong reauthorization of the National and 
Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 
1973.

                              {time}  1145

  It supports the Nation's priorities in a number of important areas. 
In particular, I'd like to thank the committee's leadership for 
recognizing the critical role that veterans and older Americans can 
play in solving problems and strengthening communities, by recommending 
several new provisions.
  Our veterans are simply the best of what this country has to offer, 
both with respect to their exemplary character and the technical, 
professional, and administrative expertise which they acquire during 
their years of service. They are an invaluable and untapped resource to 
underserved communities. America should embrace the opportunity to 
establish a well-defined veterans-centered and -integrated community 
support system based on national and community service. The GIVE Act 
begins a national conversation on how to make this happen.
  Every day nearly 8,000 of the Nation's 78 million baby boomers turn 
60. We know from research that the vast majority plan to work or stay 
engaged in their community well past traditional retirement age. This 
is a wonderful opportunity, given their stated interest in helping 
others and the ever-worsening labor shortage in education, health care, 
government, and nonprofit work.
  I'm a strong supporter of the idea that those who have finished their 
mid-life careers can be a force for social good in the 21st century. By 
turning the aging of America into a positive story, we can tap into 
this energy. It is going to take creativity, experimentation, bold 
action, and looking to the future more than the past. Congress has a 
critical responsibility, along with the States and the private sector, 
to ensure baby boomers will have the opportunity to serve.
  We talk about this wave of returning veterans, and we talk about the 
demographic wave of aging Americans. How you respond to a wave depends 
on how you position yourself. That wave can either come crashing down 
on us, or it can be a wave that lifts us up and moves us forward.
  I look forward to continuing to work with the committee and this 
Congress to explore additional proposals to capture the energy, 
idealism, and talent of our veterans and millions of older Americans 
who want to make a major contribution to the public good.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Chairman, I certainly am pleased to be part of 
moving this legislation, the GIVE Act; but I do want to associate 
myself with the gentleman from Michigan, the ranking member of the 
House Select Committee on Intelligence, on the importance of us moving 
the reauthorization of FISA; and, hopefully, we will get to that as 
quickly as possible and restore the tools to our intelligence community 
they need to protect our Nation and our citizens.
  With that, I'd like to yield as much time as he may consume to the 
distinguished gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).
  Mr. SHAYS. Madam Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me.
  Frankly, I don't think there is a more important bill than this; and 
yet to hear some of the critics, it's like we're just paying people to 
be volunteers.
  The thing I love about Ronald Reagan was Ronald Reagan believed in 
the future of America, the youth of America, and that the best was yet 
to come. And he gave us a sense of hope, as did President Kennedy.
  When President Kennedy talked about the Peace Corps, I was in eighth 
grade. My parents bought a TV set to listen to the debate between Nixon 
and President Kennedy, and I was just enthralled by a President who 
asked me, a young person, to do something for the world, and that was 
to become a Peace Corps volunteer.
  And from that point on, that was one of my dreams. It was something I 
wanted to do . . . become a Peace Corps Volunteer.
  Guess what? Peace Corps volunteers are paid. We earn a salary and are 
given a stipend because we have to eat. We are given a certain sum of 
money at the end, not for education, but to frankly be able to come 
back and just buy some clothes. When you clean your underwear on rocks 
for 2 years, you don't want to continue to wear them when you get home.
  So what did President Clinton want to do? He said we have the Peace 
Corps for those who volunteer overseas. And we have Vista for those who 
want to be of service in these United States. But we can make Vista 
better. We're going to have expanded national service here at home, and 
by the way, while this was happening we in Congress were getting rid of 
summer jobs for kids.
  The President said and I want this expanded national service program 
to be a bipartisan proposal. I want to work with Republicans. Let's 
make this something all of us can get behind.
  I got excited with his call to us. Let's work together, and we did. 
Because instead of a national program where one-size-fits-all, he said 
it's going to be a competitive process, something Republican should 
like.
  And by the way, I'll just say parenthetically, Ms. Matsui has an 
amendment that I am a chief cosponsor of that says let's have more of 
the dollars be competed for by State and local communities. It's an 
amendment that should pass.
  So what we did is have a national program called AmeriCorps, but we 
had two-thirds of it going to the States. Now, the problem with that is 
you're going to have some bad programs that might get funded. The good 
thing about it is you're going to have some great programs that are 
going to be funded. And so former President Clinton took a risk. He 
said instead of having a one-size-fits-all, which would mean we'll have 
vanilla, and, no one can criticize it, we had some great programs and 
some bad programs. So the critics of AmeriCorps then took the bad 
programs and started to criticize as if this was all of AmeriCorps, as 
if this was the President's national service bill.
  Well, the bottom line is we have some great programs. Thank God we 
had these programs for people impacted by Katrina and other natural 
disasters. In my part of the country, we have young people who are 
giving to their neighbors, and if you think they're paid, they're paid 
a minimum wage and they have a stipend they can use towards their 
education. It gets them to think about their future and get an 
education.
  But we have people here who will say, well, let's give out Pell 
Grants, we're going to give out Pell Grants for nothing; and yet we 
have an opportunity to give out grants that someone actually earned.
  I can't speak more strongly for this legislation. I congratulate 
President

[[Page H1353]]

Clinton for bringing it forward, for working with Republicans, at least 
those who were willing to work with him, and for having a program that 
has energized young people to be of service.
  There are six former Peace Corps volunteers in this House, three 
Republicans, three Democrats. If you asked any one of us what was the 
most significant time in our lives, it was serving in the Peace Corps. 
It was helping others. But we came back more enriched than probably we 
gave. And I'm absolutely certain of this, the folks that are doing 
national service, they don't get much monetarily, but they give a lot; 
and in return they get a lot in terms of their personal development. 
They grow as individuals. They have more confidence in themselves. I 
think they're better Americans.
  I hope whoever's the next President, and we have three good 
candidates to choose from, I have a preference obviously, but I think 
that they are going to inspire Americans to be of greater service, and 
they could use this legislation to help them.
  I hope we pass it, and I thank our sponsors for bringing this bill 
out. I particularly want to thank our colleagues from New York and from 
Pennsylvania for their effort here today. God bless this country and 
God bless this program.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Chairman, I'd like to yield 1 minute 
to the gentlelady from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter), a member of the 
Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee.
  Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Madam Chairman, as a former social worker and 
administrator and a cosponsor of the GIVE Act, I rise today to express 
my strong support for H.R. 2857.
  I was able to see firsthand the hard work and self-sacrifice and 
dedication of our AmeriCorps volunteers during the Katrina recovery 
effort. As a relief volunteer myself, I worked side by side with the 
AmeriCorps volunteers. You can't say enough about these young people 
who gave of themselves and worked tirelessly for many, many hours to 
give comfort to their fellow Americans. This convinced me how essential 
AmeriCorps and other national service programs really are to this 
Nation.
  My experiences as a social worker and as an administrator and relief 
volunteer have made the reauthorization of this program a high priority 
for me, and I'm proud that it's a high priority for this Congress as 
well.
  I'm also grateful that the committee passed my amendment to increase 
the minimum amount of the State formula grants. This increase 
acknowledges that these volunteer programs are equally important in 
smaller States such as New Hampshire. These programs and the 
participants who are in them work miracles for very low money, and we 
need to thank them.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Chairman, I'd like to reserve the balance of my 
time at this point.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind), a former member of the Education 
Committee.
  Mr. KIND. Madam Chairman, I want to thank and commend my good friend 
Mrs. McCarthy from New York for the wonderful leadership that she has 
shown in the reauthorization of this important legislation.
  I agree with my good friend and colleague from Connecticut that this 
is one of the more important pieces of legislation that we will be 
dealing with in this session of Congress, and I commend the efforts of 
everyone on the committee for the bipartisan support that's been shown 
on behalf of this bill.
  Madam Chairman, this legislation will provide a vital increase in 
funding for a variety of domestic volunteer service programs, including 
AmeriCorps, Volunteers in Service to America, and Learn and Serve 
America. Expanding these important community-based programs is 
essential so that residents in the neediest places receive the 
assistance that they need and deserve.
  I'm very proud that my home State of Wisconsin has more than 35 
AmeriCorps programs. Jump Start for Young Children is just one of 
several programs that help prepare young children from low-income 
families to succeed and go on in school. Just this past year, this 
program benefited from the service of 3,500 corps members and 
volunteers from over 70 colleges. Together, these individuals were able 
to assist more than 13,000 preschoolers in over 20 of our States in 
this country. I'd like to applaud the hard work and selfless efforts of 
these individuals who have not only rebuilt houses in communities but 
also lives.
  I'm especially proud that three of my congressional staff members are 
former AmeriCorps volunteers: Karrie Jackelen, Brad Smith, and David De 
Gennaro. The contributions of these participants is truly admirable 
given the enormous difference they've made in so many lives.
  Mr. Chairman, there is a yearning for community involvement and 
community service across this country, and it's especially acute with 
the youth, the children of our Nation.
  It was unfortunate that the current President sent this Nation to war 
without asking for any type of contribution or significant sacrifice 
from the average American. Except for our troops and their families who 
have borne the brunt of this sacrifice and burden, there's very little 
asked of the American people.
  This legislation, which was the vision of President Clinton and his 
administration, tries to correct that deficiency. It's a good, 
bipartisan bill. I encourage my colleagues to pass the GIVE Act today.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I will continue to reserve my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Klein).
  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of 
the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, otherwise 
known as the GIVE Act. This legislation speaks to what makes our 
country great, Americans volunteering to give back to their 
communities. Volunteerism is so important to helping the less 
fortunate, working to better one's community, and instilling a sense of 
patriotism and love for one's country.
  Volunteers are critical to pulling our country through hard times. 
Following the hurricanes that plagued my home State of Florida, I 
witnessed firsthand the overwhelming response from volunteers who came 
out to respond to the needs of hurricane victims. Volunteers came 
together to provide these victims with clothing, food, shelter, and 
other items that displaced residents and families needed to get their 
lives back on track.
  The GIVE Act will continue this strong tradition of volunteerism in 
America by increasing community service opportunities and providing new 
incentives for volunteering.

                              {time}  1200

  Furthermore, I am proud to support legislation that puts a premium on 
disaster preparedness and emergency response.
  I would like to commend Representative McCarthy for her work on this 
bill and urge my colleagues to support this bill for the betterment of 
all our communities and our country as a whole.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much 
time is remaining.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN (Mr. Holden). Each side has 11 minutes remaining.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, with that, I yield myself as 
much time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, as we have been working through this bill, through our 
hearings and everything else, and listening to the volunteers that work 
in AmeriCorps and other aspects of volunteering, and also listening to 
our young people from communities that are underserved on how they want 
to serve and be part of it, before my colleague from Connecticut (Mr. 
Shays) talked about how we've done away with summer jobs. We see in our 
communities today more and more of our young people joining gangs and 
getting into trouble. We see that our juvenile justice system and our 
prisons are being overflowed, unfortunately, with young people. This is 
a program that can help them.
  You know, I look at our country and I marvel at how people volunteer 
and give their time to help other people that are in need. With the 
programs that we're putting forth and through the work of the 
subcommittee and

[[Page H1354]]

through the work of my colleague Mr. Platts from Pennsylvania, we have 
put together a great bill. This is a bill that can help people to the 
future. This is a bill that incorporates our elderly and our young. So, 
it's something that I think we should all be proud of. And certainly 
I'm hoping that we're not going to have any controversies further down 
the line.
  And may I just say one thing: A number of speakers have gotten up and 
talked about the FISA bill. Let me say this to the American people: 
With the continuation that we have, this country is being protected. 
And we are trying to work it out with our colleagues from the other 
side and the administration. But let me make one thing very clear, the 
country is being protected. The intelligence committees can do what 
they need to do, and our intelligence community is getting information 
at that.
  With that, Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, I want to again just thank my subcommittee chairman, 
Chairwoman McCarthy, for her leadership on this important legislation, 
as well as the full committee Chair, Mr. Miller, and the ranking 
member, Mr. McKeon.
  As a number of speakers have talked about their own experience and 
the gentleman from Connecticut, through his work in the Peace Corps, 
these opportunities to participate in the programs that are funded and 
authorized under the National Community and Service Act impact not just 
those who receive the benefit of the work done, but those who actually 
participate. And with a family member who has participated in 
AmeriCorps, I have seen that impact on that individual and how they 
were a stronger person and better prepared for the rest of their adult 
years because of having been part of AmeriCorps.
  So, again, I urge a ``yes'' vote for this legislation and look 
forward to it moving forward through the House and working with the 
Senate to get it to the President's desk.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2857, 
the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education or ``GIVE'' 
Act.
  This legislation reauthorizes and strengthens our national service 
programs. I would like to thank my good friend Carolyn McCarthy, 
chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee and 
Congressman Todd Platts, the ranking member, for their excellent, 
bipartisan work on this legislation.
  The spirit of service runs strong in America. Many Americans--young 
and old, rich and poor--look for ways to give back to their communities 
and the Nation. Our national service programs nurture this spirit and 
ensure that all American have opportunities to serve.
  The GIVE Act will increase the number of Americorps volunteers to 
100,000. In my congressional district Americorps volunteers are 
promoting community development, improving education, and enhancing the 
quality of life for many of our residents. They bring a great deal of 
energy and contribute to a strong sense of community in our area.
  The GIVE Act fosters an ethic of civic engagement in young people 
through a summer of service program that will enable students in middle 
and high school to volunteer and earn an education award for college.
  The GIVE Act promotes service in areas of national need for global 
competitiveness, such as science, technology, engineering, and 
mathematics.
  The GIVE Act will ensure that we can effectively and efficiently 
mobilize volunteers in times of national disaster.
  The GIVE Act strengthens opportunities for our seniors by providing 
flexibility to the senior corps programs. In my congressional district, 
we have very strong programs that engage our seniors in service and 
provide them companionship and support. Our seniors continue to make 
tremendous contributions to our communities. We cannot afford to let 
their talent or energy go to waste.
  My home State of Texas is a big believer in national service. We have 
48,000 senior corps members. Since 1994, 24,000 Texans have earned 
education awards by serving as Americorps volunteers; 48,000 students 
have participated in Learn and Serve America, linking service with 
academic achievement.
  The GIVE act will make this great tradition of service even stronger. 
I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of 
the GIVE Act and I thank my colleague Mrs. Maloney for her leadership 
on this issue. Volunteers in our National Service Corps are doing the 
hard work of building what I like to call the Beloved Community--a 
community at peace with itself based on justice and human dignity.
  We all live in one house, the American house, and people are 
suffering. We need so many more Americans to volunteer, to share their 
talents, their time and their love. That is how we form the Beloved 
Community.
  So many Americans are giving of themselves through Americorps/VISTA, 
Summer of Service, and our Senior Volunteer Corps. Many more want to 
give and volunteer, but they can't find the time. They are stuck at 
work trying to make ends meet. They sit in traffic. They are helping 
their kids with homework. Businesses and governments need to encourage 
and allow people to volunteer.
  Young people have been behind all of the great social movements in 
this Nation. We must tap into the idealism and the talents of our young 
people, and the young at heart, who can build bridges and ease 
suffering.
  Something is happening in America. In Atlanta, we are embracing the 
merger between the Points of Light Foundation and the ``Hands On'' 
Network. I want to mention their good work and their leadership in 
recruiting and training volunteers.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to find more ways, like 
competitive grants for nonprofits, to expand our volunteer 
infrastructure, to push our national service agenda forward.
  The GIVE Act is a good bill. It has my support. I thank my 
colleagues.
  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chairman, throughout our history, American 
citizens have never hesitated to heed the call to service. They have 
answered in times of peace and prosperity, in times of war and 
recession. They have donated time and money and sweat--as much as they 
could, whenever it was needed.
  When our Nation faced the Great Depression, President Roosevelt 
formed the Civilian Conservation Corps and put citizens to work for the 
national interest. When we faced political uncertainty in the world, 
President Kennedy challenged our young people to serve and dispatched 
the Peace Corps on missions of international aid and public diplomacy. 
And when neighbors have challenges, when communities struggle, or when 
the Nation sees tragedy, our citizens rally and lend a hand.
  In recent years, we have seen some of the largest increases in 
volunteerism in history. This new trend is led by our young people, who 
are serving in record numbers. The number of college students who 
volunteer increased by 20 percent between 2002 and 2005. And the 
programs we consider today are a key part of that service.
  Today's legislation will increase enrollment in AmeriCorps and 
establish ways to deploy AmeriCorps alumni in times of national need. 
It will establish an Office of Outreach and Recruitment to match new 
volunteers with service opportunities. It will create a new program, a 
Summer of Service, to encourage more young people to help their 
communities. It will strengthen our emergency preparedness and disaster 
response with improvements to the National Civilian Community Corps. 
And it will challenge our scientists, mathematicians, and engineers to 
meet our Nation's technical needs with creativity and innovation.
  Mr. Chairman, Americans have made tremendous investments through 
national service. Let us, in turn, pass this legislation today to 
assist their efforts and continue their commitment to our Nation's 
future.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in 
strong support of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and 
Education Act. The GIVE Act will expand the Corporation for National 
and Community Service which has been instrumental in helping connect 
Americans to high quality, meaningful service and service-learning 
opportunities. The GIVE Act will increase the benefits of service 
available to more participants and more communities, improve program 
quality, ensure participant diversity, increase the value of the 
AmeriCorps education award, and reduce the age eligibility for Senior 
Corps to 55.
  In the last 14 years more than 500,000 individuals have served 
through AmeriCorps and have earned education awards worth more than 
$1.5 billion. Senior Corps members have generated more than 1 billion 
volunteer service hours, and more than 15 million young people have 
participated in service-learning initiatives funded by Learn and Serve 
America. In addition, the national service programs have provided 
opportunities for growing numbers of Americans to serve our Nation.
  Since AmeriCorps was created in 1994, Texas has benefited from over 
22,000 young people serving for at least 1 year in our communities. 
Through programs such as the ``National Civilian Community Corps'' and 
``City Year,'' AmeriCorps volunteers address critical Texas needs in 
the areas of education, public safety, disaster response and recovery, 
and environment preservation. These programs serve the important role 
of providing an outlet for service to the country in a manner 
previously not afforded.

[[Page H1355]]

  Mr. Chairman, the AmeriCorps program has done great things for Texas 
and this Nation as a whole, as is reflected in the AmeriCorps members 
pledge to ``get things done.'' I am indeed honored to support this 
wonderful program which represents the very best of the United States 
of America.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the Committee on 
Education and Labor for all of their work in bringing this bill to the 
floor today.
  National service is one of the most productive, cost efficient 
investments the Federal Government can make.
  My wife Betsi and I were Peace Corps volunteers and we call ourselves 
volunteers because we gave 2 years of our lives in service to others.
  Americorps is a similar program to Peace Corps. It takes 18, 19, 20-
year-old kids and gives them an opportunity to work in a program 
mentored by various nonprofit organizations.
  The passion of participants in Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and other 
national service programs is undeniable. As they give back to their 
country they also learn something about themselves, each other, and the 
world around them.
  I am pleased H.R. 2857 expands the AmeriCorps program and increases 
the education award, which participants in the program receive upon 
completion of service.
  As the cost of a college education increases, students often have to 
choose between public service careers and other jobs to pay back 
student loans.
  I am also pleased we are making amendments in order under this rule 
because I believe they will strengthen this underlying reauthorization.
  Congresswoman Matsui and I have offered an amendment to streamline 
funding for State and national AmeriCorps programs, which will 
encourage coordination, efficiency, and high quality programs.
  Furthermore, this amendment will improve the collaboration between 
State and national entities to better serve local needs.
  Congressman McDermott, Congressman Farr and I have offered an 
amendment to establish a Congressional Commission on Civic service that 
will investigate ways to increase and encourage service opportunities 
throughout the country.
  The Commission will consider and promote ideas to inspire community 
service initiatives around the Nation.
  There is no substitute for the passion of our Nation's volunteers, 
who can be found mentoring students, building houses, assisting senior 
citizens or beautifying our national parks.
  As a co-sponsor of this legislation, I am proud to support national 
service initiatives and encourage my colleagues to support this 
important reauthorization today.
  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I would like to take a minute to 
recognize an enduring legacy of John F. Kennedy--the Peace Corps--in 
recognition of its 47th anniversary this year. It is an honor to serve 
with the likes of my colleague and friend Chris Shays and others in 
this body and the others who serves our country in the enhancement of 
citizen diplomacy. I hope all Americans will join us in supporting and 
expanding this enduring commitment to convey our values as a Nation.
  As Fareed Zakaria wrote: ``We must begin to think about life after 
Bush--a cheering prospect for his foes, a dismaying one for his fans 
(however few there may be at the moment). In 11 months he will be a 
private citizen, giving speeches to insurance executives. America, 
however, will have to move on and restore its place in the world. To do 
this we must first tackle the consequences of our foreign policy of 
fear. Having spooked ourselves into believing that we have no option 
but to act fast, alone, unilaterally and pre-emptively, we have managed 
in six years to destroy decades of international good will, alienate 
allies, embolden enemies and yet solve few of the major international 
problems we face.''
  The London Financial Times last December reported that the U.S. has 
suffered a significant loss of power and prestige around the world in 
the years since the beginning of this century, limiting our ability to 
influence international crises, according to an annual survey from a 
well regarded British security think-tank. The 2007 Strategic Survey of 
the non-partisan International Institute for Strategic Studies' picked 
the decline of U.S. authority as one of the most important security 
developments of the past year--but suggested the fading of American 
prestige began earlier, largely due to its failings in Iraq.
  One of our most special and effective citizen agencies of public 
diplomacy is the Peace Corps. Think of this--more than 187,000 
volunteers have served this venerable legacy of former President 
Kennedy, serving in 139 countries--where they bring our values to other 
peoples, and bring understanding and appreciation of other cultures 
back home.
  The greatest gift of the Peace Corps and other civilian programs is 
not just that ordinary Americans share their values and our culture 
with other peoples, but also that when volunteers return, they bring 
greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
  Foreign policy is not just what we do, but also who we are. America 
as a place has often been the great antidote to U.S. foreign policy--
and it should be again. Mr. Zakaria writes that ``When American actions 
across the world have seemed harsh, misguided or unfair, America itself 
has always been open, welcoming and tolerant. . .''
  At the end of the day, our openness is our greatest foreign policy. 
We have succeeded not because of the ingenuity of our government, but 
rather because of efforts like this unique program to keep ourselves 
open to the world--to sending our people out across the countries of 
the world to share our unique culture, our goods and services, our 
ideas and inventions, our people and cultures. This openness, this 
civilian diplomacy, has allowed us to make friends across boundaries. 
It will be central to our place as a nation in the future.

  This week, as we celebrate National Peace Corps Week, we honor the 
more than 190,000 volunteers who have served in 139 developing 
countries since President Kennedy's call to service in 1961--and I 
honor 44 of my constituents currently serving our country in places as 
diverse as China, Mali, Azerbaijan, Macedonia, El Salvador, and 
Namibia. This can be lonely and demanding service, but service that can 
create enduring friendships and values that transcend boundaries and 
cultures.
  Today, more than 8,000 Peace Corps volunteers around the world are 
currently providing training and education in 74 countries. These 
volunteers each donate their time and skills for over 2 years, in order 
to make a difference in the world and to promote understanding between 
cultures. By offering their valuable skills and showing a passion for 
helping others, they show the world that Americans value learning and 
cross-cultural exchange.
  Volunteers work in areas of education, health and HIV/AIDS, business 
development, environment, agriculture and youth, and must often be 
creative and flexible when living and working in new cultures and 
learning new languages. The resulting experience is rewarding for all 
involved, and it highlights the importance of cooperation and 
involvement between cultures around the globe.
  When volunteers return home and share their overseas experiences with 
their communities, the Peace Corps helps Americans as much as the 
people in developing countries. From recent college graduates to 
doctors with decades of experience, volunteers choose to use their 
valuable skills and education to help people all over the world, but 
their work affects their lives long after returning home.
  This week we remember the dedication and passion of Peace Corps 
volunteers, young and old, current and returned. We thank them for 
their service, and encourage more Americans to volunteer with the Peace 
Corps.

              Sworn-in Volunteers In the District of VA-08

 Volunteer Name, Country of Service, Start of SVC Date, Projected COS 
                                  Date

       Adriance, Joel E, ECUADOR, 31-Aug-2005, 30-Sep-2008.
       Armitage, Emily M, BULGARIA, 19-Oct-2006, 10-Oct-2008.
       Arnaoudova, Ina M, AZERBAIJAN, 13-Sep-2006, 12-Sep-2008.
       Ballenger, Charles J, EL SALVADOR, 30-Nov-2006, 28-Nov-
     2008.
       Banks, Cecilia M, ECUADOR, 31-Aug-2005, 30-Sep-2008.
       Bergin, Sarah M, SURINAME, 03-Aug-2006, 03-Aug-2008.
       Braslavsky, Gelena, BULGARIA, 29-Jun-2007, 30-Jun-2009.
       Cabrera, Luis J, NICARAGUA, 20-Jul-2007, 17-Jul-2009.
       Calnan, Shannon M, ROMANIA, 27-Jul-2007, 26-Jul-2009.
       Chadbourn Iv, Charles C, COSTA RICA, 14-Sep-2006, 19-Sep-
     2008.
       Cohen, Matthew B, GHANA, 21-Aug-2007, 20-Aug-2009.
       Davies, Meghan E, HONDURAS, 20-Apr-2006, 14-Mar-2008.
       Doherty, Jennifer J, JAMAICA, 25-Aug-2006, 25-Aug-2008.
       Ferrara, Erin J, FIJI, 03-Aug-2006, 03-Aug-2008.
       Ficke, Melanie K, HONDURAS, 07-Sep-2006, 06-Sep-2008.
       GarciaLahiguera, Andres J, ROMANIA, 27-Jul-2007, 26-Jul-
     2009.
       Geurtsen, Christopher P, VANUATU, 21-Jun-2007, 19-Jun-2009.
       Glock, Porter O, FIJI, 03-Aug-2006, 03-Aug-2008.
       Guachamin, Marcela A, COSTA RICA, 18-May-2007, 15-May-2009.
       Gustafson, Kevin L, GUYANA, 26-Jul-2007, 25-Jul-2009.
       Houk, Kathryn G, BOLIVIA, 28-Jul-2006, 01-Aug-2008.
       Huckstep, Melanie L, CHINA, 07-Sep-2007, 08-Sep-2009.
       Hurley, Emelia M, BOLIVIA, 13-Apr-2006, 11-Apr-2008.
       Infantino, Ann Marie C, HONDURAS, 27-Sep-2007, 25-Sep-2009.

[[Page H1356]]

       Johnston, Elizabeth A, PARAGUAY, 21-Apr-2006, 18-Apr-2008.
       Landrigan, Gregory J, PANAMA, 28-Jul-2005, 04-Sep-2008.
       Luckett, Christina C, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, 26-May-2006, 05-
     May-2008.
       Mandt, Kehl R, CHINA, 09-Jun-2005, 16-Aug-2009.
       Milanowski, Elissa N, NAMIBIA, 06-Jan-2006, 30-Mar-2008.
       Morris, Katherine M, ALBANIA, 13-Jun-2007, 13-Jun-2009.
       Morrow, Katherine J, CHINA, 07-Sep-2007, 08-Sep-2009.
       Neidorf, Katherine A, MACEDONIA, 15-Dec-2006, 14-Dec-2008.
       Norko, Sara M, PHILIPPINES, 03-Aug-2007, 03-Aug-2009.
       Papernick, Rachel J, HONDURAS, 27-Sep-2007, 25-Sep-2009.
       Pasley, Virginia B, UKRAINE, 21-Dec-2006, 18-Dec-2008.
       Rooney, Kieran E, MOLDOVA, 16-Aug-2007, 14-Aug-2009.
       Schiller, Malaika L, BENIN, 22-Sep-2006, 22-Sep-2008.
       Shah, Rekha, PHILIPPINES, 03-Aug-2007, 03-Aug-2009.
       Shanahan, Kara A, EL SALVADOR, 16-Aug-2007, 13-Aug-2009.
       Slotnick, Jennifer A, GUATEMALA, 27-Jul-2006, 26-Jul-2008.
       Soto, Jocelyn D, UKRAINE, 21-Dec-2006, 18-Dec-2008.
       Vance, Jessica H. EL SALVADOR, 19-Apr-2007, 24-Apr-2009.
       Wagner, Ariel E, MALI, 25-Nov-2005, 25-May-2008.
       Zehner, Amanda L, GAMBIA, 13-Apr-2007, 15-Apr-2009.

  Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Generations Invigorating 
Volunteerism and Education Act, the GIVE Act, H.R. 2857. I congratulate 
Chairman Miller and Chairwoman McCarthy and Ranking Members McKeon and 
Platts on their work toward this day and moving us closer to finally 
reauthorizing the Corportation for National and Community Service.
  There are many noteworthy programs in the GIVE Act, including Senior 
Corps and AmeriCorps, which give countless Americans the opportunity to 
volunteer. Today, I would like to bring attention to a new and very 
promising program that I have worked to include in the GIVE Act. This 
new part of the law will provide grants to non-profit organizations to 
encourage increased volunteer, community, workforce, and educational 
participation in older adults.
  Recent research shows that Americans in the second half of life--
regardless of income, educational level, or race--want to explore 
options for the next stage of life, including service opportunities, 
obtaining new training, retooling existing skills, pursuing educational 
interests, and exploring flexible work.
  This initiative is a timely and necessary way to help the large U.S. 
`boomer' generation make the transition to a new productive life phase 
by providing support and community connections for ongoing learning, 
development, and contribution to society. Similar programs currently 
function as an initiative of Civic Ventures and are a proven success.
  I am hopeful that we will be able to bring a program to my district 
to assist those that are in a transition period, whether they have lost 
a job, are looking for a career change, or would like to move into a 
volunteer role in the community.
  Mr. Chairman, again I thank the leadership of the Education and Labor 
Committee and its excellent staff for assisting in securing this 
program authorization and in moving the GIVE Act forward.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong 
support of H.R. 2857, the ``Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and 
Education Act'' or the ``GIVE Act.'' I would like to thank my colleague 
Congresswoman McCarthy for introducing this important legislation, as 
well as the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, 
Congressman George Miller, for his leadership in bringing the bill to 
the floor today.
  Mr. Chairman, this legislation will make vital strides toward 
expanding and improving key community service programs, including 
AmeriCorps, VISTA, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America. The GIVE 
Act works to ensure that volunteers, and the organizations that support 
them, will receive the resources that they need to continue their vital 
work in our communities.
  Today's legislation embodies the altruistic spirit that has made our 
Nation great. Great numbers of Americans donate their time and their 
unique skills and gifts to our cities and communities, without any 
expectation of compensation or material reward. According to a 2005 
study, 29 percent of the American public, or about 65.4 million people, 
had volunteered in the past year.
  This legislation engages our youth and fosters a sense of civic duty. 
At many of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities the idea of 
continual service to community is embedded into the very walls of the 
institution. Right in this city, Howard University has symbolically and 
yet openly stated its belief in service. Veritas and Utilitas, Truth 
and Service is on the very seal of the University. Institutions such as 
Texas Southern University and Texas A&M University continue to provide 
our young people with leadership skills that are grounded in service 
and compassion for their fellow man.
  That is why I was so pleased to see Section 1202 of this legislation, 
giving special consideration to Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and 
Universities. I want to thank Chairman Miller for allowing me to add to 
this great bill. By adding predominately minority community colleges to 
the list of those to receive special consideration, we help so many 
more students who have a commitment to service.
  Our community colleges are growing as many of our returning veterans, 
single parents, and seniors desire to make a change in their life 
circumstances and simply cannot afford traditional higher education. A 
sense of civic engagement is not fostered only among students at 
Harvard and Berkeley; it is also found among students at community 
colleges like Houston Community College and North Harris College. I 
thank the Chairman for recognizing this needed addition and 
incorporating it into the Manager's Amendment.

  The GIVE Act would: (1) increase the number of AmeriCorps volunteers 
from 75,000 to 100,000 by 2012; (2) increase stipends for AmeriCorps 
volunteers from $4,725 to $5,225 by 2012; (3) initiate a ``Summer of 
Service'' program for young people from middle school through high 
school to give them the opportunity to spend a summer in service to 
their community, for which they would receive a $500 stipend for 
college or for college preparation; and (4) create an AmeriCorps Alumni 
Reserves Network aimed at tapping into the skills and experience of 
alumni volunteers, with a particular focus on assisting during 
emergencies or natural disasters.
  I am proud to cosponsor legislation that will add service before self 
to our leaders of tomorrow. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this legislation.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the 
Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. I would like 
to thank Chairman George Miller, Ranking Member McKeon, Chairwoman 
McCarthy, and Ranking Member Platts for their work on this bill.
  H.R. 2857 reauthorizes the national service programs for the first 
time in over 10 years and contains many positive changes and updates 
for these programs. During committee consideration of the bill, I added 
language to make many of these programs more accessible for court-
involved youth and adults, including individuals who have previously 
been incarcerated. I believe that getting these individuals involved in 
service could be a positive first step to reintegrating these 
individuals into their communities and giving them an avenue to begin 
positively participating in society.
  Although I support this bill, I remained concerned about one 
provision, which requires the recompetition of grants under the Retired 
Senior Volunteer Program, RSVP. During committee consideration of this 
bill, Congressman Hare and I submitted an amendment that would have 
given existing RSVP grantees in good standing priority consideration 
for future grants. Since that time, we have worked with the committee 
to improve the provision that is in the bill, including giving existing 
programs technical assistance and additional time to prepare for 
recompetition. I appreciate this work towards a more fair system.
  However, I believe that existing programs in good standing should be 
given a stronger priority in the recompetition process, whether that is 
by only recompeting under-performing programs such as in the Head Start 
program or by utilizing a prior experience point system such as in the 
TRIO programs. Through serving their communities for many years and in 
some cases decades, these existing programs have established strong 
ties in their communities on which many seniors rely and from which 
many others benefit. I remain concerned that the language in the base 
bill will create a recompetition process that will essentially become a 
grant-writing competition without consideration for current RSVP 
programs' experience and effectiveness.
  Although I remain concerned about the recompetition process for RSVP 
programs, I intend to support the bill and urge my colleagues to 
support it as well.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to 
support H.R. 2857, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. All time for general debate has expired.
  Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute 
printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the 
purpose of amendment under the 5-minute rule and shall be considered 
read.

[[Page H1357]]

  The text of the committee amendment is as follows:

                               H.R. 2857

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the 
     ``Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act'' 
     or the ``GIVE Act''.
       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

   TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ACT OF 1990

Sec. 1001. References.

       Subtitle A--Amendments to Subtitle A (General Provisions)

Sec. 1101. Purposes; sense of Congress.
Sec. 1102. Definitions.

        Subtitle B--Amendments to Subtitle B (Service-Learning)

Sec. 1201. School-based allotments.
Sec. 1202. Higher education provisions.
Sec. 1203. Innovative programs and research.

 Subtitle C--Amendments to Subtitle C (National Service Trust Program)

Sec. 1301. Prohibition on grants to Federal agencies; limits on 
              Corporation costs.
Sec. 1302. E-Corps and technical amendments to types of programs.
Sec. 1303. Types of positions.
Sec. 1304. Conforming repeal relating to training and technical 
              assistance.
Sec. 1305. Assistance to State Commissions; challenge grants.
Sec. 1306. Allocation of assistance to States and other eligible 
              entities.
Sec. 1307. Additional authority.
Sec. 1308. State selection of programs.
Sec. 1309. Consideration of applications.
Sec. 1310. Description of participants.
Sec. 1311. Selection of national service participants.
Sec. 1312. Terms of service.
Sec. 1313. Adjustments to living allowance.

   Subtitle D--Amendments to Subtitle D (National Service Trust and 
           Provision of National Service Educational Awards)

Sec. 1401. Availability of funds in the National Service Trust.
Sec. 1402. Individuals eligible to receive a national service 
              educational award from the Trust.
Sec. 1403. Determination of the amount of national service educational 
              awards.
Sec. 1404. Disbursement of educational awards.
Sec. 1405. Process of approval of national service positions.

   Subtitle E--Amendments to Subtitle E (National Civilian Community 
                                 Corps)

Sec. 1501. Purpose.
Sec. 1502. Program components.
Sec. 1503. Eligible participants.
Sec. 1504. Summer national service program.
Sec. 1505. Team leaders.
Sec. 1506. Training.
Sec. 1507. Consultation with State Commissions.
Sec. 1508. Authorized benefits for Corps members.
Sec. 1509. Permanent cadre.
Sec. 1510. Contract and grant authority.
Sec. 1511. Other departments.
Sec. 1512. Advisory Board.
Sec. 1513. Annual evaluation.
Sec. 1514. Repeal of funding limitation.
Sec. 1515. Definitions.
Sec. 1516. Terminology.

    Subtitle F--Amendments to Subtitle F (Administrative Provisions)

Sec. 1601. Family and medical leave.
Sec. 1602. Additional prohibitions on use of funds.
Sec. 1603. Notice, hearing, and grievance procedures.
Sec. 1604. Resolution of displacement complaints.
Sec. 1605. State Commissions on National and Community Service.
Sec. 1606. Evaluation and accountability.
Sec. 1607. Technical amendment.
Sec. 1608. Partnerships with schools.
Sec. 1609. Rights of access, examination, and copying.
Sec. 1610. Additional administrative provisions.

  Subtitle G--Amendments to Subtitle G (Corporation for National and 
                           Community Service)

Sec. 1701. Terms of office.
Sec. 1702. Board of Directors authorities and duties.
Sec. 1703. Authorities and duties of the Chief Executive Officer.
Sec. 1704. Nonvoting members; personal services contracts.
Sec. 1705. Donated services.
Sec. 1706. Office of Outreach and Recruitment.
Sec. 1707. Study to examine and increase service programs for veterans 
              and veterans participation in Service Corps and Community 
              Service and to develop pilot program.

                  Subtitle H--Amendments to Subtitle H

Sec. 1801. Technical amendments to subtitle H.
Sec. 1802. Repeals.
Sec. 1803. Innovative and model program support.
Sec. 1804. Clearinghouses.

       Subtitle I--American Conservation and Youth Service Corps

Sec. 1811. State application.

             Subtitle J--Training and Technical Assistance

Sec. 1821. Training and technical assistance.

      Subtitle K--Repeal of Title III (Points of Light Foundation)

Sec. 1831. Repeal.

  Subtitle L--Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations)

Sec. 1841. Authorization of appropriations.

   TITLE II--AMENDMENTS TO THE DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE ACT OF 1973

Sec. 2001. References.

   Subtitle A--Amendments to Title I (National Volunteer Antipoverty 
                               Programs)

Sec. 2101. Purpose.
Sec. 2102. Purpose of the VISTA program.
Sec. 2103. Applications.
Sec. 2104. VISTA programs of national significance.
Sec. 2105. Terms and periods of service.
Sec. 2106. Support Service.
Sec. 2107. Sections repealed.
Sec. 2108. Conforming amendment.
Sec. 2109. Financial assistance.

  Subtitle B--Amendments to Title II (National Senior Volunteer Corps)

Sec. 2201. Change in name.
Sec. 2202. Purpose.
Sec. 2203. Grants and contracts for volunteer service projects.
Sec. 2204. Foster Grandparent Program grants.
Sec. 2205. Senior Companion Program grants.
Sec. 2206. Promotion of National Senior Service Corps.
Sec. 2207. Technical amendments.
Sec. 2208. Programs of national significance.
Sec. 2209. Additional provisions.
Sec. 2210. Authority of Director.

  Subtitle C--Amendments to Title IV (Administration and Coordination)

Sec. 2301. Nondisplacement.
Sec. 2302. Notice and hearing procedures.
Sec. 2303. Definitions.
Sec. 2304. Protection against improper use.

  Subtitle D--Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations)

Sec. 2401. Authorization of appropriations for VISTA and other 
              purposes.
Sec. 2402. Authorization of appropriations for National Senior Service 
              Corps.
Sec. 2403. Administration and coordination.

                  TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS

Sec. 3101. Inspector General Act of 1978.

          TITLE IV--TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO TABLES OF CONTENTS

Sec. 4101. Table of contents for the National and Community Service Act 
              of 1990.
Sec. 4102. Table of contents for the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 
              1973.

                        TITLE V--EFFECTIVE DATE

Sec. 5101. Effective date.
Sec. 5102. Service assignments and agreements.

   TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ACT OF 1990

     SEC. 1001. REFERENCES.

       Except as otherwise specifically provided, whenever in this 
     title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to, or repeal of, a provision, the reference shall 
     be considered to be made to a provision of the National and 
     Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12501 et seq.).

       Subtitle A--Amendments to Subtitle A (General Provisions)

     SEC. 1101. PURPOSES; SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       (a) Purposes.--Section 2(b) (42 U.S.C. 12501(b)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``community throughout'' 
     and inserting ``community and service throughout the varied 
     and diverse communities of'';
       (2) in paragraph (4), by inserting after ``income,'' the 
     following: ``geographic location,'';
       (3) in paragraph (6), by inserting after ``existing'' the 
     following: ``national'';
       (4) in paragraph (7)--
       (A) by striking ``programs and agencies'' and inserting 
     ``programs, agencies, and communities''; and
       (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (5) in paragraph (8), by striking the period and inserting 
     a semicolon; and
       (6) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(9) expand and strengthen service-learning programs 
     through year-round opportunities, including during the summer 
     months, to improve the education of children and youth and to 
     maximize the benefits of national and community service, in 
     order to renew the ethic of civic responsibility and the 
     spirit of community to children and youth throughout the 
     United States;
       ``(10) assist in coordinating and strengthening Federal and 
     other citizen service opportunities, including opportunities 
     for participation in emergency and disaster preparedness, 
     relief, and recovery;
       ``(11) increase service opportunities for our Nation's 
     retiring professionals, including such opportunities for 
     those retiring from the science, technical, engineering, and 
     mathematics professions to improve the education of our 
     Nation's youth and keep America competitive in the global 
     knowledge economy, and to further utilize the experience, 
     knowledge, and skills of older Americans;
       ``(12) encourage the continued service of the alumni of the 
     national service programs, including service in times of 
     national need; and
       ``(13) encourage members of the Baby Boom generation to 
     partake in service opportunities.''.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--The Act is amended by inserting 
     after section 2 the following:

     ``SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       ``It is the sense of Congress that the number of 
     participants in the AmeriCorps programs, including the 
     Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and the National 
     Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), should grow to reach 100,000 
     participants by 2012.''.

     SEC. 1102. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 101 (42 U.S.C. 12511) is amended--

[[Page H1358]]

       (1) by redesignating--
       (A) paragraphs (21) through (29) as paragraphs (28) through 
     (36), respectively;
       (B) paragraphs (9) through (20) as paragraphs (15) through 
     (26), respectively; and
       (C) paragraphs (7) and (8) as paragraphs (10) and (11), 
     respectively; and
       (D) paragraphs (3) through (6) as paragraphs (5) through 
     (8), respectively;
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Approved summer of service position.--The term 
     `approved summer of service position' means a position in a 
     program described under section 111(a)(5) for which the 
     Corporation has approved the provision of a summer of service 
     educational award as one of the benefits to be provided for 
     successful service in the position.
       ``(4) Baby boom generation.--The term `Baby Boom 
     generation' means the generation that consists of individuals 
     born during the period beginning with 1946 and ending with 
     1964.'';
       (3) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``described in section 122'';
       (4) in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``church or other'';
       (5) by inserting after paragraph (8) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(9) Disadvantaged youth.--The term `disadvantaged youth' 
     includes those youth who are economically disadvantaged and 
     one or more of the following:
       ``(A) Who are out-of-school youth, including out-of-school 
     youth who are unemployed.
       ``(B) Who are in or aging out of foster care.
       ``(C) Who have limited English proficiency.
       ``(D) Who are homeless or who have run away from home.
       ``(E) Who are at-risk to leave school without a diploma.
       ``(F) Who are former juvenile offenders or at risk of 
     delinquency.'';
       (6) by inserting after paragraph (11) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(12) Grantmaking entity.--The term `grantmaking entity' 
     means a public or private nonprofit organization that--
       ``(A) has experience with service-learning or with meeting 
     unmet human, educational, environmental, or public safety 
     needs;
       ``(B) was in existence at least one year before the date on 
     which the organization submitted an application under the 
     national service laws; and
       ``(C) meets other such criteria as the Chief Executive 
     Officer may establish.
       ``(13) Hispanic-serving institution.--The term `Hispanic-
     serving institution' has the meaning given the term in 
     section 502(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1101a(a)).
       ``(14) Historically black college or university.--The term 
     `historically black college or university' means a part B 
     institution, as defined in section 322 of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)).'';
       (7) in paragraph (19) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965'' and 
     inserting ``sections 101(a) and 102(a)(1) of the Higher 
     Education Act of 1965'';
       (8) in paragraph (23)(B) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``program in which the participant is enrolled'' and 
     inserting ``organization receiving assistance under the 
     national service laws through which the participant is 
     enrolled in an approved national service position'';
       (9) by inserting after paragraph (26) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(27) Qualified organization.--The term `qualified 
     organization' means a public or private nonprofit 
     organization with experience working with school-age youth 
     that meets such criteria as the Chief Executive Officer may 
     establish.''; and
       (10) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(37) Tribally controlled college or university.--The term 
     `tribally controlled college or university' has the meaning 
     given in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or 
     University Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801).''.

        Subtitle B--Amendments to Subtitle B (Service-Learning)

     SEC. 1201. SCHOOL-BASED ALLOTMENTS.

       Part I of subtitle B of title I (42 U.S.C. 12521 et seq.) 
     is amended to read as follows:

        ``PART I--PROGRAMS FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS

     ``SEC. 111. ASSISTANCE TO STATES, TERRITORIES, AND INDIAN 
                   TRIBES.

       ``(a) Allotments to States, Territories, and Indian 
     Tribes.--The Corporation, in consultation with the Secretary 
     of Education, may make allotments to State educational 
     agencies, Territories, and Indian tribes to pay for the 
     Federal share of--
       ``(1) planning and building the capacity within the State, 
     Territory, or Indian tribe to implement service-learning 
     programs that are based principally in elementary and 
     secondary schools, including--
       ``(A) providing training for teachers, supervisors, 
     personnel from community-based agencies (particularly with 
     regard to the recruitment, utilization, and management of 
     participants), and trainers, to be conducted by qualified 
     individuals or organizations that have experience with 
     service-learning;
       ``(B) developing service-learning curricula, consistent 
     with State or local academic content standards, to be 
     integrated into academic programs, including an age-
     appropriate learning component that provides participants an 
     opportunity to analyze and apply their service experiences;
       ``(C) forming local partnerships described in paragraph (2) 
     or (4) to develop school-based service-learning programs in 
     accordance with this part;
       ``(D) devising appropriate methods for research and 
     evaluation of the educational value of service-learning and 
     the effect of service-learning activities on communities;
       ``(E) establishing effective outreach and dissemination of 
     information to ensure the broadest possible involvement of 
     community-based agencies with demonstrated effectiveness in 
     working with school-age youth in their communities; and
       ``(F) establishing effective outreach and dissemination of 
     information to ensure the broadest possible participation of 
     schools throughout the State, with particular attention to 
     schools identified for school improvement under title I of 
     the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     6301 et seq.);
       ``(2) implementing, operating, or expanding school-based 
     service-learning programs, which may include paying for the 
     cost of the recruitment, training, supervision, placement, 
     salaries, and benefits of service-learning coordinators, 
     through distribution of Federal funds by State educational 
     agencies, Territories, and Indian tribes made available under 
     this part to projects operated by local partnerships among--
       ``(A) local educational agencies; and
       ``(B) 1 or more community partners that--
       ``(i) shall include a public or private nonprofit 
     organization that--

       ``(I) has a demonstrated expertise in the provision of 
     services to meet unmet human, education, environmental, or 
     public safety needs;
       ``(II) will make projects available for participants, who 
     shall be students; and
       ``(III) was in existence at least 1 year before the date on 
     which the organization submitted an application under section 
     113; and

       ``(ii) may include a private for-profit business, private 
     elementary or secondary school, or Indian tribe (except that 
     an Indian tribe distributing funds to a project under this 
     paragraph is not eligible to be part of the partnership 
     operating that project);
       ``(3) planning of school-based service-learning programs, 
     through distribution by State educational agencies, 
     Territories, and Indian tribes of Federal funds made 
     available under this part to local educational agencies and 
     Indian tribes, which planning may include paying for the cost 
     of--
       ``(A) the salaries and benefits of service-learning 
     coordinators; or
       ``(B) the recruitment, training, supervision, and placement 
     of service-learning coordinators who may be participants in a 
     program under subtitle C or receive a national service 
     educational award under subtitle D, who may be participants 
     in a project under section 201 of the Domestic Volunteer 
     Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5001), or who may participate 
     in a Youthbuild program under section 173A of the Workforce 
     Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918a),

     who will identify the community partners described in 
     paragraph (2)(B) and assist in the design and implementation 
     of a program described in paragraph (2);
       ``(4) implementing, operating, or expanding school-based 
     service-learning programs to utilize adult volunteers in 
     service-learning to improve the education of students, 
     through distribution by State educational agencies, 
     Territories, and Indian tribes of Federal funds made 
     available under this part to--
       ``(A) local educational agencies;
       ``(B) Indian tribes (except that an Indian tribe 
     distributing funds under this paragraph is not eligible to be 
     a recipient of those funds);
       ``(C) public or private nonprofit organizations; or
       ``(D) partnerships or combinations of local educational 
     agencies and entities described in subparagraph (B) or (C); 
     and
       ``(5) establishing or implementing summer of service 
     programs during the summer months, including the cost of 
     recruitment, training, and placement of service-learning 
     coordinators--
       ``(A) for youth who will be enrolled in any grade from 
     grade 6 through grade 12 at the end of the summer concerned;
       ``(B) for community-based service-learning projects that--
       ``(i) shall--

       ``(I) meet unmet human, educational, environmental 
     (including energy conservation and stewardship), emergency 
     and disaster preparedness, and public service needs; and
       ``(II) be intensive, structured, supervised, and designed 
     to produce identifiable improvements to the community; and

       ``(ii) may include the extension of academic year service-
     learning programs into the summer months;
       ``(C) through the distribution of Federal funds made 
     available under this part to projects operated by local 
     partnerships that consist of local educational agencies and--
       ``(i) public or private elementary schools or secondary 
     schools;
       ``(ii) institutions of higher education;
       ``(iii) public or private non-profit organizations that--

       ``(I) have a demonstrated expertise in providing services 
     to meet unmet human, educational, environmental, or public 
     safety needs; and
       ``(II) have been in existence for at least 1 year before 
     the date on which the organization submitted an application 
     under section 113;

       ``(iv) for-profit businesses; or
       ``(v) a consortia of such entities;
       ``(D) under which any student who completes 100 hours of 
     service in an approved summer of service position, as 
     certified through a process determined by the Corporation 
     through regulations consistent with section 139(f), shall be 
     eligible for a summer of service educational award of not 
     more than $500 (or, at the discretion of the Chief Executive 
     Officer, not more than $1,000 in the case of a participant 
     who is economically disadvantaged) from funds deposited in 
     the National Service Trust and distributed by the Corporation 
     as described in section 148; and

[[Page H1359]]

       ``(E) subject to the limitation that a student may not 
     receive more than 2 summer of service educational awards from 
     funds deposited in the National Service Trust.
       ``(b) Programs To Encourage Civic Engagement in Service 
     Learning.--
       ``(1) In general.--From funds appropriated under section 
     501(a)(1), and without regard to section 112(b), the 
     Corporation shall reserve up to 3 percent for competitive 
     grants to partnerships described in subsection (a)(2) for the 
     development of service-learning programs that promote greater 
     civic engagement among elementary and secondary school 
     students.
       ``(2) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this subsection, a partnership shall submit an application at 
     such time, in such manner, and containing such information as 
     the Corporation may require.
       ``(3) Activities.--Partnerships receiving grants under this 
     subsection shall use funds to develop service-learning 
     curricula that--
       ``(A) promote a better understanding of the principles of 
     the Constitution of the United States, the heroes of American 
     history (including military heroes), and the meaning of the 
     Oath of Allegiance;
       ``(B) promote a better understanding of how the Nation's 
     government functions; and
       ``(C) promote a better understanding of the importance of 
     service in the Nation's character.
       ``(c) Duties of Service-Learning Coordinator.--A service-
     learning coordinator referred to in paragraph (2), (3), or 
     (5) of subsection (a) shall provide services that may 
     include--
       ``(1) providing technical assistance and information to, 
     and facilitating the training of, teachers and assisting in 
     the planning, development, execution, and evaluation of 
     service-learning in their classrooms;
       ``(2) assisting local partnerships described in subsection 
     (a) in the planning, development, and execution of service-
     learning projects, including summer of service programs; and
       ``(3) carrying out such other duties as the recipient of 
     assistance under this part may determine to be appropriate.
       ``(d) Related Expenses.--An entity that receives financial 
     assistance under this part may, in carrying out the 
     activities described in subsection (a), use such assistance 
     to pay for the Federal share of reasonable costs related to 
     the supervision of participants, program administration, 
     transportation, insurance, and evaluations and for other 
     reasonable expenses related to the activities.

     ``SEC. 112. ALLOTMENTS.

       ``(a) Indian Tribes and Territories.--Of the amounts 
     appropriated to carry out this part for any fiscal year, the 
     Corporation shall reserve an amount of not less than 2 
     percent and not more than 3 percent for payments to Indian 
     tribes, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American 
     Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 
     to be allotted in accordance with their respective needs.
       ``(b) Allotments Through States.--After reserving the 
     amount under subsection (a), the Corporation shall use the 
     remainder of the funds appropriated to carry out this part 
     for any fiscal year as follows:
       ``(1) Allotments.--
       ``(A) School-age youth.--From 50 percent of such remainder, 
     the Corporation shall allot to each State an amount that 
     bears the same ratio to 50 percent of such remainder as the 
     number of school-age youth in the State bears to the total 
     number of school-age youth of all States.
       ``(B) Allocation under elementary and secondary education 
     act of 1965.--From 50 percent of such remainder, the 
     Corporation shall allot to each State an amount that bears 
     the same ratio to 50 percent of such remainder as the 
     allocation to the State for the previous fiscal year under 
     title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 
     (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) or its successor authority bears to 
     such allocations to all States.
       ``(2) Definition.--Notwithstanding section 101, for 
     purposes of this subsection, the term `State' means each of 
     the several States, the District of Columbia, and the 
     Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
       ``(c) Reallotment.--If the Corporation determines that the 
     allotment of a State, Territory, or Indian tribe under this 
     section will not be required for a fiscal year because the 
     State, Territory, or Indian tribe did not submit and receive 
     approval of an application for the allotment under section 
     113, the Corporation shall make the allotment for such State, 
     Territory, or Indian tribe available for grants to 
     grantmaking entities to carry out service-learning programs 
     as described in section 111(a) in such State, Territory, or 
     Indian tribe. After grantmaking entities apply for the 
     allotment with an application at such time and in such manner 
     as the Corporation requires and receive approval, the 
     remainder of such allotment shall be available for 
     reallotment to such other States, Territories, or Indian 
     tribes with approved applications submitted under section 113 
     as the Corporation may determine to be appropriate.

     ``SEC. 113. APPLICATIONS.

       ``(a) In General.--To be eligible to receive an allotment 
     under section 112 or an allotment of approved summer of 
     service positions under section 111(a)(5)(D), a State, acting 
     through the State educational agency, Territory, or Indian 
     tribe shall prepare, submit to the Corporation, and obtain 
     approval of, an application at such time and in such manner 
     as the Chief Executive Officer may reasonably require.
       ``(b) Contents.--An application for an allotment under this 
     part shall include--
       ``(1) a proposal for a 3-year plan promoting service-
     learning, which shall contain such information as the Chief 
     Executive Officer may reasonably require, including how the 
     applicant will integrate service opportunities into the 
     academic program of the participants;
       ``(2) information about the applicant's efforts to--
       ``(A) ensure that students of different ages, races, sexes, 
     ethnic groups, disabilities, and economic backgrounds have 
     opportunities to serve together;
       ``(B) include any opportunities for students enrolled in 
     schools or other programs of education providing elementary 
     or secondary education to participate in service-learning 
     programs and ensure that such service-learning programs 
     include opportunities for such students to serve together;
       ``(C) involve participants in the design and operation of 
     the program;
       ``(D) promote service-learning in areas of greatest need, 
     including low-income or rural areas; and
       ``(E) otherwise integrate service opportunities into the 
     academic program of the participants; and
       ``(3) assurances that the applicant will comply with the 
     nonduplication and nondisplacement requirements of section 
     177 and the grievance procedures required by section 176.
       ``(c) Application to State, Territory, or Indian Tribe To 
     Receive Assistance To Carry Out School-Based Service-Learning 
     Programs.--
       ``(1) In general.--Any--
       ``(A) qualified organization, Indian tribe, Territory, 
     local educational agency, for-profit business, private 
     elementary, middle, or secondary school, or institution of 
     higher education that desires to receive financial assistance 
     under this subpart from a State, Territory, or Indian tribe 
     for an activity described in section 111(a)(1);
       ``(B) partnership described in section 111(a)(2) that 
     desires to receive such assistance from a State, Territory, 
     or Indian tribe or grantmaking entity described in section 
     111(a)(2);
       ``(C) entity described in section 111(a)(3) that desires to 
     receive such assistance from a State, Territory, or Indian 
     tribe for an activity described in such section;
       ``(D) partnership described in section 111(a)(4) that 
     desires to receive such assistance from a State, Territory, 
     or Indian tribe for an activity described in such section;
       ``(E) agency or partnership described in section 111(a)(5) 
     that desires to receive such assistance, or approved summer 
     of service positions, from a State, Territory, or Indian 
     tribe for an activity described in such section to be carried 
     out through a service-learning program described in section 
     111,

     shall prepare, submit to the State educational agency, 
     Territory, grantmaking entity, or Indian tribe, and obtain 
     approval of, an application for the program.
       ``(2) Submission.--Such application shall be submitted at 
     such time and in such manner, and shall contain such 
     information, as the agency, Territory, Indian tribe, or 
     entity may reasonably require.
       ``(d) Exception.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) 
     of section 112, if less than $20,000,000 is appropriated for 
     any fiscal year to carry out this part, the Corporation shall 
     award grants to States, Territories, and Indian tribes from 
     the amount so appropriated, on a competitive basis to pay for 
     the Federal share of the activities described in section 111.

     ``SEC. 114. CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS.

       ``(a) Priority.--In considering competitive applications 
     under this part, the Corporation shall give priority to 
     innovation, sustainability, capacity building, involvement of 
     disadvantaged youth, and quality of programs, as well as 
     other criteria approved by the Chief Executive Officer.
       ``(b) Rejection of Applications.--If the Corporation 
     rejects an application submitted by a State under section 113 
     for an allotment, the Corporation shall promptly notify the 
     State of the reasons for the rejection of the application. 
     The Corporation shall provide the State with a reasonable 
     opportunity to revise and resubmit the application and shall 
     provide technical assistance, if needed, to the State as part 
     of the resubmission process. The Corporation shall promptly 
     reconsider such resubmitted application.

     ``SEC. 115. PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS FROM 
                   PRIVATE SCHOOLS.

       ``(a) In General.--To the extent consistent with the number 
     of students in the State, Territory, or Indian tribe or in 
     the school district of the local educational agency involved 
     who are enrolled in private nonprofit elementary and 
     secondary schools, such State, Territory, Indian tribe, or 
     agency shall (after consultation with appropriate private 
     school representatives) make provision--
       ``(1) for the inclusion of services and arrangements for 
     the benefit of such students so as to allow for the equitable 
     participation of such students in the programs implemented to 
     carry out the objectives and provide the benefits described 
     in this part; and
       ``(2) for the training of the teachers of such students so 
     as to allow for the equitable participation of such teachers 
     in the programs implemented to carry out the objectives and 
     provide the benefits described in this part.
       ``(b) Waiver.--If a State, Territory, Indian tribe, or 
     local educational agency is prohibited by law from providing 
     for the participation of students or teachers from private 
     nonprofit schools as required by subsection (a), or if the 
     Corporation determines that a State, Territory, Indian tribe, 
     or local educational agency substantially fails or is 
     unwilling to provide for such participation on an equitable 
     basis, the Chief Executive Officer shall waive such 
     requirements and shall arrange for the provision of services 
     to such students and teachers. Such waivers shall be subject 
     to the requirements of sections 9503 and 9504 of the 
     Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     7883 and 7884).

     ``SEC. 116. FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

       ``(a) Federal Share.--

[[Page H1360]]

       ``(1) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of 
     carrying out a program for which assistance is provided under 
     this part may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the 
     program.
       ``(2) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the 
     remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program, 
     each recipient of assistance under this part--
       ``(A) shall provide for such share through a payment in 
     cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, 
     equipment, or services; and
       ``(B) may provide for such share through State sources or 
     local sources, including private funds or donated services.
       ``(b) Waiver.--The Chief Executive Officer may waive the 
     requirements of subsection (a) in whole or in part with 
     respect to any such program for any fiscal year if the 
     Corporation determines that such a waiver would be equitable 
     due to a lack of available financial resources at the local 
     level.

     ``SEC. 116A. LIMITATIONS ON USES OF FUNDS.

       ``Not more than 6 percent of the amount of assistance 
     received by an applicant in a fiscal year may be used to pay, 
     in accordance with such standards as the Corporation may 
     issue, for administrative costs, incurred by--
       ``(1) the original recipient; or
       ``(2) the entity carrying out the service-learning program 
     supported with the assistance.''.

     SEC. 1202. HIGHER EDUCATION PROVISIONS.

       Section 119 (42 U.S.C. 12561) is redesignated as section 
     117 and amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by inserting after ``community 
     service programs'' the following: ``through service-
     learning'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``combination'' and inserting ``consortia'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by adding ``and'' at the end; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) may coordinate with service-learning curricula being 
     offered in the academic curricula at the institution of 
     higher education or at one or more members of the 
     consortia;'';
       (3) in subsection (b)(3)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``teachers at the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary 
     levels'' and inserting ``institutions of higher education and 
     their faculty'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``education of the 
     institution; and'' and inserting ``curricula of the 
     institution to strengthen the instructional capacity of 
     service-learning at the elementary and secondary levels;'';
       (C) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (E); 
     and
       (D) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
       ``(B) including service-learning as a key component of the 
     health professionals curricula, including nursing, pre-
     medicine, medicine, and dentistry curricula of the 
     institution;
       ``(C) including service-learning as a key component of the 
     criminal justice professionals curricula of the institution;
       ``(D) including service-learning as a key component of the 
     public policy and public administration curricula of the 
     institution; and'';
       (4) by striking subsections (c), (d), (e), and (g);
       (5) by redesignating subsection (f) as (i); and
       (6) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
       ``(c) Special Consideration.--To the extent practicable, 
     the Corporation shall give special consideration to 
     applications submitted by predominantly Black institutions, 
     Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-
     serving institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities.
       ``(d) Federal, State, and Local Contributions.--
       ``(1) Federal share.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of 
     carrying out a program for which a grant is made under this 
     part may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the 
     program.
       ``(B) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the 
     remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program, 
     each recipient of a grant under this part--
       ``(i) shall provide for such share through a payment in 
     cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, 
     equipment, or services; and
       ``(ii) may provide for such share through State sources or 
     local sources, including private funds or donated services.
       ``(2) Waiver.--The Chief Executive Officer may waive the 
     requirements of paragraph (1) in whole or in part with 
     respect to any such program for any fiscal year if the 
     Corporation determines that such a waiver would be equitable 
     due to a lack of available financial resources at the local 
     level.
       ``(e) Application for Grant.--
       ``(1) Submission.--To receive a grant or enter into a 
     contract under this part, an applicant shall prepare, submit 
     to the Corporation, and obtain approval of, an application at 
     such time, in such manner, and containing such information 
     and assurances as the Corporation may reasonably require. In 
     requesting applications for assistance under this part, the 
     Corporation shall specify such required information and 
     assurances.
       ``(2) Contents.--An application submitted under paragraph 
     (1) shall contain, at a minimum--
       ``(A) assurances that--
       ``(i) prior to the placement of a participant, the 
     applicant will consult with the appropriate local labor 
     organization, if any, representing employees in the area who 
     are engaged in the same or similar work as that proposed to 
     be carried out by such program, to prevent the displacement 
     and protect the rights of such employees; and
       ``(ii) the applicant will comply with the nonduplication 
     and nondisplacement provisions of section 177 and the 
     grievance procedures required by section 176; and
       ``(B) such other assurances as the Chief Executive Officer 
     may reasonably require.
       ``(f) Priority.--In making grants and entering into 
     contracts under subsection (b), the Corporation shall give 
     priority to applicants or institutions that submit 
     applications containing proposals that--
       ``(1) demonstrate the commitment of the institution of 
     higher education, other than by demonstrating the commitment 
     of the students, to supporting the community service projects 
     carried out under the program;
       ``(2) specify the manner in which the institution will 
     promote faculty, administration, and staff participation in 
     the community service projects;
       ``(3) specify the manner in which the institution will 
     provide service to the community through organized programs, 
     including, where appropriate, clinical programs for students 
     in professional schools and colleges;
       ``(4) describe any partnership that will participate in the 
     community service projects, such as a partnership comprised 
     of--
       ``(A) the institution;
       ``(B)(i) a community-based agency;
       ``(ii) a local government agency; or
       ``(iii) a non-profit entity that serves or involves school-
     age youth, older adults, or low-income communities; and
       ``(C)(i) a student organization;
       ``(ii) a department of the institution; or
       ``(iii) a group of faculty comprised of different 
     departments, schools, or colleges at the institution;
       ``(5) demonstrate community involvement in the development 
     of the proposal;
       ``(6) describe research on effective strategies and methods 
     to improve service utilized in the design of the project;
       ``(7) specify that the institution will use such assistance 
     to strengthen the service infrastructure in institutions of 
     higher education; or
       ``(8) with respect to projects involving delivery of 
     services, specify projects that involve leadership 
     development of school aged youth.
       ``(g) Definition.--Notwithstanding section 101, as used in 
     this part, the term `student' means an individual who is 
     enrolled in an institution of higher education on a full- or 
     part-time basis.
       ``(h) Federal Work-Study.--To be eligible for assistance 
     under this part, an institution of higher education must 
     demonstrate that it meets the minimum requirements under 
     section 443(b)(2)(B) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (42 
     U.S.C. 2753(b)(2)(B)) relating to the participation of 
     Federal Work-Study students in community service activities, 
     or has received a waiver of those requirements from the 
     Secretary of Education.''.

     SEC. 1203. INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS AND RESEARCH.

       Subtitle B of title I (42 U.S.C. 12521 et seq.) is further 
     amended by adding after part II the following new part:

     ``PART III--INNOVATIVE SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMS AND RESEARCH

     ``SEC. 118. INNOVATIVE DEMONSTRATION SERVICE-LEARNING 
                   PROGRAMS AND RESEARCH.

       ``(a) In General.--From the amounts appropriated to carry 
     out this part for a fiscal year, the Corporation may make 
     grants and fixed amount grants under subsection (f) with 
     eligible entities for activities described in subsection (c).
       ``(b) Eligible Entities Defined.--For purposes of this 
     part, the term `eligible entity' means a State education 
     agency, a State commission, a Territory, an Indian tribe, an 
     institution of higher education, a public or private 
     nonprofit organization, or a consortia of such entities, 
     where a consortia of two or more such entities may also 
     include a for-profit organization.
       ``(c) Authorized Activities.--Funds under this part may be 
     used to--
       ``(1) integrate service-learning programs into the science, 
     technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curricula at 
     the elementary, secondary, or post-secondary and post-
     baccalaureate levels in coordination with practicing or 
     retired STEM professionals;
       ``(2) involve students in service-learning programs 
     focusing on energy conservation in their community, including 
     conducting educational outreach on energy conservation and 
     working to improve energy efficiency in low income housing 
     and in public spaces;
       ``(3) involve students in service-learning projects in 
     emergency and disaster preparedness;
       ``(4) involve students in service-learning projects aimed 
     at improving access to and obtaining the benefits from 
     computers and other emerging technologies, including in low 
     income or rural communities, senior centers and communities, 
     schools, libraries, and other public spaces;
       ``(5) involve high school age youth in the mentoring of 
     middle school youth while involving all participants in 
     service-learning to seek to meet unmet human, educational, 
     environmental, public safety, or emergency disaster 
     preparedness needs in their community;
       ``(6) conduct research and evaluations on service-learning, 
     including service-learning in middle schools, and disseminate 
     such research and evaluations widely;
       ``(7) conduct innovative and creative activities as 
     described in section 111(a); and
       ``(8) carry out any other innovative service-learning 
     programs or research that the Corporation considers 
     appropriate.
       ``(d) Priority.--Priority shall be given to programs that--
       ``(1) involve students and community stakeholders in the 
     design and implementation of the service-learning program;

[[Page H1361]]

       ``(2) implement service-learning programs in low-income or 
     rural communities; and
       ``(3) utilize adult volunteers, including tapping the 
     resource of retired and retiring adults, in the planning and 
     implementation of the service-learning programs.
       ``(e) Requirements.--
       ``(1) Three-year term.--Each program funded under this part 
     shall be carried out over a period of three years, including 
     one planning year and two additional grant years, with a 1-
     year extension possible, if the program meets performance 
     measures developed in accordance with section 179(a) and any 
     other criteria determined by the Corporation.
       ``(2) Encouragement.--Each program funded under this part 
     is encouraged to collaborate with other Learn and Serve 
     programs, AmeriCorps, VISTA, and the National Senior Service 
     Corps.
       ``(3) Evaluation.--Upon completion of the program, the 
     Corporation shall conduct an independent evaluation of the 
     program and widely disseminate the results to the service 
     community through multiple channels, including the 
     Corporation's Resource Center or a clearinghouse of effective 
     strategies and recommendations for improvement.
       ``(f) Fixed Amount Grants.--
       ``(1) General.--For purposes of subsection (a), and subject 
     to the limitations in this subsection, the Corporation may, 
     upon making a determination described in paragraph (2), 
     approve a fixed amount grant that is not subject to the 
     Office of Management and Budget cost principles and related 
     financial recordkeeping requirements.
       ``(2) Determination.--Before approving a fixed amount 
     grant, the Corporation must determine that--
       ``(A) the reasonable and necessary costs of carrying out 
     the terms of the grant significantly exceed the amount of 
     assistance provided by the Corporation; or
       ``(B) based on the nature or design of the grant, any 
     assistance provided by the Corporation can be reasonably 
     presumed to be expended on reasonable and necessary costs.
       ``(3) Matching funds.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of 
     carrying out a program for which a grant is made under this 
     part may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the 
     program.
       ``(B) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the 
     remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program, 
     each recipient of a grant under this part--
       ``(i) shall provide for such share through a payment in 
     cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, 
     equipment, or services; and
       ``(ii) may provide for such share through State sources or 
     local sources, including private funds or donated services.
       ``(g) Applications.--To be eligible to carry out a program 
     under this part, an entity shall prepare, submit to the 
     Corporation, and obtain approval of, an application at such 
     time and in such manner as the Chief Executive Officer may 
     reasonably require.''.

 Subtitle C--Amendments to Subtitle C (National Service Trust Program)

     SEC. 1301. PROHIBITION ON GRANTS TO FEDERAL AGENCIES; LIMITS 
                   ON CORPORATION COSTS.

       Section 121 (42 U.S.C. 12571) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph 
     (1), by inserting after ``subdivisions of States,'' the 
     following: ``Territories,'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the heading, by striking ``Agreements With Federal 
     Agencies'' and inserting ``Restrictions on Agreements With 
     Federal Agencies'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the first sentence by striking ``by the agency.'' 
     and inserting ``by the agency, including programs under the 
     Public Lands Corps and Urban Youth Corps as described in 
     section 122(a)(2).''; and
       (ii) by striking the second sentence;
       (C) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Prohibition on grants.--The Corporation may not 
     provide a grant under this section to a Federal agency.''; 
     and
       (D) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by striking ``receiving assistance under this 
     subsection'' and inserting ``operating a national service 
     program''; and
       (ii) by striking ``using such assistance'';
       (3) in subsection (c)(2)(B), by striking ``to be provided'' 
     and inserting ``to be provided or otherwise approved'';
       (4) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Five'' and 
     inserting ``Six''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``5 percent'' and 
     inserting ``6 percent''; and
       (5) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``section 140'' and inserting ``paragraph 
     (2)'';
       (ii) by striking ``Federal share'' and inserting 
     ``Corporation share'';
       (iii) by inserting after ``cost'' the following: ``, 
     including member living allowances, employment-related taxes, 
     health care coverage, and worker's compensation,''
       (iv) by striking ``may not exceed 75 percent of such 
     cost.'' and inserting ``may not exceed--''; and
       (v) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(A) for the first three years in which the recipient 
     receives such assistance, 76 percent of such cost;
       ``(B) for the fourth through ninth years in which the 
     recipient receives such assistance, a decreasing share of 
     such cost between 76 percent and 50 percent, as established 
     by the Corporation in regulation; and
       ``(C) for the tenth year (and each year thereafter) in 
     which the recipient receives such assistance, 50 percent of 
     such cost.'';
       (B) by striking paragraph (3);
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
       (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Alternative corporation share for programs in rural 
     or severely economically distressed communities.--Upon 
     approval by the Corporation, the Corporation share of the 
     cost, including member living allowances, employment-related 
     taxes, health care coverage, and worker's compensation, of 
     carrying out a national service program that receives 
     assistance under subsection (a) and that is located in a 
     rural or severely economically distressed community may not 
     exceed--
       ``(A) for the first six years in which the recipient 
     receives such assistance, 76 percent of such cost;
       ``(B) for the seventh through ninth years in which the 
     recipient receives such assistance, a decreasing share of 
     such cost between 76 and 65 percent as established by the 
     Corporation in regulation; and
       ``(C) for the tenth year (and each year thereafter) in 
     which the recipient receives such assistance, 65 percent of 
     such cost.'';
       (E) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), in subparagraph 
     (B), by inserting after ``other Federal sources'' the 
     following: ``including funds authorized under Youthbuild 
     (section 173A of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 
     U.S.C. 2918a))''; and
       (F) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Other federal funds.--
       ``(A) Recipient report.--A recipient of assistance under 
     section 121 shall report to the Corporation the amount and 
     source of any Federal funds used to carry out the program 
     other than those provided by the Corporation.
       ``(B) Corporation report.--The Corporation shall report to 
     the Congress on an annual basis information regarding each 
     recipient that uses Federal funds other than those provided 
     by the Corporation to carry out the program, including 
     amounts and sources of other Federal funds.''.

     SEC. 1302. E-CORPS AND TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO TYPES OF 
                   PROGRAMS.

       Section 122 (42 U.S.C. 12572) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``subsection (b)(1)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)(1)'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``including'' and all 
     that follows through the semicolon at the end and inserting 
     ``including projects involving urban renewal, sustaining 
     natural resources, or improving human services;'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``including'' and 
     inserting ``and at least 50 percent of whom are''; and
       (iii) in subparagraph (C)(i), by inserting ``, including 
     mentoring'' before the semicolon;
       (C) in paragraph (6)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; or'' and inserting 
     a semicolon;
       (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; or''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(D) students participating in service-learning programs 
     at an institution of higher education.'';
       (D) in paragraph (7)(A), by inserting ``, including 
     elementary and secondary education, and other professions 
     such as those in health care, criminal justice, environmental 
     stewardship and conservation, or public safety'' before the 
     semicolon;
       (E) in paragraph (8)(C), by striking ``nonprofit'';
       (F) in paragraph (9), by striking ``between the ages of 16 
     and 24'' and inserting ``between the ages of 16 and 25'';
       (G) in paragraph (10), by striking ``gifted young adults'' 
     and all that follows through the period at the end and 
     inserting ``school-age youth and young adults of all 
     backgrounds, including gifted youth, along with established 
     successful entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and professions 
     from the community in which the program exists to--
       ``(A) train the participants in utilizing problem-solving, 
     entrepreneurship, and communication skills to design 
     solutions to community problems; and
       ``(B) collaborate with stakeholders in the communities to 
     implement the solutions devised by the participants in 
     subparagraph (A).'';
       (H) in paragraph (12)(A), by striking ``learning and 
     recreation'' and inserting ``learning, recreation, and 
     mentoring'';
       (I) in paragraph (13), by striking ``and to combat rural 
     poverty, including'' and inserting ``, including the issues 
     of rural poverty,'';
       (J) by redesignating paragraph (15) as paragraph (19); and
       (K) by inserting after paragraph (14) the following:
       ``(15) An E-Corps program that involves participants who 
     provide services in a community by developing and assisting 
     in carrying out technology programs which seek to increase 
     access to technology and the benefits thereof in such 
     community.
       ``(16) A program that engages citizens in public safety, 
     public health, and emergency and disaster preparedness, and 
     may include the recruitment and placing of qualified 
     participants in positions to be trainees as law enforcement 
     officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, and 
     emergency medical service workers, and may engage Federal, 
     State, and local stakeholders in collaboration to organize 
     more effective responses to issues of public safety and 
     public health, emergencies, and disasters.
       ``(17) A program, initiative, or partnership that seeks to 
     expand the number of mentors for youths (including by 
     recruiting high-school and college-aged individuals to enter 
     into mentoring

[[Page H1362]]

     relationships), including mentors for disadvantaged youths, 
     either through provision of direct mentoring services through 
     the creative utilization of current and emerging technologies 
     to connect youth with mentors.
       ``(18) A program that has the primary purpose of re-
     engaging court-involved youth and adults with the goal of 
     reducing recidivism.'';
       (2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as (c) and 
     (d), respectively;
       (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
       ``(b) Innovative Programs To Meet the Needs of Veterans.--
       ``(1) In general.--From funds appropriated under section 
     501(a)(2), the Corporation shall reserve up to 3 percent for 
     competitive grants to eligible recipients under subsection 
     (a) for the development, either directly or through subgrants 
     to other entities, of innovative initiatives to address the 
     unique needs of veterans.
       ``(2) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this subsection, an entity described in paragraph (1) shall 
     submit an application at such time, in such manner, and 
     containing such information as the Corporation may require.
       ``(3) Activities.--Entities receiving grants under this 
     subsection shall use funds to develop initiatives that--
       ``(A) recruit veterans, particularly returning veterans, 
     into service opportunities;
       ``(B) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique 
     needs of military families while a member of the family is 
     deployed; and
       ``(C) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique 
     needs of military families when a member of the family 
     returns from a deployment.'';
       (4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated), in paragraph 
     (4), by inserting after ``out-of-school youths,'' the 
     following: ``disadvantaged youths,'';
       (5) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated), in paragraph 
     (1)(A), by striking ``subsection (b) or (d) of''; and
       (6) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Requirements for Tutors.--
       ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     Corporation shall require that each recipient of assistance 
     under the national service laws that operates a tutoring 
     program involving elementary or secondary school students 
     certifies that individuals serving in approved national 
     service positions as tutors in such program have--
       ``(A) either--
       ``(i) obtained their high school diploma; or
       ``(ii) passed a proficiency test demonstrating that such 
     individuals have the skills necessary to achieve program 
     goals; and
       ``(B) have successfully completed pre- and in-service 
     training for tutors.
       ``(2) Exception.--The requirements in paragraph (1) do not 
     apply to an individual serving in an approved national 
     service position who is enrolled in an elementary or 
     secondary school and is providing tutoring services through a 
     structured, school-managed cross-grade tutoring program.
       ``(f) Requirements for Tutoring Programs.--Each tutoring 
     program that receives assistance under the national service 
     laws shall--
       ``(1) offer a curriculum that is high quality, research-
     based, and consistent with the State academic content 
     standards required by section 1111 of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311) and the 
     instructional program of the local educational agency; and
       ``(2) offer high quality, research-based pre- and in-
     service training for tutors.
       ``(g) Citizenship Training.--The Corporation shall 
     establish requirements for recipients of assistance under the 
     national service laws relating to the promotion of 
     citizenship and civic engagement, that are consistent with 
     the principles on which citizenship programs administered by 
     U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services are based, among 
     individuals enrolled in approved national service positions 
     and approved summer of service positions.''.

     SEC. 1303. TYPES OF POSITIONS.

       Section 123 (42 U.S.C. 12573) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)(A) by inserting after ``subdivision of 
     a State,'' the following: ``a Territory,''; and
       (2) in paragraph (5) by inserting ``National'' before 
     ``Civilian Community Corps''.

     SEC. 1304. CONFORMING REPEAL RELATING TO TRAINING AND 
                   TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

       Section 125 (42 U.S.C. 1257) is repealed.

     SEC. 1305. ASSISTANCE TO STATE COMMISSIONS; CHALLENGE GRANTS.

       Section 126 (42 U.S.C. 12576) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$125,000 and $750,000'' 
     and inserting ``$200,000 and $825,000''; and
       (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Matching requirement.--In making grants to a State 
     under this subsection, the Corporation shall require the 
     State to provide matching funds in the following amounts:
       ``(A) First $100,000.--For the first $100,000 of grant 
     amounts provided by the Corporation, a State shall not be 
     required to provide matching funds.
       ``(B) Amounts greater than $100,000.--For grant amounts of 
     more than $100,000 and not exceeding $200,000 provided by the 
     Corporation, a State shall provide $1 from non-Federal 
     sources for every $2 provided by the Corporation.
       ``(C) Amounts greater than $200,000.--For grant amounts of 
     more than $200,000 provided by the Corporation, a State shall 
     provide $1 from non-Federal sources for every $1 provided by 
     the Corporation.''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``to national service 
     programs that receive assistance under section 121'' and 
     inserting ``to programs supported under the national service 
     laws''; and
       (B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
       ``(3) Amount of assistance.--A challenge grant under this 
     subsection may provide, for an initial 3-year grant period, 
     not more than $1 of assistance under this subsection for each 
     $1 in cash raised from private sources by the program 
     supported under the national service laws in excess of 
     amounts required to be provided by the program to satisfy 
     matching funds requirements. After an initial 3-year grant 
     period, grants under this subsection may provide not more 
     than $1 of assistance for each $2 in cash raised from private 
     sources by the program in excess of amounts required to be 
     provided by the program to satisfy matching funds 
     requirements. The Corporation may permit the use of local or 
     State funds as matching funds if the Corporation determines 
     that such use would be equitable due to a lack of available 
     private funds at the local level. The Corporation shall 
     establish a ceiling on the amount of assistance that may be 
     provided to a national service program under this 
     subsection.''.

     SEC. 1306. ALLOCATION OF ASSISTANCE TO STATES AND OTHER 
                   ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.

       Section 129 (42 U.S.C. 12581) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 129. PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE AND APPROVED NATIONAL 
                   SERVICE POSITIONS.

       ``(a) 1-Percent Allotment for Certain Territories.--Of the 
     funds allocated by the Corporation for provision of 
     assistance under section 121(a) for a fiscal year, the 
     Corporation shall reserve 1 percent for grants to the United 
     States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the 
     Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands upon approval by 
     the Corporation of an application submitted under section 
     130. The amount allotted as a grant to each such Territory 
     under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be equal to the 
     amount that bears the same ratio to 1 percent of the 
     allocated funds for that fiscal year as the population of the 
     Territory bears to the total population of such Territories.
       ``(b) Allotment for Indian Tribes.--Of the funds allocated 
     by the Corporation for provision of assistance under section 
     121(a) for a fiscal year, the Corporation shall reserve at 
     least 1 percent for grants to Indian tribes, to be allotted 
     by the Corporation on a competitive basis.
       ``(c) Allotment for National Grants.--Of the funds 
     allocated by the Corporation for provision of assistance 
     under section 121(a) for a fiscal year, the Corporation shall 
     reserve 23 percent for grants to nonprofit organizations to 
     operate a program in 2 or more States.
       ``(d) Allotment for State Competitive Grants.--Of the funds 
     allocated by the Corporation for provision of assistance 
     under subsection (a) of section 121 for a fiscal year, the 
     Corporation shall reserve 37.5 percent for innovative grants 
     to States on a competitive basis.
       ``(e) Allotment to Certain States on Formula Basis.--
       ``(1) Grants.--Of the funds allocated by the Corporation 
     for provision of assistance under subsection (a) of section 
     121 for a fiscal year, the Corporation shall make a grant to 
     each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and the 
     Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that submits an application under 
     section 130 that is approved by the Corporation.
       ``(2) Allotments.--The amount allotted as a grant to each 
     such State under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be 
     equal to the amount that bears the same ratio to 37.5 percent 
     of the allocated funds for that fiscal year as the population 
     of the State bears to the total population of the several 
     States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of 
     Puerto Rico, in compliance with paragraph (3).
       ``(3) Minimum amount.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the 
     minimum grant made available to each State approved by the 
     Corporation under paragraph (1) for each fiscal year must be 
     at least $600,000.
       ``(f) Effect of Failure To Apply.--If a State or Territory 
     fails to apply for, or fails to give notice to the 
     Corporation of its intent to apply for an allotment under 
     this section, or the Corporation does not approve the 
     application consistent with section 133, the Corporation may 
     use the amount that would have been allotted under this 
     section to the State or Territory to--
       ``(1) make grants (and provide approved national service 
     positions in connection with such grants) to other 
     grantmaking entities under section 121 that propose to carry 
     out national service programs in such State or Territory; and
       ``(2) make a reallotment to other States or Territories 
     with approved applications submitted under section 130, to 
     the extent grant-making entities do not apply as described in 
     paragraph (1).
       ``(g) Application Required.--The allotment of assistance 
     and approved national service positions to a recipient under 
     this section shall be made by the Corporation only pursuant 
     to an application submitted by a State or other applicant 
     under section 130.
       ``(h) Approval of Positions Subject to Available Funds.--
     The Corporation may not approve positions as approved 
     national service positions under this subtitle for a fiscal 
     year in excess of the number of such positions for which the 
     Corporation has sufficient available funds in the National 
     Service Trust for that fiscal year, taking into consideration 
     funding needs for national service educational awards under 
     subtitle D based on completed service. If appropriations are 
     insufficient to provide the maximum allowable national 
     service educational awards under subtitle D for all eligible 
     participants, the Corporation is authorized to make necessary 
     and reasonable adjustments to program rules.

[[Page H1363]]

       ``(i) Sponsorship of Approved National Service Positions.--
       ``(1) Sponsorship authorized.--The Corporation may enter 
     into agreements with persons or entities who offer to sponsor 
     national service positions for which the person or entity 
     will be responsible for supplying the funds necessary to 
     provide a national service educational award. The 
     distribution of these approved national service positions 
     shall be made pursuant to the agreement, and the creation of 
     these positions shall not be taken into consideration in 
     determining the number of approved national service positions 
     to be available for distribution under this section.
       ``(2) Deposit of contribution.--Funds provided pursuant to 
     an agreement under paragraph (1) shall be deposited in the 
     National Service Trust established in section 145 until such 
     time as the funds are needed.
       ``(j) Reservation of Funds for Special Assistance.--From 
     amounts appropriated for a fiscal year pursuant to the 
     authorization of appropriations in section 501(a)(2) and 
     subject to the limitation in such section, the Corporation 
     may reserve such amount as the Corporation considers to be 
     appropriate for the purpose of making assistance available 
     under section 126.
       ``(k) Reservation of Funds To Increase the Participation of 
     Individuals With Disabilities.--From amounts appropriated for 
     a fiscal year pursuant to the authorization of appropriations 
     in section 501(a)(2) and subject to the limitation in such 
     section, the Chief Executive Officer shall reserve an amount 
     that is not less than 1 percent of such amount (except that 
     the amount reserved may not exceed $10,000,000), in order to 
     make grants to public or private nonprofit organizations to 
     increase the participation of individuals with disabilities 
     in national service and for demonstration activities in 
     furtherance of this purpose.''.

     SEC. 1307. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY.

       Part II of subtitle C of title I is amended by inserting 
     after section 129 (42 U.S.C. 12581) the following:

     ``SEC. 129A. EDUCATION AWARDS ONLY PROGRAM.

       ``(a) In General.--From amounts appropriated for a fiscal 
     year to provide financial assistance under this subtitle and 
     consistent with the restriction in subsection (b), the 
     Corporation may, through fixed amount grants under subsection 
     (d), provide operational assistance to programs that receive 
     approved national service positions but do not receive funds 
     under section 121(a).
       ``(b) Limit on Corporation Grant Funds.--Operational 
     support under this section may not exceed $600 per individual 
     enrolled in an approved national service position and may 
     reach $800 per individual if the program supports at least 50 
     percent disadvantaged youth.
       ``(c) Inapplicable Provisions.--The following provisions 
     shall not apply to programs funded under this section:
       ``(1) The limitation on administrative costs under section 
     121(d).
       ``(2) The matching funds requirements under section 121(e).
       ``(3) The living allowance and other benefits under 
     sections 131(e) and section 140 (other than individualized 
     support services for disabled members under section 140(f)).
       ``(d) Fixed Amount Grants.--
       ``(1) General.--For purposes of subsection (a), and subject 
     to the limitations in this subsection, the Corporation may, 
     upon making a determination described in paragraph (2), 
     approve a fixed amount grant that is not subject to the 
     Office of Management and Budget cost principles and related 
     financial recordkeeping requirements.
       ``(2) Determination.--Before approving a fixed amount 
     grant, the Corporation must determine that--
       ``(A) the reasonable and necessary costs of carrying out 
     the terms of the grant significantly exceed the amount of 
     assistance provided by the Corporation; or
       ``(B) based on the nature or design of the grant, any 
     assistance provided by the Corporation can be reasonably 
     presumed to be expended on reasonable and necessary costs.''.

     SEC. 1308. STATE SELECTION OF PROGRAMS.

       Section 130 (42 U.S.C. 12582) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting after ``State,'' the following: 
     ``Territory,''; and
       (B) by striking ``institution of higher education, or 
     Federal agency'' and inserting ``or institution of higher 
     education'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(9) by striking ``section 122(c)'' and 
     inserting ``section 122(d)'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``jobs or positions'' and inserting 
     ``proposed positions''; and
       (ii) by striking ``, including'' and all that follows 
     through the period at the end and inserting a period; and
       (B) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``proposed'' before 
     ``minimum'';
       (4) in subsection (e)(2) by striking ``were selected'' and 
     inserting ``were or will be selected'';
       (5) in subsection (f)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``a program applicant'' 
     and inserting ``an applicant''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in the heading, by striking ``Program applicant'' and 
     inserting ``Applicant'';
       (ii) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``program applicant'' and inserting ``applicant'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by inserting after ``subdivision of a State,'' the 
     following: ``Territory,''; and
       (II) by striking ``institution of higher education, or 
     Federal agency'' and inserting ``or institution of higher 
     education''; and

       (iv) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) by inserting after ``subdivision of a State,'' the 
     following: ``Territory,''; and
       (II) by striking ``institution of higher education, or 
     Federal agency'' and inserting ``or institution of higher 
     education''; and

       (6) in subsection (g), by striking the period and inserting 
     ``or is already receiving financial assistance from the 
     Corporation.''.

     SEC. 1309. CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS.

       Section 133 (42 U.S.C. 12585) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking ``jobs or'';
       (2) in subsection (c), by redesignating paragraph (8) as 
     paragraph (9) and inserting after paragraph (7) the 
     following:
       ``(8) The extent to which the program generates the 
     involvement of volunteers.''; and
       (3) in subsection (d)(2)--
       (A) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (G), and 
     redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (F) as subparagraphs 
     (A) through (E), respectively;
       (B) in subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``section 122(c)'' and inserting ``section 122(d)'';
       (C) in subparagraph (D) (as so redesignated), by adding 
     ``and'' at the end; and
       (D) in subparagraph (E) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``; and'' and inserting a period.

     SEC. 1310. DESCRIPTION OF PARTICIPANTS.

       Section 137 (42 U.S.C. 12591) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking paragraph (3); and
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as 
     paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), respectively;
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (4)'' and 
     inserting ``paragraph (3)''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``between the ages of 16 
     and 25'' and inserting ``a 16-year-old out of school youth or 
     an individual between the ages of 17 and 25''; and
       (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``(a)(5)'' and inserting 
     ``(a)(4)''.

     SEC. 1311. SELECTION OF NATIONAL SERVICE PARTICIPANTS.

       Section 138 (42 U.S.C. 12592) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``conducted by the 
     State'' and all that follows through ``or other entity'' and 
     inserting ``conducted by the entity''; and
       (2) in subsection (e)(2)(C) by inserting before the 
     semicolon at the end the following: ``, particularly those 
     who were considered at the time of their service 
     disadvantaged youth''.

     SEC. 1312. TERMS OF SERVICE.

       Section 139 (42 U.S.C. 12593) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``not less than 9 
     months and'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``during a period 
     of--'' and all that follows through the period at the end and 
     inserting ``during a period of not more than 2 years.''; and
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``as demonstrated by 
     the participant'' and inserting ``as determined by the 
     organization responsible for granting a release, if the 
     participant has otherwise performed satisfactorily and has 
     completed at least 15 percent of the original term of 
     service'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``provide to the 
     participant that portion of the national service educational 
     award'' and inserting ``certify the participant's eligibility 
     for that portion of the national service educational award''; 
     and
       (C) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``to allow return to 
     the program with which the individual was serving in order''.

     SEC. 1313. ADJUSTMENTS TO LIVING ALLOWANCE.

       Section 140 (42 U.S.C. 12594) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (3)'' and 
     inserting ``paragraphs (2) and (3)'';
       (B) by striking paragraph (2);
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as (2);
       (D) by inserting after paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(3) Federal work-study students.--The living allowance 
     that may be provided to an individual whose term of service 
     includes hours for which the individual receives Federal work 
     study wages shall be reduced by the amount of the 
     individual's Federal work study award.'';
       (E) in paragraph (4), by striking ``a reduced term of 
     service under section 139(b)(3)'' and inserting ``a term of 
     service that is less than 12 months'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``shall include an 
     amount sufficient to cover 85 percent of such taxes'' and all 
     that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
     ``may be used to pay such taxes.'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1) by adding ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as (2);
       (4) in subsection (d)(1), by striking the second sentence; 
     and
       (5) by striking subsections (g) and (h).

   Subtitle D--Amendments to Subtitle D (National Service Trust and 
           Provision of National Service Educational Awards)

     SEC. 1401. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS IN THE NATIONAL SERVICE 
                   TRUST.

       Section 145 (42 U.S.C. 12601) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``section 148(e)'' and 
     inserting ``section 148(f)''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``pursuant to section 
     196(a)(2)'' and inserting ``pursuant to section 196(a)(2), if 
     the terms of such donations direct that they be deposited in 
     the National Service Trust''; and
       (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``for payments of 
     national service educational awards in accordance with 
     section 148.'' and inserting ``for--
       ``(1) payments of summer of service educational awards and 
     national service educational awards in accordance with 
     section 148; and

[[Page H1364]]

       ``(2) payments of interest in accordance with section 
     148(f).''.

     SEC. 1402. INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A NATIONAL SERVICE 
                   EDUCATIONAL AWARD FROM THE TRUST.

       Section 146 (42 U.S.C. 12602) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``if 
     the individual'' and inserting ``if the organization 
     responsible for an individual's supervision certifies that 
     the individual'';
       (B) by striking paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(1) met the applicable eligibility requirements for the 
     position; and
       ``(2)(A) successfully completed the required term of 
     service described in subsection (b) in an approved national 
     service position; or
       ``(B)(i) satisfactorily performed prior to being granted a 
     release for compelling personal circumstances under section 
     139(c); and
       ``(ii) served at least 15 percent of the required term of 
     service described in subsection (b); and''; and
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3);
       (2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Limitation on Receipt of National Service Educational 
     Awards.--An individual may not receive, in national service 
     educational awards, more than an amount equal to the 
     aggregate value of 2 such awards for full-time service. The 
     aggregate value of summer of service educational awards that 
     an individual receives shall have no effect on the aggregate 
     value of national service educational awards the individual 
     may receive.'';
       (3) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (1) by inserting after ``national service 
     educational award'' the following: ``or a summer of service 
     educational award''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), and in 
     subparagraph (A), by inserting after ``national service 
     educational award'' the following: ``or a summer of service 
     educational award'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``or'' at the end;
       (iii) in subparagraph (B) by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or'';
       (iv) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) in the case of a summer of service educational award, 
     is enrolled at an eligible institution of higher education 
     under section 148(c) or an educational institution described 
     under section 148(a)(4) and failed to expend the full amount 
     of that award during the original 7-year period.''; and
       (4) in subsection (e)(1)--
       (A) by inserting after ``qualifying under this section'' 
     the following: ``or under section 111(a)(5)''; and
       (B) by inserting after ``to receive a national service 
     educational award'' the following: ``or a summer of service 
     educational award''.

     SEC. 1403. DETERMINATION OF THE AMOUNT OF NATIONAL SERVICE 
                   EDUCATIONAL AWARDS.

       Section 147(a) (42 U.S.C. 12603(a)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``a value, for each of not more than 2 of 
     such terms of service, equal to 90 percent of--'' and 
     inserting ``a value of--''; and
       (2) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) $4,825, for fiscal year 2008;
       ``(2) $4,925, for fiscal year 2009;
       ``(3) $5,025, for fiscal year 2010;
       ``(4) $5,125, for fiscal year 2011; and
       ``(5) $5,225, for fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter.''.

     SEC. 1404. DISBURSEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL AWARDS.

       Section 148 (42 U.S.C. 12604) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``cost of attendance'' 
     and inserting ``cost of attendance or other educational 
     expenses'';
       (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'';
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6);
       (D) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
       ``(4) to pay expenses incurred in enrolling in an 
     educational institution or training establishment that meets 
     the requirements of chapter 36 of title 38, United States 
     Code (38 U.S.C. 3451 et seq.);
       ``(5) for a recipient of a summer of service educational 
     award under section 111(a)(5)(D), to pay expenses incurred in 
     enrolling in a college preparatory program in accordance with 
     subsection (e); and''; and
       (E) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated) by striking 
     ``subsection (e)'' and inserting ``subsection (f)'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(1) by inserting after ``the national 
     service educational award of the individual'' the following: 
     ``, or an eligible individual under section 111(a)(5) who 
     received a summer of service educational award for a project 
     that began after the individual completed grade 10 and 
     desires to apply that summer of service educational award,'';
       (3) in subsection (b)(2) by inserting after ``the national 
     service educational award'' the following: ``or the summer of 
     service educational award, as applicable,'';
       (4) in subsection (b)(5) by inserting after ``the national 
     service educational award'' the following: ``or the summer of 
     service educational award, as applicable'';
       (5) in subsection (b)(7)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``, other than a loan 
     to a parent of a student pursuant to section 428B of such Act 
     (20 U.S.C. 1078-2); and'' and inserting a semicolon;
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) any loan (other than a loan described in subparagraph 
     (A) or (B)) determined by an institution of higher education 
     to be necessary to cover a student's educational expenses and 
     made, insured, or guaranteed by--
       ``(i) an eligible lender, as defined in section 435 of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1085);
       ``(ii) the direct student loan program under part D of 
     title IV of such Act;
       ``(iii) a State agency; or
       ``(iv) a lender otherwise determined by the Corporation to 
     be eligible to receive disbursements from the National 
     Service Trust.'';
       (6) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting after ``national 
     service educational award'' the following: ``, or an eligible 
     individual under section 111(a)(5) who desires to apply the 
     individual's summer of service educational award,'';
       (7) in subsection (c)(2)(A), by inserting after ``national 
     service educational award'' the following: ``or summer of 
     service educational award, as applicable,'';
       (8) in subsection (c)(2)(C)(iii), by inserting after 
     ``national service educational awards received under this 
     subtitle'' the following: ``or summer of service educational 
     awards received under section 111(a)(5)'';
       (9) in subsection (c)(3), by inserting after ``national 
     service educational awards'' the following: ``and summer of 
     service educational awards'';
       (10) in subsection (c)(5)--
       (A) by inserting after ``national service educational 
     award'' the following: ``, or summer of service educational 
     award, as applicable,''; and
       (B) by inserting after ``additional'' the following: 
     ``summer of service educational awards and additional'';
       (11) in subsection (c)(6), by inserting after ``national 
     service educational award'' the following: ``and summer of 
     service educational award'';
       (12) in subsection (d), by inserting after ``national 
     service educational awards'' the following: ``and summer of 
     service educational awards'';
       (13) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) as (f), 
     (g), and (h), respectively;
       (14) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
       ``(e) Use of Summer of Service Educational Award To Pay 
     College Preparatory Expenses.--
       ``(1) Application of eligible individuals.--An eligible 
     individual under section 111(a)(5), or the parents or legal 
     guardian of such an individual, who desires to apply the 
     summer of service educational award of the individual to the 
     payment of expenses incurred in enrolling in a college 
     preparatory program shall, on a form prescribed by the 
     Corporation, submit an application to the college preparatory 
     program in which the individual will be enrolled that 
     contains such information as the Corporation may require to 
     verify the individual's eligibility.
       ``(2) Submission of requests for payment by program.--A 
     college preparatory program that receives one or more 
     applications under paragraph (1) shall submit to the 
     Corporation a statement, in a manner prescribed by the 
     Corporation, that--
       ``(A) identifies each eligible individual filing an 
     application under paragraph (1) for a disbursement of the 
     individual's summer of service educational award under this 
     subsection;
       ``(B) specifies the amounts for which such eligible 
     individuals are qualified for disbursement; and
       ``(C) certifies that--
       ``(i) the college preparatory program is operated by a for-
     profit or non-profit organization with a track record of 
     success in implementing college preparatory programs that 
     collaborate with local educational agencies and adequately 
     prepare secondary school students for admission to an 
     institution of higher education without need for remediation;
       ``(ii) the college preparatory program has been in 
     existence for at least one year prior to an eligible 
     individual's submission of the application under paragraph 
     (1); and
       ``(iii) individuals using summer of service educational 
     awards received under section 111(a)(5) to pay the cost of 
     enrolling in the college preparatory program do not comprise 
     more than 15 percent of the total number of individuals 
     enrolled in the program; and
       ``(D) contains such provisions concerning financial 
     compliance and program quality as the Corporation may 
     require.
       ``(3) Disbursement of payments.--Upon receipt of a 
     statement from a college preparatory program that complies 
     with paragraph (2), the Corporation shall, subject to 
     paragraph (4), disburse the total amount of the summer of 
     service educational awards for which eligible individuals who 
     have submitted applications to that program under paragraph 
     (1) are scheduled to receive. Such disbursement shall be made 
     by check or other means that is payable to the program and 
     requires the endorsement or other certification by the 
     eligible individual.
       ``(4) Multiple disbursements.--The total amount required to 
     be disbursed to a college preparatory program under paragraph 
     (3) for any period of enrollment may be disbursed by the 
     Corporation in two or more installments consistent with 
     appropriate divisions of such period of enrollment.
       ``(5) Refund rules.--The Corporation shall, by regulation, 
     provide for the refund to the Corporation (and the crediting 
     to the summer of service educational award of an eligible 
     individual) of amounts disbursed to programs for the benefit 
     of eligible individuals who withdraw or otherwise fail to 
     complete the period of enrollment for which the assistance 
     was provided. Amounts refunded to the Trust pursuant to this 
     paragraph may be used by the Corporation to fund additional 
     approved summer of service positions under section 111(a)(5).

[[Page H1365]]

       ``(6) Maximum award.--The portion of an eligible 
     individual's total available summer of service educational 
     award that may be disbursed under this subsection for any 
     period of enrollment shall not exceed the cost of 
     attendance.'';
       (15) in subsection (f) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``subsection (b)(6)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)(7)''; 
     and
       (16) in subsection (g) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``Director'' and inserting ``Chief Executive Officer''.

     SEC. 1405. PROCESS OF APPROVAL OF NATIONAL SERVICE POSITIONS.

       (a) In General.--Subtitle D of title I (42 U.S.C. 12601 et 
     seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following 
     new section:

     ``SEC. 149. PROCESS OF APPROVAL OF NATIONAL SERVICE 
                   POSITIONS.

       ``(a) Timing and Recording Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subtitles C and D, and 
     any other provision of law, in approving a position as an 
     approved national service position, the Corporation--
       ``(A) shall approve the position at the time the 
     Corporation--
       ``(i) enters into an enforceable agreement with an 
     individual participant to serve in a program carried out 
     under subtitle E of title I of this Act or under title I of 
     the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4951 et 
     seq.), or a summer of service educational award; or
       ``(ii) except as provided in clause (i), awards a grant to 
     (or enters into a contract or cooperative agreement with) an 
     entity to carry out a program for which such a position is 
     approved under section 123; and
       ``(B) shall record as an obligation an estimate of the net 
     present value of the national service educational award 
     associated with the position, based on a formula that takes 
     into consideration historical rates of enrollment in such a 
     program, and of earning and using national service 
     educational awards for such a program and remain available.
       ``(2) Formula.--In determining the formula described in 
     paragraph (1)(B), the Corporation shall consult with the 
     Director of the Congressional Budget Office.
       ``(3) Certification report.--The Chief Executive Officer of 
     the Corporation shall annually prepare and submit to Congress 
     a report that contains a certification that the Corporation 
     is in compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1).
       ``(4) Approval.--The requirements of this subsection shall 
     apply to each approved national service position that the 
     Corporation approves--
       ``(A) during fiscal year 2008; and
       ``(B) during any subsequent fiscal year.
       ``(b) Reserve Account.--
       ``(1) Establishment and contents.--
       ``(A) Establishment.--Notwithstanding subtitles C and D, 
     and any other provision of law, within the National Service 
     Trust established under section 145, the Corporation shall 
     establish a reserve account.
       ``(B) Contents.--To ensure the availability of adequate 
     funds to support the awards of approved national service 
     positions for each fiscal year, the Corporation shall place 
     in the account--
       ``(i) during fiscal year 2008, a portion of the funds that 
     were appropriated for fiscal year 2008 or a previous fiscal 
     year under section 501(a)(2), were made available to carry 
     out subtitle C, D, or E of this title, subtitle A of title I 
     of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, or summer of 
     service under section 111(a)(5), and remain available; and
       ``(ii) during fiscal year 2009 or a subsequent fiscal year, 
     a portion of the funds that were appropriated for that fiscal 
     year under section 501(a)(2) and were made available to carry 
     out subtitle C, D, or E of this title, subtitle A of title I 
     of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, or summer of 
     service under section 111(a)(5), and remain available.
       ``(2) Obligation.--The Corporation shall not obligate the 
     funds in the reserve account until the Corporation--
       ``(A) determines that the funds will not be needed for the 
     payment of national service educational awards associated 
     with previously approved national service positions and 
     summer of service educational awards; or
       ``(B) obligates the funds for the payment of national 
     service educational awards for such previously approved 
     national service positions or summer of service educational 
     awards, as applicable.
       ``(c) Audits.--The accounts of the Corporation relating to 
     the appropriated funds for approved national service 
     positions, and the records demonstrating the manner in which 
     the Corporation has recorded estimates described in 
     subsection (a)(1)(B) as obligations, shall be audited 
     annually by independent certified public accountants or 
     independent licensed public accountants certified or licensed 
     by a regulatory authority of a State or other political 
     subdivision of the United States in accordance with generally 
     accepted auditing standards. A report containing the results 
     of each such independent audit shall be included in the 
     annual report required by subsection (a)(3).
       ``(d) Availability of Amounts.--Except as provided in 
     subsection (b), all amounts included in the National Service 
     Trust under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 145(a) 
     shall be available for payments of national service 
     educational awards or summer of service educational awards 
     under section 148.''.
       (b) Conforming Repeal.--Section 2 of the Strengthen 
     AmeriCorps Program Act (Public Law 108-145; 117 Stat. 844; 42 
     U.S.C. 12605) is repealed.

   Subtitle E--Amendments to Subtitle E (National Civilian Community 
                                 Corps)

     SEC. 1501. PURPOSE.

       Section 151 (42 U.S.C. 12611) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 151. PURPOSE.

       ``It is the purpose of this subtitle to authorize the 
     operation of, and support for, residential and other service 
     programs that combine the best practices of civilian service 
     with the best aspects of military service, including 
     leadership and team building, to meet national and community 
     needs. Such needs to be met under such programs include those 
     related to--
       ``(1) natural and other disasters;
       ``(2) infrastructure improvement;
       ``(3) environmental stewardship and conservation;
       ``(4) energy conservation; and
       ``(5) urban and rural development.''.

     SEC. 1502. PROGRAM COMPONENTS.

       Section 152 (42 U.S.C. 12612) is amended--
       (1) by amending the section heading to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 152. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL CIVILIAN COMMUNITY 
                   CORPS PROGRAM.''.

       (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``Civilian Community 
     Corps Demonstration Program'' and inserting ``National 
     Civilian Community Corps Program'';
       (3) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration 
     Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps 
     Program''; and
       (B) by striking ``a Civilian Community Corps'' and 
     inserting ``a National Civilian Community Corps'';
       (4) in the heading of subsection (c), by striking 
     ``Programs'' and inserting ``Components''; and
       (5) in subsection (c), by striking ``program components are 
     residential programs'' and all that follows and inserting 
     ``programs referred to in subsection (b) may include a 
     residential component.''.

     SEC. 1503. ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS.

       Section 153 (42 U.S.C. 12613) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration 
     Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps 
     Program''; and
       (B) by striking ``on Civilian Community Corps'' and 
     inserting ``on National Civilian Community Corps'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``if the person'' and 
     all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
     ``if the person will be at least 18 years of age on or before 
     December 31 in the calendar year in which the individual 
     enrolls in the program.'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by striking ``Backrounds'' and inserting 
     ``Backgrounds''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following: ``The Director 
     shall ensure that at least 50 percent of the participants in 
     the program are disadvantaged youth by year 2010. The 
     Director shall report to the Committee on Education and Labor 
     in the United States House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in the 
     United States Senate annually on progress towards this 
     goal.''; and
       (4) by striking subsection (e).

     SEC. 1504. SUMMER NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM.

       Section 154 (42 U.S.C. 12614) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration 
     Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps 
     Demonstration Program''; and
       (B) by striking ``on Civilian Community Corps'' and 
     inserting ``on National Civilian Community Corps'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``shall be'' and all 
     that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
     ``shall be from economically and ethnically diverse 
     backgrounds, including youth who are in foster care.''.

     SEC. 1505. TEAM LEADERS.

       Section 155 (42 U.S.C. 12615) is amended--
       (1) by amending the section heading to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 155. NATIONAL CIVILIAN COMMUNITY CORPS.'';

       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration 
     Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps 
     Demonstration Program''; and
       (B) by striking ``the Civilian Community Corps shall'' and 
     inserting ``the National Civilian Community Corps shall'';
       (3) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by amending the subsection heading to read as follows:
       ``(b) Membership in National Civilian Community Corps.--'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``National'' before 
     ``Civilian Community Corps'';
       (C) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by striking ``superintendent'' and inserting ``campus 
     director''; and
       (ii) by striking ``camp'' and inserting ``campus''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Team leaders.--The Director may select from Corps 
     members individuals with prior supervisory or service 
     experience to be team leaders within units in the National 
     Civilian Community Corps to perform service that includes 
     leading and supervising teams of Corps members. Team leaders 
     shall--
       ``(A) be selected without regard to the age limitation 
     under section 153(b);
       ``(B) be members of the National Civilian Community Corps; 
     and
       ``(C) be provided the rights and benefits applicable to 
     Corps members, except that the limitation on the amount of 
     living allowance shall not exceed 10 percent more than the 
     amount established under section 158(b).'';
       (4) in subsection (d)--
       (A) by amending the subsection heading to read as follows:

[[Page H1366]]

       ``(d) Campuses.--'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by amending the paragraph heading to read as follows:
       ``(1) Units to be assigned to campuses.--'';
       (ii) by striking ``in camps'' and inserting ``in 
     campuses'';
       (iii) by striking ``camp'' and inserting ``campus''; and
       (iv) by striking ``in the camps'' and inserting ``in the 
     campuses'';
       (C) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) Campus director.--There shall be a campus director 
     for each campus. The campus director is the head of the 
     campus.'';
       (D) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) by amending the paragraph heading to read as follows:
       ``(3) Eligible site for campus.--'';
       (ii) by striking ``A camp may be located'' and inserting 
     ``A campus must be cost-effective and may, upon the 
     completion of a feasibility study, be located'';
       (5) in subsection (e)--
       (A) by amending the paragraph heading to read as follows:
       ``(e) Distribution of Units and Campuses.--'';
       (B) by striking ``camps are distributed'' and inserting 
     ``campuses are cost-effective and are distributed''; and
       (C) by striking ``rural areas'' and all that follows 
     through the period at the end and inserting ``rural areas 
     such that each Corps unit in a region can be easily deployed 
     for disaster and emergency response to such region.''; and
       (6) in subsection (f)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking by striking ``superintendent'' and 
     inserting ``campus director''; and
       (ii) by striking ``camp'' both places such term appears and 
     inserting ``campus'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``superintendent of a camp'' and inserting ``campus director 
     of a campus'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking ``superintendent'' and inserting ``campus 
     director'';
       (II) by striking ``superintendent's'' and inserting 
     ``campus director's''; and
       (III) by striking ``camp'' each place such term appears and 
     inserting ``campus''; and

       (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``superintendent'' 
     and inserting ``campus director''; and
       (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``camp superintendent'' 
     and inserting ``campus director''.

     SEC. 1506. TRAINING.

       Section 156 (42 U.S.C. 12616) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community 
     Corps''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following: ``The Director 
     shall ensure that to the extent practicable, each member of 
     the Corps is trained in CPR, first aid, and other skills 
     related to disaster preparedness and response.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting before the period at 
     the end the following: ``, including a focus on energy 
     conservation, environmental stewardship or conservation, 
     infrastructure improvement, urban and rural development, or 
     disaster preparedness needs''; and
       (3) in subsection (c)(2), by adding at the end the 
     following: ``The Corporation may provide such training 
     through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements with 
     organizations who have established expertise in working with 
     disadvantaged youth in similar programs.''.

     SEC. 1507. CONSULTATION WITH STATE COMMISSIONS.

       Section 157 (42 U.S.C. 12617) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting 
     ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the semicolon the 
     following: ``with specific emphasis on projects in support of 
     infrastructure improvement, disaster relief and recovery, the 
     environment, energy conservation and urban and rural 
     development''; and
       (C) in paragraph (2) by striking ``service learning'' and 
     inserting ``service-learning'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``and the Secretary of 
     Housing and Urban Development'' and inserting ``the Secretary 
     of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the 
     Environmental Protection Agency, the Administrator of the 
     Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secretary of Energy, 
     the Secretary of Transportation, and the Chief of the United 
     States Forest Service'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)(B)--
       (i) by inserting ``community-based organizations and'' 
     before ``representatives of local communities''; and
       (ii) by striking ``camp'' both places such term appears and 
     inserting ``campus'';
       (C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``State Commissions,'' 
     before ``and persons involved in other youth service 
     programs.''; and
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``superintendent'' both places such term 
     appears and inserting ``campus director''; and
       (ii) by striking ``camp'' both places such term appears and 
     inserting ``campus'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``camp superintendents'' 
     and inserting ``campus directors''.

     SEC. 1508. AUTHORIZED BENEFITS FOR CORPS MEMBERS.

       Section 158 (42 U.S.C. 12618) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``National'' before 
     ``Civilian Community Corps''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
       (i) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community 
     Corps''; and
       (ii) by inserting before the colon the following: ``, as 
     the Director determines appropriate'';
       (B) in paragraph (6), by striking ``Clothing'' and 
     inserting ``Uniforms'';
       (C) in paragraph (7), by striking ``Recreational services 
     and supplies'' and inserting ``Supplies''.

     SEC. 1509. PERMANENT CADRE.

       Section 159 (42 U.S.C. 12619) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program'' and 
     inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps Program''; and
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by inserting ``including those'' before 
     ``recommended''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community 
     Corps'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``National'' before 
     ``Civilian Community Corps'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)(B)(i), by inserting ``National'' 
     before ``Civilian Community Corps''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking ``The Director shall establish a permanent 
     cadre of'' and inserting ``The Chief Executive Officer shall 
     establish a permanent cadre that includes the Director and 
     other appointed''; and
       (II) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community 
     Corps'';

       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``The Director shall 
     appoint the members'' and inserting ``The Chief Executive 
     Officer shall consider the recommendations of the Director in 
     appointing the other members'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``the Director'' and 
     inserting ``the Chief Executive Officer''; and
       (iv) in subparagraph (E)--

       (I) by inserting after ``techniques'' the following: ``, 
     including techniques for working with and enhancing the 
     development of disadvantaged youth,''; and
       (II) by striking ``service learning'' and inserting 
     ``service-learning''; and

       (C) in the first sentence of paragraph (3), by striking 
     ``the members'' and inserting ``other members''.

     SEC. 1510. CONTRACT AND GRANT AUTHORITY.

       Section 161 (42 U.S.C. 12621) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``perform any program 
     function under this subtitle'' and inserting ``carry out the 
     National Civilian Community Corps program''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ``National'' before 
     ``Civilian Community Corps''.

     SEC. 1511. OTHER DEPARTMENTS.

       Section 162 (42 U.S.C. 12622) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``National'' before 
     ``Civilian Community Corps'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``the registry 
     established by'' and all that follows through the semicolon 
     and inserting ``the registry established by section 1143a of 
     title 10, United States Code;'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``to be recommended 
     for appointment'' and inserting ``from which individuals may 
     be selected for appointment by the Director''; and
       (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``National'' before 
     ``Civilian Community Corps''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (b).

     SEC. 1512. ADVISORY BOARD.

       Section 163 (42 U.S.C. 12623) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``Upon the establishment of the Program, 
     there shall also be'' and inserting ``There shall be'';
       (B) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community 
     Corps Advisory Board''; and
       (C) by striking ``to assist'' and all that follows through 
     the period at the end and inserting ``to assist the Corps in 
     responding rapidly and efficiently in times of natural and 
     other disasters. Consistent with the needs outlined in 
     section 151, the Advisory Board members shall help coordinate 
     activities with the Corps as appropriate, including the 
     mobilization of volunteers and coordination of volunteer 
     centers to help local communities recover from the effects of 
     natural and other disasters.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as paragraphs 
     (13) and (14), respectively;
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
       ``(8) The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 
     Agency.
       ``(9) The Secretary of Transportation.
       ``(10) The Chief of the United States Forest Service.
       ``(11) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
     Agency.
       ``(12) The Secretary of Energy.''; and
       (C) in paragraph (13), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``industry,'' and inserting ``public and private 
     organizations,''.

     SEC. 1513. ANNUAL EVALUATION.

       Section 164 (42 U.S.C. 12624) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community 
     Corps''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following: ``Upon completing 
     each such evaluation, the Corporation shall submit to the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House 
     of Representatives a report on the evaluation.''.

     SEC. 1514. REPEAL OF FUNDING LIMITATION.

       Section 165 (42 U.S.C. 12625) is repealed.

     SEC. 1515. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 166 (42 U.S.C. 12626) is amended--

[[Page H1367]]

       (1) by striking paragraphs (2), (3), and (9);
       (2) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (8) as 
     paragraphs (5) through (9), respectively;
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Campus director.--The term `campus director', with 
     respect to a Corps campus, means the head of the campus under 
     section 155(d).
       ``(3) Corps.--The term `Corps' means the National Civilian 
     Community Corps required under section 155 as part of the 
     Civilian Community Corps Program.
       ``(4) Corps campus.--The term `Corps campus' means the 
     facility or central location established as the operational 
     headquarters and boarding place for particular Corps 
     units.'';
       (4) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program'' and 
     inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps Program'';
       (5) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated), by inserting 
     ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps'';
       (6) in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated), by striking 
     ``The terms'' and all that follows through ``Demonstration 
     Program'' and inserting ``The term `Program' means the 
     National Civilian Community Corps Program''; and
       (7) in paragraph (9) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in the heading by striking ``Service learning'' and 
     inserting ``Service-learning''; and
       (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 
     ``service learning'' and inserting ``service-learning''.

     SEC. 1516. TERMINOLOGY.

       Subtitle E of title I (42 U.S.C. 12611 et seq.) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking the subtitle heading and inserting the 
     following:

         ``Subtitle E--National Civilian Community Corps''; and

       (2) in section 160(a) (42 U.S.C. 12620(a)) by inserting 
     ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''.

    Subtitle F--Amendments to Subtitle F (Administrative Provisions)

     SEC. 1601. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE.

       Section 171(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 12631(a)(1)) is amended by 
     striking ``with respect to a project'' and inserting ``with 
     respect to a project authorized under the national service 
     laws''.

     SEC. 1602. ADDITIONAL PROHIBITIONS ON USE OF FUNDS.

       Section 174 (42 U.S.C. 12634) is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(d) Referrals for Federal Assistance.--A program may not 
     receive assistance under the national service laws for the 
     sole purpose of referring individuals to Federal assistance 
     programs or State assistance programs funded in part by the 
     Federal government.''.

     SEC. 1603. NOTICE, HEARING, AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES.

       Section 176 (42 U.S.C. 12636) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``this title'' each place it appears and 
     inserting ``the national service laws'';
       (2) in subsection (a)(2)(A), by striking ``30 days'' and 
     inserting ``1 or more periods of 30 days not to exceed 90 
     days in total''; and
       (3) in subsection (f)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``A State or local 
     applicant'' and inserting ``An entity''; and
       (B) in paragraph (6)--
       (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'';
       (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); 
     and
       (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
       ``(D) in a grievance filed by an individual applicant or 
     participant--
       ``(i) the applicant's selection or the participant's 
     reinstatement, as the case may be; and
       ``(ii) other changes in the terms and conditions of 
     service; and''.

     SEC. 1604. RESOLUTION OF DISPLACEMENT COMPLAINTS.

       Section 177 (42 U.S.C. 12637) is amended--
       (1) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``under this 
     title'' each place it appears and inserting ``under the 
     national service laws'';
       (2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``employee or 
     position'' and inserting ``employee, position, or volunteer 
     (other than a participant under the national service laws)''; 
     and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Parental Involvement.--
       ``(1) In general.--Programs that receive assistance under 
     the national service laws shall consult with the parents or 
     legal guardians of children in developing and operating 
     programs that include and serve children.
       ``(2) Parental permission.--Programs that receive 
     assistance under the national service laws shall, consistent 
     with State law, before transporting minor children, provide 
     the reason for and obtain written permission of the 
     children's parents.''.

     SEC. 1605. STATE COMMISSIONS ON NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY 
                   SERVICE.

       Section 178 (42 U.S.C. 12638) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)(1), by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(J) A representative of the volunteer sector.'';
       (2) in subsection (c)(3), by striking ``, unless the State 
     permits the representative to serve as a voting member of the 
     State Commission or alternative administrative entity'';
       (3) by striking subsection (e)(1) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) Preparation of a national service plan for the State 
     that--
       ``(A) is developed through an open and public process (such 
     as through regional forums, hearings, and other means) that 
     provides for maximum participation and input from companies, 
     organizations, and public agencies using service and 
     volunteerism as a strategy to meet critical community needs, 
     including programs funded under the national service laws;
       ``(B) covers a 3-year period, the beginning of which may be 
     set by the State;
       ``(C) is subject to approval by the chief executive officer 
     of the State;
       ``(D) includes measurable goals and outcomes for the State 
     consistent with those for national service programs as 
     described in section 179(a)(1)(A);
       ``(E) ensures outreach to diverse community-based agencies 
     that serve underrepresented populations, by--
       ``(i) using established networks and registries at the 
     State level, or establishing such networks and registries; 
     and
       ``(ii) coordinating with the Corporation's Office of 
     Outreach and Recruitment;
       ``(F) provides for effective coordination of funding 
     applications submitted by the State and others within the 
     State under the national service laws;
       ``(G) is updated annually, reflecting changes in practices 
     and policies that will improve the coordination and 
     effectiveness of Federal, State, and local resources for 
     service and volunteerism within the State; and
       ``(H) contains such information as the State Commission 
     considers to be appropriate or as the Corporation may 
     require.'';
       (4) by redesignating subsections (f) through (j) as 
     subsections (g) through (k), respectively;
       (5) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
       ``(f) Relief From Administrative Requirements.--Upon 
     approval of a State plan submitted under subsection (e)(1), 
     the Chief Executive Officer may waive, or specify 
     alternatives to, administrative requirements (other than 
     statutory provisions) otherwise applicable to grants made to 
     States under the national service laws, including those 
     requirements identified by a State as impeding the 
     coordination and effectiveness of Federal, State, and local 
     resources for service and volunteerism within a State.'';
       (6) in subsection (j)(1) (as redesignated by this section), 
     by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, 
     consistent with section 174(d).''; and
       (7) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(l) State Plan for Baby Boomer and Older Adult Volunteer 
     and Paid Service.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     this section, to be eligible to receive a grant or allotment 
     under subtitle B or C or to receive a distribution of 
     approved national service positions under subtitle C, a State 
     must work with appropriate State agencies and private 
     entities to develop a comprehensive State plan for volunteer 
     and paid service by members of the Baby Boom generation and 
     older adults.
       ``(2) Matters included.--The State plan shall include--
       ``(A) recommendations for public policy initiatives, 
     including how to best tap the population of members the Baby 
     Boom generation and older adults as sources of social capital 
     and as ways to address community needs;
       ``(B) recommendations to the State unit on aging on--
       ``(i) a marketing outreach plan to businesses;
       ``(ii) outreach to non-profit-organizations;
       ``(iii) the State's Department of Education; and
       ``(iv) other State agencies; and
       ``(C) recommendations for civic engagement and 
     multigenerational activities, such as--
       ``(i) early childhood education, family literacy, and after 
     school programs;
       ``(ii) respite services for older adults and caregivers; 
     and
       ``(iii) transitions for members of the Baby Boom generation 
     and older adults to purposeful work in their post career 
     lives.
       ``(3) Knowledge incorporated.--The State plan shall 
     incorporate the current knowledge base regarding--
       ``(A) the economic impact of older workers' roles in the 
     economy;
       ``(B) the social impact of older workers' roles in the 
     community; and
       ``(C) the health and social benefits of active engagement 
     for members of the Baby Boom generation and older adults.
       ``(4) Publication.--The State plan must be made public and 
     be transmitted to the Chief Executive Officer.''.

     SEC. 1606. EVALUATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

       Section 179 (42 U.S.C. 12639) is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
       ``(a) In General.--The Corporation shall provide, directly 
     or through grants or contracts, for the continuing evaluation 
     of programs that receive assistance under the national 
     service laws, including evaluations that measure the impact 
     of such programs, to determine--
       ``(1) the effectiveness of various programs receiving 
     assistance under the national service laws in achieving 
     stated goals and the costs associated with such, including--
       ``(A) an evaluation of performance measures, as established 
     by the Corporation in consultation with grantees receiving 
     assistance under the national service laws, which may 
     include--
       ``(i) number of participants enrolled and completing terms 
     of service compared to the stated goals of the program;
       ``(ii) number of volunteers recruited from the community in 
     which the program was implemented;
       ``(iii) if applicable based on the program design, the 
     number of individuals receiving or benefitting from the 
     service conducted;
       ``(iv) number of disadvantaged and underrepresented youth 
     participants;
       ``(v) sustainability of project or program, including 
     measures to ascertain the level of community support for the 
     project or program;
       ``(vi) measures to ascertain the change in attitude toward 
     civic engagement among the participants and the beneficiaries 
     of the service; and
       ``(vii) other quantitative and qualitative measures as 
     determined to be appropriate by the recipient of assistance; 
     and

[[Page H1368]]

       ``(B) review of the implementation plan for reaching such 
     measures described in subparagraph (A); and
       ``(2) the effectiveness of the structure and mechanisms for 
     delivery of services, such as the effective utilization of 
     the participants' time, the management of the participants, 
     and the ease to which recipients were able to receive 
     services to maximize the cost-effectiveness of the program 
     and its impact, for such programs.'';
       (2) in subsection (g)--
       (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``National Senior 
     Volunteer Corps'' and inserting ``National Senior Service 
     Corps''; and
       (B) in paragraph (9), by striking ``to public service'' and 
     all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
     ``to engage in service that benefits the community.''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(j) Reserved Program Funds for Accountability.--In 
     addition to amounts appropriated to carry out this section, 
     the Corporation may reserve up to 1 percent of total program 
     funds appropriated for a fiscal year under the national 
     service laws to support program accountability activities.
       ``(k) Corrective Plans.--
       ``(1) In general.--A grantee that fails to reach the 
     performance measures in subsection (a)(1)(A) as determined by 
     the Corporation, shall reach an agreement with the 
     Corporation on a corrective action plan to achieve the agreed 
     upon performance measures.
       ``(2) Assistance.--
       ``(A) New program.--For a program that has received 
     assistance for less than 3 years and is failing to achieve 
     the performance measures agreed upon under subsection 
     (a)(1)(A), the Corporation shall--
       ``(i) provide technical assistance to the grantee to 
     address targeted performance problems relating to the 
     performance measures in subsection (a)(1)(A); and
       ``(ii) require quarterly reports from the grantee on the 
     program's progress toward achieving the performance measures 
     in subsection (a)(1)(A) to the appropriate State, Territory, 
     or Indian tribe and the Corporation.
       ``(B) Established programs.--For a program that has 
     received assistance for 3 years or more and is failing to 
     achieve the performance measures agreed upon under subsection 
     (a)(1)(A), the Corporation shall require quarterly reports 
     from the grantee on the program's progress towards achieving 
     performance measures in subsection (a)(1)(A) to the 
     appropriate State, Territory, or Indian tribe and the 
     Corporation.
       ``(l) Failure To Meet Performance Levels.--If, after a 
     period for correction as approved by the Corporation, a 
     grantee or subgrantee fails to achieve the established levels 
     of performance, the Corporation shall--
       ``(1) reduce the annual amount of the grant award 
     attributable to the underperforming grantee or subgrantee by 
     at least 25 percent; or
       ``(2) terminate assistance to the underperforming grantee 
     or subgrantee, consistent with section 176(a).
       ``(m) Reports.--The Corporation shall submit to Congress 
     not later than two years after the date of the enactment of 
     this subsection, and annually thereafter, a report containing 
     information on the number of--
       ``(1) grantees implementing corrective action plans;
       ``(2) grantees for which the Corporation offers technical 
     assistance under subsection (k);
       ``(3) grantees for which the Corporation terminates 
     assistance for a program under subsection (l); and
       ``(4) grantees meeting or exceeding their performance 
     measures in subsection (a).''.

     SEC. 1607. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.

       Section 181 (42 U.S.C. 12641) is amended by striking 
     ``Section 414'' and inserting ``Section 422''.

     SEC. 1608. PARTNERSHIPS WITH SCHOOLS.

       Section 182(b) (42 U.S.C. 12642(b)) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(b) Annual Report.--On an annual basis, the head of each 
     Federal agency and department shall prepare and submit, to 
     Congress and the committees of jurisdiction, a report 
     concerning the implementation of this section, including an 
     evaluation of the performance goals and benchmarks of the 
     partnership programs.''.

     SEC. 1609. RIGHTS OF ACCESS, EXAMINATION, AND COPYING.

       Section 183 (42 U.S.C. 12643) is amended--
       (1) in each of subsections (a)(1) and (b)(1) by inserting 
     after ``local government,'' the following: ``Territory,''; 
     and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Inspector General.--The Inspector General of the 
     Corporation shall have access to, and the right to examine 
     and copy, any books, documents, papers, records, and other 
     recorded information in any form--
       ``(1) within the possession or control of the Corporation 
     or any State or local government, Territory, Indian tribe, or 
     public or private nonprofit organization receiving assistance 
     directly or indirectly under this Act; and
       ``(2) that relates to the duties of the Inspector General 
     under the Inspector General Act of 1978.''.

     SEC. 1610. ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.

       Subtitle F of title I (42 U.S.C. 12631 et seq.) is amended 
     by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 185. CONSOLIDATED APPLICATION AND REPORTING 
                   REQUIREMENTS.

       ``(a) In General.--To promote efficiency and eliminate 
     duplicative requirements, the Corporation shall consolidate 
     or modify application procedures and reporting requirements 
     for programs and activities funded under the national service 
     laws.
       ``(b) Reports to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of the enactment of this section, and annually 
     thereafter, the Corporation shall submit to Congress a report 
     containing information on the actions taken to modify the 
     application procedures and reporting requirements for 
     programs and activities funded under the national service 
     laws, including a description of the consultation procedures 
     with grantees, entities that expressed interest in applying 
     for assistance under a national service law but did not 
     apply, those entities whose application was rejected, and 
     applications whose assistance was terminated due to failure 
     to meet performance measures for the year covered by the 
     report.

     ``SEC. 186. SUSTAINABILITY.

       ``(a) Goals.--To ensure that recipients of assistance under 
     the national service laws are carrying out sustainable 
     projects or programs, the Corporation, after collaboration 
     with State Commissions and consultation with recipients of 
     assistance under the national service laws, may set 
     sustainability goals supported by policies and procedures 
     to--
       ``(1) build the capacity of the projects that receive 
     assistance under the national service laws to meet community 
     needs and to work to lessen the dependence on Federal dollars 
     to do so;
       ``(2) provide technical assistance to assist the recipients 
     of assistance under the national service laws in acquiring 
     non-Federal funds for the projects that could replace 
     assistance received under the national service laws; and
       ``(3) implement measures to ascertain whether the projects 
     are generating sufficient community support.
       ``(b) Enforcement.--If a recipient does not meet the 
     sustainability goals in subsection (a) for a project, the 
     Corporation may take action as described in sections 176 and 
     179.

     ``SEC. 187. USE OF RECOVERED FUNDS.

       ``(a) Factors Considered in Approving Repayment.--After the 
     date of enactment of this section, whenever the Corporation 
     recovers funds paid to a recipient under a grant or 
     cooperative agreement made under the national service laws 
     because the recipient made an expenditure of funds that was 
     not allowable, or otherwise failed to discharge its 
     responsibility to account properly for funds, the Corporation 
     may consider those funds to be additional funds available and 
     may arrange to repay to the recipient affected by that action 
     an amount not to exceed 75 percent of the recovered funds if 
     the Corporation determines that--
       ``(1) the practices or procedures of the recipient that 
     resulted in the recovery of funds have been corrected, and 
     that the recipient is in all other respects in compliance 
     with the requirements of the grant or cooperative agreement, 
     if the recipient was notified of any noncompliance with such 
     requirements and given a reasonable period of time to remedy 
     such noncompliance;
       ``(2) the recipient has submitted to the Corporation a plan 
     for the use of those funds consistent with the national 
     service laws and, to the extent possible, for the benefit of 
     the community affected by the recovery of funds; and
       ``(3) the use of those funds in accordance with that plan 
     would serve to achieve the objectives of the grant or 
     cooperative agreement under which the funds were originally 
     paid.
       ``(b) Terms and Conditions of Repayment.--Any payments by 
     the Corporation under this section shall be subject to other 
     terms and conditions as the Corporation considers necessary 
     to accomplish the purposes of the grant or cooperative 
     agreement, including--
       ``(1) the submission of periodic reports on the use of 
     funds provided under this section; and
       ``(2) consultation by the recipient with members of the 
     community that will benefit from the payments.
       ``(c) Availability of Funds.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, the funds made available under this section 
     shall remain available for expenditure for a period of time 
     considered reasonable by the Corporation, but in no case to 
     exceed more than 3 fiscal years following the later of--
       ``(1) the fiscal year in which final agency action 
     regarding the disallowance of funds is taken; or
       ``(2) if such recipient files a petition for judicial 
     review regarding the disallowance of funds, the fiscal year 
     in which final judicial action is taken on such a petition.
       ``(d) Publication in Federal Register.--At least 60 days 
     prior to entering into an arrangement under this section, the 
     Corporation shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of 
     intent to enter into such an arrangement and the terms and 
     conditions under which payments will be made. Interested 
     persons shall have an opportunity for at least 30 days to 
     submit comments to the Corporation regarding the proposed 
     arrangement.

     ``SEC. 188. EXPENSES OF ATTENDING MEETINGS.

       ``Notwithstanding section 1345 of title 31, United States 
     Code, funds authorized under the national service laws shall 
     be available for expenses of attendance of meetings that are 
     concerned with the functions or activities for which the 
     funds are appropriated or which will contribute to improved 
     conduct, supervision, or management of those functions or 
     activities.

     ``SEC. 189. GRANT PERIODS.

       ``Unless otherwise specifically provided, the Corporation 
     has authority to make a grant under the national service laws 
     for a period of 3 years.

     ``SEC. 189A. GENERATION OF VOLUNTEERS.

       ``In making decisions on applications for assistance or 
     approved national service positions under the national 
     service laws, the Corporation shall take into consideration 
     the extent to which the applicant's proposal will increase 
     the involvement of volunteers in meeting community needs.

     ``SEC. 189B. LIMITATION ON PROGRAM GRANT COSTS.

       ``(a) Limitation on Grant Amounts.--Except as otherwise 
     provided by this section, the amount of funds approved by the 
     Corporation in

[[Page H1369]]

     a grant to operate a program authorized under the national 
     service laws supporting individuals serving in approved 
     national service positions may not exceed $16,000 per full-
     time equivalent position.
       ``(b) Costs Subject to Limitation.--The limitation in 
     subsection (a) applies to the Corporation's share of member 
     support costs, staff costs, and other costs borne by the 
     grantee or subgrantee to operate a program.
       ``(c) Costs Not Subject to Limitation.--The limitation in 
     subsection (a) and (e)(1) shall not apply to expenses that 
     are not included in the program operating grant award.
       ``(d) Adjustments for Inflation.--The amount specified in 
     subsections (a) and (e)(1) shall be adjusted each year after 
     2008 for inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index 
     for All Urban Consumers published by the Secretary of Labor.
       ``(e) Waiver Authority and Reporting Requirement.--
       ``(1) Waiver.--The Chief Executive Officer may waive the 
     requirements of this section, up to a maximum of $18,000, if 
     necessary to meet the compelling needs of a particular 
     program, such as exceptional training needs for a program 
     serving disadvantaged youth, increased costs relating to the 
     participation of individuals with disabilities, and start-up 
     costs associated with a first-time grantee.
       ``(2) Reports.--The Chief Executive Officer shall report to 
     Congress annually on all waivers granted under this section, 
     with an explanation of the compelling needs justifying such 
     waivers.

     ``SEC. 189C. AUDITS AND REPORTS.

       ``The Corporation shall comply with applicable audit and 
     reporting requirements as provided in the Chief Financial 
     Officers Act of 1990 (31 U.S.C. 501 et seq.) and the 
     Government Corporation Control Act of 1945 (31 U.S.C. 9101 et 
     seq.). The Corporation shall report to the Congress any 
     failure to comply with the requirements of such audits.''.

  Subtitle G--Amendments to Subtitle G (Corporation for National and 
                           Community Service)

     SEC. 1701. TERMS OF OFFICE.

       Section 192 (42 U.S.C. 12651a) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
       ``(c) Terms.--Subject to subsection (e), each appointed 
     member shall serve for a term of 5 years.'';
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Service Until Appointment of Successor.--A voting 
     member of the Board whose term has expired may continue to 
     serve for one year beyond expiration of the term if no 
     successor is appointed or until the date on which a successor 
     has taken office.''.

     SEC. 1702. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES.

       Section 192A(g) (42 U.S.C. 12651b(g)) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking 
     ``shall--'' and inserting ``shall have responsibility for 
     setting overall policy for the Corporation and shall--'';
       (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the semicolon at 
     the end the following: ``, and review the budget proposal in 
     advance of submission to the Office of Management and Budget 
     and to Congress'';
       (3) in paragraph (5)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``and'' at the end; 
     and
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) review the performance of the Chief Executive Officer 
     annually and forward a report on that review to the 
     President;'';
       (4) in paragraph (9), by inserting ``and'' after 
     ``Corporation;'';
       (5) in paragraph (10), by striking ``program; and'' and 
     inserting ``program under a cost share agreement, as 
     determined by the Corporation, in which the funds advanced or 
     received as reimbursement shall be credited directly to a 
     current appropriation; and''; and
       (6) in paragraph (11), by striking ``September 30, 1995'' 
     and inserting ``January 1, 2011''.

     SEC. 1703. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
                   OFFICER.

       Section 193A (42 U.S.C. 12651d) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting after ``a strategic 
     plan'' the following: ``, including a plan for achieving 50 
     percent full-time approved national service positions by 
     2010,'';
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (11) as 
     paragraphs (8) through (12), respectively;
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
       ``(7) prepare and submit to the Committee on Education and 
     Labor in the United States House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in the 
     United States Senate, and the Board an annual report on 
     actions taken to achieve the goal of 50 percent full-time 
     approved national service positions as described in paragraph 
     (1), including an assessment of the progress made toward 
     achieving that goal and the actions to be taken in the coming 
     year toward achieving that goal;''; and
       (D) in paragraph (11) (as so redesignated)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``June 30, 1995,'' and inserting ``June 30 of each even-
     numbered year,''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``section 
     122(c)(1)'' and inserting ``section 122(d)(1)''; and
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (11); and
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following:
       ``(10) obtain the opinions of peer reviewers in evaluating 
     applications to the Corporation for assistance under this 
     title; and''.

     SEC. 1704. NONVOTING MEMBERS; PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS.

       Section 195 (42 U.S.C. 12651f) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting after ``subdivision 
     of a State,'' the following: ``Territory,''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) in the heading, by striking ``Member'' and inserting 
     ``Non-voting member''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``non-voting'' before ``member''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
       ``(g) Personal Services Contracts.--The Corporation may 
     enter into personal services contracts to carry out research, 
     evaluation, and public awareness related to the national 
     service laws.''.

     SEC. 1705. DONATED SERVICES.

       Section 196(a) (42 U.S.C. 12651g(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(A) Organizations and individuals.--Notwithstanding 
     section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Corporation 
     may solicit and accept the services of organizations and 
     individuals (other than participants) to assist the 
     Corporation in carrying out the duties of the Corporation 
     under the national service laws, and may provide to such 
     individuals the travel expenses described in section 
     192A(d).'';
       (B) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``Such 
     a volunteer'' and inserting ``A person who is a member of an 
     organization or is an individual covered by subparagraph 
     (A)'';
       (ii) in clause (i), by striking ``a volunteer'' and 
     inserting ``such a person'';
       (iii) in clause (ii), by striking ``volunteers'' and 
     inserting ``such a person''; and
       (iv) in clause (iii), by striking ``such a volunteer'' and 
     inserting ``such a person''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``Such a 
     volunteer'' and inserting ``Such a person''; and
       (2) by striking paragraph (3).

     SEC. 1706. OFFICE OF OUTREACH AND RECRUITMENT.

       Subtitle G of title I is further amended by adding at the 
     end the following:

     ``SEC. 196B. OFFICE OF OUTREACH AND RECRUITMENT.

       ``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the 
     Corporation an office to be known as the Office of Outreach 
     and Recruitment (in this section referred to as the 
     `Office'), headed by a Director.
       ``(b) Duties.--The duties of the Office, carried out 
     directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative 
     agreements, shall be--
       ``(1) to increase the public awareness of the wide range of 
     service opportunities for citizens of all ages, regardless of 
     socioeconomic status or geographic location, through a 
     variety of methods, including--
       ``(A) print media;
       ``(B) the Internet and related emerging technologies;
       ``(C) television;
       ``(D) radio;
       ``(E) presentations at public or private forums;
       ``(F) other innovative methods of communication; and
       ``(G) outreach to offices of economic development, State 
     employment security agencies, labor unions and trade 
     associations, local education agencies, agencies and 
     organizations serving veterans and people with disabilities, 
     and other institutions or organizations from which 
     participants for programs receiving assistance from the 
     national service laws can be recruited;
       ``(2) to identify and implement methods of recruitment to 
     increase the diversity of participants in the programs 
     receiving assistance under the national service laws;
       ``(3) to identify and implement recruitment strategies and 
     training programs for bilingual volunteers in the National 
     Senior Service Corps under title II of the Domestic Volunteer 
     Service Act of 1973;
       ``(4) to identify and implement methods of recruitment to 
     increase the diversity of service sponsors of programs 
     desiring to receive assistance under the national service 
     laws;
       ``(5) to collaborate with organizations which have 
     established volunteer recruitment programs, including those 
     on the Internet, to increase the recruitment capacity of the 
     Corporation;
       ``(6) where practicable, to provide application materials 
     in languages other than English for those with limited 
     English proficiency who wish to participate in a national 
     service program;
       ``(7) to coordinate with organizations of former 
     participants of national service programs for service 
     opportunities that may include capacity building, outreach, 
     and recruitment for programs receiving assistance under the 
     national service laws;
       ``(8) to collaborate with the training and technical 
     assistance programs described in subtitle J and in 
     appropriate paragraphs of section 198E(b);
       ``(9) to coordinate the clearinghouses described in section 
     198E; and
       ``(10) to coordinate with entities receiving funds under 
     section 198E(b)(11) in establishing the Reserve Corps for 
     alumni of the national service programs to serve in 
     emergencies, disasters, and other times of national need.
       ``(c) Collaboration.--The duties described in subsection 
     (b) shall be carried out in collaboration with the State 
     Commissions.
       ``(d) Authority To Contract With a Business.--The 
     Corporation may, through contracts

[[Page H1370]]

     or cooperative agreements, carry out the marketing duties 
     described in subsection (b)(1), with priority given to those 
     entities who have established expertise in the recruitment of 
     disadvantaged youth, members of Indian tribes, and members of 
     the Baby Boom generation.
       ``(e) Campaign To Solicit Funds.--The Corporation, through 
     the Director of the Office, may conduct a campaign to solicit 
     funds for itself to conduct outreach and recruitment 
     campaigns to recruit a diverse population of service sponsors 
     of and participants in programs and projects receiving 
     assistance under the national service laws.
       ``(f) Reporting.--The Director of the Office shall complete 
     a report annually to the Chief Executive Officer and the 
     Board of Directors on its activities and results.''.

     SEC. 1707. STUDY TO EXAMINE AND INCREASE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR 
                   VETERANS AND VETERANS PARTICIPATION IN SERVICE 
                   CORPS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AND TO DEVELOP 
                   PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) Planning Study.--The Corporation for National and 
     Community Service shall conduct a study to identify--
       (1) specific areas of need for veterans;
       (2) how existing programs and activities carried out under 
     the national service laws could better serve veterans and 
     veterans service organizations;
       (3) gaps in service to veterans;
       (4) prospects for better coordination of services;
       (5) prospects for better utilization of veterans as 
     resources and volunteers; and
       (6) methods for ensuring the efficient financial 
     organization of services directed towards veterans.
       (b) Consultation.--The study shall be carried out in 
     consultation with veterans' service organizations, the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs, State veterans agencies, the 
     Department of Defense, and other individuals and entities the 
     Corporation considers appropriate.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Corporation shall submit to 
     Congress a report on the results of the planning study 
     required by subsection (a), together with a plan for 
     implementation of a pilot program using promising strategies 
     and approaches for better targeting and serving veterans.
       (d) Pilot Program.--From amounts made available to carry 
     out this subsection, the Corporation shall develop and carry 
     out a pilot program based on the findings in the report 
     submitted under subsection (c).
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may 
     be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

                  Subtitle H--Amendments to Subtitle H

     SEC. 1801. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE H.

       (a) Additional Corporation Activities To Support National 
     Service.--Subtitle H is amended by inserting after the 
     subtitle heading and before section 198 the following:

    ``PART I--ADDITIONAL CORPORATION ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT NATIONAL 
                               SERVICE''.

       (b) Technical Amendments.--Section 198 (42 U.S.C. 12653) is 
     amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsection (r)'' and 
     inserting ``subsection (g)'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``national service 
     programs, including service-learning programs, and to support 
     innovative and model programs, including'' and inserting 
     ``service-learning programs and national service programs, 
     including'';
       (3) by striking subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f);
       (4) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (c);
       (5) by striking subsections (h), (i), and (j);
       (6) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (d);
       (7) by striking subsections (l) and (m);
       (8) by redesignating subsections (n) and (o) as subsections 
     (e) and (f), respectively;
       (9) by striking subsections (p) and (q);
       (10) by redesignating subsection (r) as subsection (g); and
       (11) by redesignating subsection (s) as subsection (h).

     SEC. 1802. REPEALS.

       The following provisions are repealed:
       (1) Clearinghouses.--Section 198A (42 U.S.C. 12653a).
       (2) Military installation conversion demonstration 
     programs.--Section 198C (42 U.S.C. 12653c).
       (3) Special demonstration project.--Section 198D (42 U.S.C. 
     12653d).

     SEC. 1803. INNOVATIVE AND MODEL PROGRAM SUPPORT.

       Subtitle H is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

            ``PART II--INNOVATIVE AND MODEL PROGRAM SUPPORT

     ``SEC. 198D. INNOVATIVE AND MODEL PROGRAM SUPPORT.

       ``(a) Methods of Conducting Activities.--The Corporation 
     may, through grants and fixed amount grants under subsection 
     (c), carry out the following programs:
       ``(1) Programs for disadvantaged youth.--A program selected 
     from among those listed in 122(a) where no less than 75 
     percent of the participants are disadvantaged youth.
       ``(A) Components of programs.--Such programs may include 
     life skills training, employment training, educational 
     counseling, program to complete a high-school diploma or GED, 
     counseling, or a mentoring relationship with an adult 
     volunteer.
       ``(B) Priority.--Priority shall be given to programs that 
     engage retirees to serve as mentors.
       ``(2) Programs focused on learning and thinking skills.--
     Service programs to solve community problems while engaging 
     or developing 21st century learning and thinking skills 
     (critical-thinking and problem solving, communication skills, 
     creativity and innovation skills, collaboration skills, 
     contextual learning skills, information and media literacy 
     skills, and information and communications literacy) and life 
     skills (leadership, ethics, accountability, adaptability, 
     personal productivity, personal responsibility, people 
     skills, self-direction, and social responsibility) for 
     school-age youth and low income adults. This may be a summer 
     of service program or a year-round service program. Priority 
     shall be given to programs that collaborate with the RSVP 
     program, the AmeriCorps programs, or the Learn and Serve 
     programs.
       ``(3) Programs that engage youth under the age of 17.--
     Programs that engage youth under the age of 17 in service to 
     the community to meet unmet human, educational, 
     environmental, emergency and disaster preparedness, or public 
     safety needs and may be a summer program or a year-round 
     program. Priority shall be given to programs that collaborate 
     with the RSVP Program and the AmeriCorps programs.
       ``(4) Programs that focus on health and wellness.--Service 
     programs that focus on the health and wellness of the members 
     of a low-income or rural community. Priority shall be given 
     to service programs that work to--
       ``(A) involve the community in service to those who are at-
     risk to not receive or pursue health care through such 
     activities as health and wellness education, prevention, and 
     care;
       ``(B) include in the service program employment training, 
     where applicable, for participants in the program and may 
     extend this opportunity to members of the community; and
       ``(C) collaborate with local institutions of higher 
     education to include, as a portion of the pre-professional 
     training of health care professionals including nurses, 
     doctors, physician assistants, dentists, and emergency 
     medical technicians, a service component to meet unmet 
     healthcare and wellness needs in the community in which the 
     service program is being carried out.
       ``(5) Programs that reduce recidivism.--Programs that re-
     engage court-involved youth and adults with the goal of 
     reducing recidivism. Priority shall be given to such programs 
     that create support systems beginning in corrections 
     facilities, and programs that have life skills training, 
     employment training, an education program, including a 
     program to complete a high-school diploma or GED, educational 
     and career counseling, post program placement, and support 
     services, which could begin in corrections facilities. The 
     program may include health and wellness programs, including 
     but not limited to drug and alcohol treatment, mental health 
     counseling, and smoking cessation.
       ``(6) Programs that recruit certain individuals.--
     Demonstration projects for programs that have as one of their 
     primary purposes the recruitment and acceptance of court-
     involved youth and adults as participants, volunteers, or 
     members. Such a program may serve any purpose otherwise 
     permitted under this Act.
       ``(7) Other innovative and model programs.--Any other 
     innovative and model programs that the Corporation considers 
     appropriate.
       ``(b) Requirements.--
       ``(1) Three-year term.--Each program funded under this part 
     shall be carried out over a period of three years, including 
     one planning year and two additional grant years, with a 1-
     year extension possible, if the program meets performance 
     measures developed in accordance with section 179(a) and any 
     other criteria determined by the Corporation.
       ``(2) Encouragement.--Each program funded under this part 
     is encouraged to collaborate with Learn and Serve, 
     AmeriCorps, VISTA, and the National Senior Service Corps.
       ``(3) Evaluation.--Upon completion of the program, the 
     Corporation shall conduct an independent evaluation of the 
     program and widely disseminate the results to the service 
     community through multiple channels, including the 
     Corporation's Resource Center or a clearinghouse of effective 
     strategies and recommendations for improvement.
       ``(c) Fixed Amount Grants.--
       ``(1) General.--For purposes of subsection (a), and subject 
     to the limitations in this subsection, the Corporation may, 
     upon making a determination described in paragraph (2), 
     approve a fixed amount grant that is not subject to the 
     Office of Management and Budget cost principles and related 
     financial recordkeeping requirements.
       ``(2) Determination.--Before approving a fixed amount 
     grant, the Corporation must determine that--
       ``(A) the reasonable and necessary costs of carrying out 
     the terms of the grant significantly exceed the amount of 
     assistance provided by the Corporation; or
       ``(B) based on the nature or design of the grant, any 
     assistance provided by the Corporation can be reasonably 
     presumed to be expended on reasonable and necessary costs.
       ``(3) Matching funds.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of 
     carrying out a program for which a grant is made under this 
     part may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the 
     program.
       ``(B) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the 
     remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program, 
     each recipient of a grant under this part--
       ``(i) shall provide for such share through a payment in 
     cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, 
     equipment, or services; and
       ``(ii) may provide for such share through State sources or 
     local sources, including private funds or donated services.

[[Page H1371]]

       ``(d) Applications.--To be eligible to carry out a program 
     under this part, an entity shall prepare, submit to the 
     Corporation, and obtain approval of, an application at such 
     time and in such manner as the Corporation requires, and in 
     such manner as the Chief Executive Officer may reasonably 
     require.''.

     SEC. 1804. CLEARINGHOUSES.

       Subtitle H is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following:

          ``PART III--NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS CLEARINGHOUSE

     ``SEC. 198E. NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS CLEARINGHOUSE.

       ``(a) In General.--The Corporation shall provide 
     assistance, either by grant, contract, or cooperative 
     agreement, to entities with expertise in the dissemination of 
     information through clearinghouses to establish one or more 
     clearinghouses for the national service laws.
       ``(b) Function of Clearinghouse.--Such a clearinghouse 
     may--
       ``(1) assist entities carrying out State or local service-
     learning and national service programs with needs assessments 
     and planning;
       ``(2) conduct research and evaluations concerning service-
     learning or programs receiving assistance under the national 
     service laws unless the recipient is receiving funds for such 
     purpose under part III of subtitle B and under subtitle H;
       ``(3)(A) provide leadership development and training to 
     State and local service-learning program administrators, 
     supervisors, service sponsors, and participants; and
       ``(B) provide training to persons who can provide the 
     leadership development and training described in subparagraph 
     (A);
       ``(4) facilitate communication among entities carrying out 
     service-learning programs and programs offered under the 
     national service laws and participants in such programs;
       ``(5) provide and disseminate information and curriculum 
     materials relating to planning and operating service-learning 
     programs and programs offered under the national service 
     laws, to States, Territories, Indian tribes, and local 
     entities eligible to receive financial assistance under the 
     national service laws;
       ``(6) provide and disseminate information regarding methods 
     to make service-learning programs and programs offered under 
     the national service laws accessible to individuals with 
     disabilities;
       ``(7) disseminate applications in languages other than 
     English;
       ``(8)(A) gather and disseminate information on successful 
     service-learning programs and programs offered under the 
     national service laws, components of such successful 
     programs, innovative curricula related to service-learning, 
     and service-learning projects; and
       ``(B) coordinate the activities of the Clearinghouse with 
     appropriate entities to avoid duplication of effort;
       ``(9) make recommendations to State and local entities on 
     quality controls to improve the quality of service-learning 
     programs and programs offered under the national service 
     laws;
       ``(10) assist organizations in recruiting, screening, and 
     placing a diverse population of service-learning coordinators 
     and program sponsors;
       ``(11) collaborate with the Office of Outreach and 
     Recruitment on an alumni network for those former 
     participants in an approved national service position, to 
     facilitate communication and collaboration between alumni and 
     to leverage their skills, knowledge, and experiences to 
     improve service across our Nation and also serve in a Reserve 
     Corps, who are ready to serve in times of national need;
       ``(12) disseminate effective strategies for working with 
     disadvantaged youth in national service programs as 
     determined by organizations with an established expertise 
     working with such youth; and
       ``(13) carry out such other activities as the Chief 
     Executive Officer determines to be appropriate.''.

       Subtitle I--American Conservation and Youth Service Corps

     SEC. 1811. STATE APPLICATION.

       Section 199C(a) (42 U.S.C. 12655b(a)) is amended by 
     inserting after ``a State'' the following: ``, Territory,''.

             Subtitle J--Training and Technical Assistance

     SEC. 1821. TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

       Title I is further amended by adding at the end the 
     following new subtitle:

            ``Subtitle J--Training and Technical Assistance

     ``SEC. 199N. TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

       ``(a) In General.--The Corporation shall conduct, either 
     directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative 
     agreements, including through State Commissions on National 
     and Community Service, appropriate training and technical 
     assistance to--
       ``(1) programs receiving assistance under the national 
     service laws; and
       ``(2) entities (particularly those in rural areas and 
     underserved communities)--
       ``(A) that desire to carry out or establish national 
     service programs;
       ``(B) that desire to apply for assistance under the 
     national service laws; or
       ``(C) that desire to apply for a subgrant under the 
     national service laws.
       ``(b) Activities Included.--Such training and technical 
     assistance activities may include--
       ``(1) providing technical assistance to those applying to 
     carry out national service programs or those carrying out 
     national service programs;
       ``(2) promoting leadership development in national service 
     programs;
       ``(3) improving the instructional and programmatic quality 
     of national service programs;
       ``(4) developing the management and budgetary skills of 
     those operating or overseeing national service programs, 
     including to increase the cost effectiveness of the programs 
     under the national service laws;
       ``(5) providing for or improving the training provided to 
     the participants in programs under the national service laws;
       ``(6) facilitating the education of national service 
     programs in risk management procedures, including the 
     training of participants in appropriate risk management 
     practices;
       ``(7) training of those operating or overseeing national 
     service programs in volunteer recruitment, management, and 
     retention to improve the abilities of such individuals to use 
     participants and other volunteers in an effective manner 
     which results in high quality service and the desire of 
     participants or volunteers to continue to serve in other 
     capacities after the program is completed;
       ``(8) training of those operating or overseeing national 
     service programs in program evaluation and performance 
     measures to inform practices to augment the capacity and 
     sustainability of the program;
       ``(9) training of those operating or overseeing national 
     service programs to effectively accommodate people with 
     disabilities to increase the participation of people with 
     disabilities in national service programs;
       ``(10) establishing networks and collaboration among 
     employers, educators, and other key stakeholders in the 
     community to further leverage resources to increase local 
     participation and to coordinate community-wide planning and 
     service;
       ``(11) providing training and technical assistance for the 
     National Senior Service Corps; and
       ``(12) carrying out such other activities as the Chief 
     Executive Officer determines to be appropriate.
       ``(c) Priority.--The Corporation shall give priority to 
     programs under the national service laws and those entities 
     wishing to establish programs under the national service laws 
     seeking training or technical assistance that--
       ``(1) seek to carry out (as defined in section 101) high 
     quality programs where the services are needed most;
       ``(2) seek to carry out (as defined in section 101) high 
     quality programs where national service programs do not 
     currently exist or where the programs are too limited to meet 
     community needs;
       ``(3) seek to carry out (as defined in section 101) high 
     quality programs that focus on and provide service 
     opportunities for underserved rural and urban areas and 
     populations; and
       ``(4) assist programs in developing a service component 
     that combines students, out-of-school youths, and older 
     adults as participants to provide needed community 
     services.''.

      Subtitle K--Repeal of Title III (Points of Light Foundation)

     SEC. 1831. REPEAL.

       Title III (42 U.S.C. 12661 et seq.) is repealed.

  Subtitle L--Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations)

     SEC. 1841. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 501 (42 U.S.C. 12681) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 501. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``(a) Title I.--
       ``(1) Subtitle b.--
       ``(A) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to provide financial assistance under subtitle B of title I--
       ``(i) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, of which 
     $10,000,000 shall be for summer of service grants and 
     $10,000,000 shall be deposited in the National Service Trust 
     to support summer of service educational awards; and
       ``(ii) such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal 
     years 2009 through 2012.
       ``(B) Programs.--Of the amount appropriated under 
     subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year--
       ``(i) not more than 63.75 percent shall be available to 
     provide financial assistance under part I of subtitle B of 
     title I;
       ``(ii) not more than 25 percent shall be available to 
     provide financial assistance under part II of such subtitle; 
     and
       ``(iii) not less than 11.25 percent shall be available to 
     provide financial assistance under part III of such subtitle.
       ``(2) Subtitles c, d, and h.--
       ``(A) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to provide financial assistance under subtitles C and H of 
     title I, to administer the National Service Trust and 
     disburse national service educational awards and scholarships 
     under subtitle D of title I, and to carry out such audits and 
     evaluations as the Chief Executive Officer or the Inspector 
     General of the Corporation may determine to be necessary, 
     $485,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be 
     necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
       ``(B) Programs.--Of the amount appropriated under 
     subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year, up to 15 percent shall be 
     made available to provide financial assistance under 
     subsections (b) and (c) of section 126, and under subtitle H 
     of title I.
       ``(C) Subtitle c.--Of the amount appropriated under 
     subparagraph (A), the following amounts shall be made 
     available to provide financial assistance under section 121 
     of subtitle C of title I:
       ``(i) For fiscal year 2008, not more than $324,000,000.
       ``(ii) For fiscal year 2009, not more than $357,000,000.
       ``(iii) For fiscal year 2010, not more than $397,000,000.
       ``(iv) For each of fiscal years 2011 through 2012, such 
     sums as may be necessary.
       ``(3) Subtitle e.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to operate the National Civilian

[[Page H1372]]

     Community Corps and provide financial assistance under 
     subtitle E of title I, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and 
     such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 
     through 2012.
       ``(4) Administration.--
       ``(A) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     for the administration of this Act, including financial 
     assistance under sections 126(a) and 196B, $51,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each 
     of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
       ``(B) Corporation.--Of the amounts appropriated under 
     subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year--
       ``(i) up to 69 percent shall be made available to the 
     Corporation for the administration of this Act, including to 
     provide financial assistance under section 196B; and
       ``(ii) the remainder shall be available to provide 
     financial assistance under section 126(a).
       ``(5) Training and technical assistance.--Of the amounts 
     appropriated for a fiscal year under subtitles B, C, and H of 
     title I of this Act and under titles I and II of the Domestic 
     Volunteer Service Act of 1973, the Corporation shall reserve 
     up to 2.5 percent to carry out subtitle J of this Act. 
     Notwithstanding subsection (b), amounts so reserved shall be 
     available only for the fiscal year for which they are 
     reserved.
       ``(b) Availability of Appropriations.--Funds appropriated 
     under this section shall remain available until expended.''.

   TITLE II--AMENDMENTS TO THE DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE ACT OF 1973

     SEC. 2001. REFERENCES.

       Except as otherwise specifically provided, whenever in this 
     title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to, or repeal of a provision, the reference shall 
     be considered to be made to a provision of the Domestic 
     Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4950 et seq.).

   Subtitle A--Amendments to Title I (National Volunteer Antipoverty 
                               Programs)

     SEC. 2101. PURPOSE.

       Section 2 (42 U.S.C. 4950) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``both young and older 
     citizens'' and inserting ``citizens of all ages and 
     backgrounds''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``local agencies'' and 
     all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
     ``local agencies, expand relationships with, and support for, 
     the efforts of civic, community, and educational 
     organizations, and utilize the energy, innovative spirit, 
     experience, and skills of all Americans.''.

     SEC. 2102. PURPOSE OF THE VISTA PROGRAM.

       Section 101 (42 U.S.C. 4951) is amended--
       (1) in the second sentence, by striking ``afflicted with'' 
     and inserting ``affected by''; and
       (2) in the third sentence, by striking ``local level'' and 
     all that follows through the period at the end and inserting 
     ``local level, to support efforts by local agencies and 
     organizations to achieve long-term sustainability of 
     projects, consistent with section 186 of the National and 
     Community Service Act of 1990, initiated or expanded under 
     the VISTA program activities, and to strengthen local 
     agencies and community organizations to carry out the purpose 
     of this part.''.

     SEC. 2103. APPLICATIONS.

       Section 103 (42 U.S.C. 4953) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``the Commonwealth of 
     the Northern Mariana Islands,'' after ``American Samoa,''; 
     and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``handicapped'' and inserting ``disabled''; 
     and
       (ii) by striking ``handicaps'' and inserting 
     ``disabilities'';
       (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``jobless, the hungry, 
     and low-income'' and inserting ``unemployed, the hungry, and 
     low-income'';
       (D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``prevention, 
     education,'' and inserting ``through prevention, education, 
     rehabilitation, and treatment,'';
       (E) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``, mental illness,'' 
     after ``including'';
       (F) in paragraph (6), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (G) in paragraph (7), by striking the period and inserting 
     a semicolon; and
       (H) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
       ``(8) in the re-entry and re-integration of formerly 
     incarcerated youth and adults into society, including life 
     skills training, employment training, counseling, educational 
     training, and educational counseling;
       ``(9) in developing and carrying out financial literacy, 
     financial planning, budgeting, savings, and reputable credit 
     accessibility programs in low-income communities, including 
     those programs which educate on financing home ownership and 
     higher education;
       ``(10) in initiating and supporting before-school and 
     after-school programs servicing children in low-income 
     communities that may engage participants in mentoring 
     relationships, tutoring, life skills, or study skills 
     programs, service-learning, physical, nutrition, and health 
     education programs, including programs aimed at fighting 
     childhood obesity, and other activities addressing the needs 
     of the community's children;
       ``(11) in establishing and supporting community economic 
     development initiatives, including micro-enterprises, with a 
     priority on such programs in rural areas and other areas 
     where such programs are needed most;
       ``(12) in assisting veterans and their families through 
     establishing or augmenting programs which assist such persons 
     with access to legal assistance, health care (including 
     mental health), employment counseling or training, education 
     counseling or training, affordable housing, and other support 
     services; and
       ``(13) in addressing the health and wellness of low-income 
     and underserved communities, including programs to increase 
     access to preventive services, insurance, and health care.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``recruitment and 
     placement procedures'' and inserting ``recruitment and 
     placement procedures that involve sponsoring organizations 
     and'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``central information 
     system that shall, on request, promptly provide'' and 
     inserting ``database that provides''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (C)--

       (I) by striking ``timely and effective'' and inserting 
     ``timely and cost-effective''; and
       (II) by striking ``the recruitment of volunteers'' and 
     inserting ``recruitment and management of volunteers''; and

       (C) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following: 
     ``The Director shall give priority to--
       ``(A) disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101 of the 
     National and Community Service Act of 1990) and low-income 
     adults; and
       ``(B) retired adults of any profession, but with an 
     emphasis on those professions whose services and training are 
     most needed in a community, such as the health care 
     professions, teaching, counseling, and engineering and other 
     professions requiring a high level of technical and project 
     management skills, to utilize their experience, including 
     professional skills, in the VISTA program.'';
       (D) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking ``information system'' 
     and inserting ``database'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``personnel described in subsection (b)(2)(C)'' and inserting 
     ``personnel described in subsection (b)(2)(C), sponsoring 
     organizations, and the Office of Outreach and Recruitment'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``the Internet and 
     related technologies,'' after ``television,'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``Internet and 
     related technologies,'' after ``through the'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (C), by inserting after ``senior 
     citizens organizations,'' the following: ``offices of 
     economic development, State employment security agencies, 
     employment offices,'';
       (v) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``National and 
     Community Service Trust Act of 1993'' and inserting 
     ``National and Community Service Act of 1990''; and
       (vi) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``, on request,'';
       (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``this subsection'' and 
     inserting ``this subsection and related public awareness and 
     recruitment activities under the national service laws and 
     through the Office of Outreach and Recruitment''; and
       (C) in paragraph (4)--
       (i) by striking ``Beginning'' and all that follows through 
     ``for the purpose'' and inserting ``For the purpose''; and
       (ii) by striking ``1.5 percent'' and inserting ``2 
     percent'';
       (4) by amending the second sentence of subsection (d) to 
     read as follows: ``Whenever feasible, such efforts shall be 
     coordinated with an appropriate local workforce investment 
     board established under section 117 of the Workforce 
     Investment Act of 1998.'';
       (5) in subsection (g) by striking ``and has been submitted 
     to the Governor'' and all that follows and inserting a 
     period; and
       (6) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(i) The Director may enter into agreements under which 
     public and private nonprofit organizations, with sufficient 
     financial capacity and size, pay for all or a portion of the 
     costs of supporting the service of volunteers under this 
     title, consistent with the provisions of section 186 of the 
     National and Community Service Act of 1990.''.

     SEC. 2104. VISTA PROGRAMS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.

       Part A of title I is amended by inserting after section 103 
     (42 U.S.C. 4953) the following:

     ``SEC. 103A. VISTA PROGRAMS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.

       ``(a) In General.--With not less than one-third of the 
     funds made available under subsection (d) in each fiscal 
     year, the Director shall make grants for VISTA positions to 
     support programs of national significance. Each program for 
     which a grant is received under this subsection shall be 
     carried out in accordance with the requirements applicable to 
     that program.
       ``(b) Activities Supported.--The Director shall make grants 
     under subsection (a) to support one or more of the following 
     programs to address problems that concern low-income and 
     rural communities in the Nation:
       ``(1) In developing and carrying-out financial literacy, 
     financial planning, budgeting, savings, and reputable credit 
     accessibility programs in low-income communities, including 
     those programs which educate on financing home ownership and 
     higher education.
       ``(2) In initiating and supporting before-school and after-
     school programs in low-income communities that may include 
     such activities as establishing mentoring relationships, 
     physical education, tutoring, instruction in 21st century 
     thinking skills, life skills, and study skills, community 
     service, service-learning, nutrition and health education, 
     and other activities aimed at keeping children, safe, 
     educated, and healthy, which serve the children in such 
     community.
       ``(3) In establishing and supporting community economic 
     development initiatives, including micro-enterprises, with a 
     priority on such programs in rural areas and areas where such 
     programs are needed most.
       ``(4) In assisting veterans and their families through 
     establishing or augmenting programs which assist such persons 
     with access to legal assistance, health care (including 
     mental health), employment counseling or training, education 
     counseling or training, affordable housing, and other support 
     services.

[[Page H1373]]

       ``(5) In addressing the health and wellness of low-income 
     and underserved communities across our Nation, including 
     programs to fight childhood obesity through nutrition, 
     physical fitness, and other associated life skills education 
     programs and programs to increase access to preventive 
     services, insurance, and health care.
       ``(c) Requirements.--
       ``(1) Eligibility.--In order to receive a grant under 
     subsection (a), an applicant shall submit an application to 
     the Director at such time and in such manner as the Director 
     requires and receive approval of the application. Such 
     application shall, at a minimum, demonstrate to the Director 
     a level of expertise in carrying out such a program.
       ``(2) Supplement not supplant.--Funds made available under 
     subsection (d) shall be used to supplement and not supplant 
     the number of VISTA volunteers engaged in programs addressing 
     the problem for which such funds are awarded unless such sums 
     are an extension of funds previously provided under this 
     title.
       ``(d) Funding.--
       ``(1) In general.--From the amounts appropriate under 
     section 501 for each fiscal year there shall be available to 
     the Director such sums as may be necessary to make grants 
     under subsection (a).
       ``(2) Limitation.--No funds shall be made available to the 
     Director to make grants under subsection (a) unless the 
     amounts appropriated under section 501 available for such 
     fiscal year to carry out part A are sufficient to maintain 
     the number of projects and volunteers funded under part A in 
     the preceding fiscal year.
       ``(e) Information.--The Director shall widely disseminate 
     information on grants that may be made under this section, 
     including through the Office of Outreach and Recruitment and 
     other volunteer recruitment programs being carried out by 
     public or private non-profit organizations.''.

     SEC. 2105. TERMS AND PERIODS OF SERVICE.

       Section 104(d) (42 U.S.C. 4954(d)) is amended--
       (1) in the first sentence, by striking ``with the terms and 
     conditions of their service.'' and inserting ``with the terms 
     and conditions of their service or any adverse action, such 
     as termination, proposed by the sponsoring organization. The 
     procedure shall provide for an appeal to the Director of any 
     proposed termination.''; and
       (2) in the third sentence (as amended by this section), by 
     striking ``and the terms and conditions of their service''.

     SEC. 2106. SUPPORT SERVICE.

       Section 105(a)(1)(B) (42 U.S.C. 4955(a)(1)(B)) is amended 
     by striking ``Such stipend'' and all that follows through 
     ``in the case of persons'' and inserting ``Such stipend shall 
     be set at a minimum of $125 per month and a maximum of $150 
     per month, subject to the availability of funds to accomplish 
     such a maximum. The Director may provide a stipend of $250 
     per month in the case of persons''.

     SEC. 2107. SECTIONS REPEALED.

       The following provisions are repealed:
       (1) VISTA literacy corps.--Section 109 (42 U.S.C. 4959).
       (2) University year for vista.--Part B of title I (42 
     U.S.C. 4971 et seq.).
       (3) Literacy challenge grants.--Section 124 (42 U.S.C. 
     4995).

     SEC. 2108. CONFORMING AMENDMENT.

       Section 121 (42 U.S.C. 4991) is amended in the second 
     sentence by striking ``situations'' and inserting 
     ``organizations''.

     SEC. 2109. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

       Section 123 (42 U.S.C. 4993) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading by striking ``TECHNICAL AND''; 
     and
       (2) by striking ``technical and''.

  Subtitle B--Amendments to Title II (National Senior Volunteer Corps)

     SEC. 2201. CHANGE IN NAME.

       Title II (42 U.S.C. 5000 et seq.) is amended in the title 
     heading by striking ``NATIONAL SENIOR VOLUNTEER CORPS'' and 
     inserting ``NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS''.

     SEC. 2202. PURPOSE.

       Section 200 (42 U.S.C. 5000) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 200. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.

       ``It is the purpose of this title to provide--
       ``(1) opportunities for senior service to meet unmet local, 
     State, and national needs in the areas of education, public 
     safety, emergency and disaster preparedness, relief, and 
     recovery, health and human needs, and the environment;
       ``(2) for the National Senior Service Corps, comprised of 
     the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, the Foster 
     Grandparent Program, and the Senior Companion Program, and 
     demonstration and other programs to empower people 55 years 
     of age or older to contribute to their communities through 
     service, enhance the lives of those who serve and those whom 
     they serve, and provide communities with valuable services;
       ``(3) opportunities for people 55 years of age or older, 
     through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, to share 
     their knowledge, experiences, abilities, and skills for the 
     betterment of their communities and themselves;
       ``(4) opportunities for low-income people 55 years of age 
     or older, through the Foster Grandparents Program, to have a 
     positive impact on the lives of children in need;
       ``(5) opportunities for low-income people 55 years of age 
     or older, through the Senior Companion Program, to provide 
     critical support services and companionship to adults at risk 
     of institutionalization and who are struggling to maintain a 
     dignified independent life; and
       ``(6) for research, training, demonstration, and other 
     program activities to increase and improve opportunities for 
     people 55 years of age or older to meet unmet needs, 
     including those related to public safety, public health, and 
     emergency and disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery, in 
     their communities.''.

     SEC. 2203. GRANTS AND CONTRACTS FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE 
                   PROJECTS.

       Section 201 (42 U.S.C. 5001) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``avail themselves of opportunities for volunteer service in 
     their community'' and inserting ``share their experiences, 
     abilities, and skills for the betterment of their communities 
     and themselves through service'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, and individuals 60 
     years of age or older will be given priority for 
     enrollment,'';
       (C) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``either prior to or 
     during the volunteer service'' after ``may be necessary''; 
     and--
       (D) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
       ``(4) the project is being designed and implemented with 
     the advice of experts in the field of service to be delivered 
     as well as with those who have expertise in the recruitment 
     and management of volunteers, particularly those of the Baby 
     Boom generation.'';
       (2) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
       ``(c) The Director shall give priority to projects--
       ``(1) utilizing retired scientists, technicians, engineers, 
     and mathematicians (the STEM professionals) to improve 
     Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 
     education through activities such as assisting teachers in 
     classroom demonstrations or laboratory experiences, running 
     after-school, weekend, or summer programs designed to engage 
     disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101 of the 
     National and Community Service Act of 1990) or low-income, 
     minority youth in the STEM fields and to improve mastery of 
     the STEM content, providing field trips to businesses, 
     institutions of higher education, museums, and other 
     locations where the STEM professions are practiced or 
     illuminated;
       ``(2) utilizing retired health care professionals to 
     improve the health and wellness of low income or rural 
     communities;
       ``(3) utilizing retired criminal justice professionals for 
     programs designed to prevent disadvantaged youth (as defined 
     in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 
     1990) from joining gangs or committing crimes;
       ``(4) utilizing retired military and emergency 
     professionals for programs to improve public safety, 
     emergency and disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery, 
     search and rescue, and homeland security efforts; and
       ``(5) utilizing retired computer science professionals, 
     technicians of related technologies, business professionals, 
     and others with relevant knowledge to increase, for low 
     income individuals and families, access to and obtaining the 
     benefits from computers and other existing and emerging 
     technologies.''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(e) Competitive Re-Evaluation.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 412, a grant or 
     contract shall not, after fiscal year 2009, be awarded or 
     renewed under this section unless--
       ``(A) the program for which the award or renewal is to be 
     made is competitively re-evaluated in comparison to other 
     programs; or
       ``(B) the program for which the award or renewal is to be 
     made--
       ``(i) received an award or renewal in a fiscal year that 
     was both--

       ``(I) within the preceding three fiscal years; and
       ``(II) after fiscal year 2009; and

       ``(ii) was competitively re-evaluated in connection with 
     that award or renewal in that fiscal year.
       ``(2) Requirements.--Each competitive re-evaluation 
     required by paragraph (1) shall be carried out through a 
     process that ensures that--
       ``(A) the resulting grants (or contracts) support no less 
     than the volunteer service years of the previous grant (or 
     contract) cycle in a given service area;
       ``(B) the resulting grants (or contracts) maintain a 
     similar program distribution; and
       ``(C) every effort is made to minimalize the disruption of 
     volunteers.
       ``(3) Priority consideration.--The competitive re-
     evaluation shall include some form of priority consideration 
     for existing grantees in good standing.''.

     SEC. 2204. FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM GRANTS.

       Section 211 (42 U.S.C. 5011) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``low-income persons 
     aged sixty or over'' and inserting ``low-income and other 
     persons aged 55 or over'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``shall have the exclusive authority to determine, pursuant 
     to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection--'' and 
     inserting ``may determine--'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (iv) by adding after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) whether it is in the best interests of a child 
     receiving, and of a particular foster grandparent providing, 
     services in such a project, to continue such relationship 
     after the child reaches the age of 21, if such child was 
     receiving such services prior to attaining the age of 21.'';
       (B) by striking paragraph (2); and
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2);
       (3) in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by this section), by 
     striking ``paragraphs (1) and (2)'' and inserting ``paragraph 
     (1)'';
       (4) by adding after paragraph (2) (as redesignated by this 
     section) the following:
       ``(3) If an assignment of a foster grandparent is suspended 
     or discontinued, the replacement of

[[Page H1374]]

     that foster grandparent shall be determined through the 
     mutual agreement of all parties involved in the provision of 
     services to the child.'';
       (5) in subsection (d), in the second sentence, by striking 
     ``Any stipend'' and all that follows through ``inflation,'' 
     and inserting ``Any stipend or allowance provided under this 
     part shall not exceed 75 percent of the minimum wage under 
     section 6 the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 
     206), and the Federal share shall not be less than $2.65 per 
     hour, provided that the Director shall adjust the Federal 
     share once prior to December 31, 2012, to account for 
     inflation,'';
       (6) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``125'' and inserting 
     ``200''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, as so adjusted'' and 
     all that follows through ``local situations'';
       (7) by striking subsection (f) and inserting:
       ``(f)(1) Subject to the restrictions in paragraph (3), 
     individuals who are not low-income persons may serve as 
     volunteers under this part. The regulations issued by the 
     Director to carry out this part (other than regulations 
     relating to stipends or allowances to individuals authorized 
     by subsection (d)) shall apply to all volunteers under this 
     part, without regard to whether such volunteers are eligible 
     to receive a stipend or allowance under subsection (d).
       ``(2) Except as provided under paragraph (1), each 
     recipient of a grant or contract to carry out a project under 
     this part shall give equal treatment to all volunteers who 
     participate in such project, without regard to whether such 
     volunteers are eligible to receive a stipend or allowance 
     under subsection (d).
       ``(3) An individual who is not a low-income person may not 
     become a volunteer under this part if allowing that 
     individual to become a volunteer under this part would 
     prevent a low-income person from becoming a volunteer under 
     this part or would displace a low-income person from being a 
     volunteer under this part.
       ``(4) The Office of Outreach and Recruitment shall conduct 
     outreach to ensure the inclusion of low-income persons in 
     programs and activities authorized under this title.''; and
       (8) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
       ``(g) The Director may also provide a stipend or allowance 
     in an amount not to exceed 10 percent more than the amount 
     established under subsection (d) to leaders who, on the basis 
     of past experience as volunteers, special skills, and 
     demonstrated leadership abilities, may coordinate activities, 
     including training, and otherwise support the service of 
     volunteers under this part.
       ``(h) The program may accept up to 15 percent of volunteers 
     serving in a project under this part for a fiscal year who do 
     not meet the definition of `low-income' under subsection (e), 
     upon certification by the recipient of a grant or contract 
     that it is unable to effectively recruit and place low-income 
     volunteers in the number of placements approved for the 
     project.''.

     SEC. 2205. SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM GRANTS.

       Section 213 (42 U.S.C. 5013) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``low-income persons 
     aged 60 or over'' and inserting ``low-income and other 
     persons aged 55 or over'';
       (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``Subsections (d), (e), 
     and (f)'' and inserting ``Subsections (d) through (h)''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (c)(2)(B) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(B) Senior companion volunteer trainers and leaders may 
     receive a stipend or allowance consistent with subsection (g) 
     authorized under subsection (d) of section 211, as approved 
     by the Director.''.

     SEC. 2206. PROMOTION OF NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS.

       Section 221 (42 U.S.C. 5021) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``volunteer'' and 
     inserting ``service''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ``of all ages and 
     backgrounds living in rural, suburban, and urban localities'' 
     after ``greater participation of volunteers''.

     SEC. 2207. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Change in Age Eligibility.--Section 223 (42 U.S.C. 
     5023) is amended by striking ``sixty years and older from 
     minority groups'' and inserting ``55 years and older from 
     minority and underserved populations''.
       (b) Name Change.--Section 224 (42 U.S.C. 5024) is amended 
     in the heading by striking ``volunteer'' and inserting 
     ``service''.

     SEC. 2208. PROGRAMS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.

       Section 225 (42 U.S.C. 5025) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) Applicants for grants under paragraph (1) shall 
     determine which program under part A, B, or C the program 
     shall be carried out and submit an application as required 
     for programs under part A, B, or C.''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) The Director shall ensure that at least 50 percent of 
     the grants made under this section are from applicants 
     currently not receiving assistance from the Corporation and 
     when possible in locations where there are no current 
     programs under part A, B, C in existence.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the period at the 
     end the following: ``or Alzheimer's disease, with an intent 
     of allowing those served to age in place'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting before the period at the 
     end the following: ``through education, prevention, 
     treatment, and rehabilitation'';
       (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting before the period at the 
     end the following: ``, including programs that teach 
     parenting skills, life skills, family management skills, 
     assists in obtaining affordable childcare, offers or assists 
     in locating employment training or placement, and other 
     skills and services needed by teenage parents and their 
     families to establish a healthy environment for their 
     children'';
       (D) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
       ``(4) Programs that establish and support mentoring 
     programs for disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101 
     of the National and Community Service Act of 1990), including 
     those mentoring programs that match youth with volunteer 
     mentors leading to apprenticeship programs and employment 
     training.'';
       (E) in paragraph (5), by inserting before the period at the 
     end the following: ``, including those programs that serve 
     youth and adults with limited English proficiency'';
       (F) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'' and all that 
     follows through the period and insert ``and for individuals 
     and children with disabilities or chronic illnesses living at 
     home.'';
       (G) in paragraph (7), by striking ``after-school 
     activities'' and all that follows through the period at the 
     end and inserting ``after-school programs serving children in 
     low-income communities that may engage participants in 
     mentoring relationships, tutoring, life skills or study 
     skills programs, service-learning, physical, nutrition, and 
     health education programs, including programs aimed at 
     fighting childhood obesity, and other activities addressing 
     the needs of the community's children, including those of 
     working parents.'';
       (H) by striking paragraphs (8), (9), (12), (13), (14), 
     (15), (16), and (18);
       (I) by redesignating paragraphs (10) and (11) as paragraphs 
     (8) and (9), respectively;
       (J) by inserting after paragraph (9) (as so redesignated) 
     the following:
       ``(10) Programs that engage older adults with children and 
     youth to complete service in energy conservation, 
     environmental stewardship, or other environmental needs of a 
     community.
       ``(11) Programs that collaborate with criminal justice 
     professionals and organizations in prevention programs aimed 
     at disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101 of the 
     National and Community Service Act of 1990) or youth re-
     entering society after incarceration and their families, 
     which may include mentoring and counseling, which many 
     include employment counseling.'';
       (K) by redesignating paragraph (17) as paragraph (12); and
       (L) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(13) Programs that strengthen community efforts in 
     support of homeland security.'';
       (3) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``shall demonstrate 
     to the Director'' and all that follows through the period at 
     the end and inserting ``shall demonstrate to the Director a 
     level of expertise in carrying out such a program.''; and
       (4) in subsection (e)--
       (A) by inserting ``widely'' before ``disseminate''; and
       (B) by striking ``to field personnel'' and all that follows 
     through the period at the end and inserting ``, including 
     through the Office of Outreach and Recruitment and other 
     volunteer recruitment programs being carried out by public or 
     private non-profit organizations.''.

     SEC. 2209. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS.

       Part D of title II (42 U.S.C. 5000 et seq.) is amended by 
     adding after section 227 the following:

     ``SEC. 228. CONTINUITY OF SERVICE.

       ``To ensure the continued service of individuals in 
     communities served by the Retired and Senior Volunteer 
     Program prior to enactment of this section, in making grants 
     under this title the Corporation shall take actions it 
     considers necessary to maintain service assignments for such 
     seniors and to ensure continuity of service for communities.

     ``SEC. 229. ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS.

       ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), a 
     program receiving assistance under this title may accept 
     donations, including donations in cash or in kind.
       ``(b) Exception.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a program 
     receiving assistance under this title shall not accept 
     donations from the beneficiaries of the program.''.

     SEC. 2210. AUTHORITY OF DIRECTOR.

       Section 231 (42 U.S.C. 5028) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``activities;'' and 
     inserting ``activities described in section 225(b) and 
     carried out through programs described in parts A, B, and C; 
     and''; and
       (B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) programs that support older Americans in aging in 
     place while augmenting the capacity of members of a community 
     to serve each other through reciprocal service centers, 
     service credit banking, community economic scripts, barter 
     services, timebanking, and other similar programs.''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Priority.--For purposes of subsection (b), priority 
     shall be given to--
       ``(1) programs with established experience in carrying out 
     such a program and engaging the entire community in service 
     exchange;
       ``(2) programs with the capacity to connect to similar 
     programs throughout a city or region to augment the available 
     services to older Americans and for members of the community 
     to serve each other;
       ``(3) programs seeking to establish in an area where needs 
     of older Americans are left unmet and older Americans are 
     unable to consider aging in place without such service 
     exchange in place; and
       ``(4) programs that integrate participants in or 
     collaborate with service-learning programs, AmeriCorps State 
     and National programs, the

[[Page H1375]]

     VISTA program, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, 
     Foster Grandparents program, and the Senior Companion 
     programs, and programs described in section 411 of the Older 
     Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3032).''.

  Subtitle C--Amendments to Title IV (Administration and Coordination)

     SEC. 2301. NONDISPLACEMENT.

       Section 404(a) (42 U.S.C. 5044(a)) is amended by striking 
     ``displacement of employed workers'' and inserting 
     ``displacement of employed workers or volunteers (other than 
     participants under the national service laws)''.

     SEC. 2302. NOTICE AND HEARING PROCEDURES.

       Section 412(a) (42 U.S.C. 5052(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by striking ``75'' and inserting ``60''; and
       (B) by adding ``and'' at the end;
       (2) by striking paragraph (3); and
       (3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as (3).

     SEC. 2303. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 421 (42 U.S.C. 5061) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, the Commonwealth of 
     the Northern Mariana Islands,'' after ``American Samoa,'';
       (2) in paragraph (13), by striking ``National Senior 
     Volunteer Corps'' and inserting ``National Senior Service 
     Corps''; and
       (3) in paragraph (14)--
       (A) by striking ``National Senior Volunteer Corps'' and 
     inserting ``National Senior Service Corps''; and
       (B) by striking ``parts A, B, C, and E of'';

     SEC. 2304. PROTECTION AGAINST IMPROPER USE.

       Section 425 (42 U.S.C. 5065) is amended by striking 
     ``National Senior Volunteer Corps'' and inserting ``National 
     Senior Service Corps''.

  Subtitle D--Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations)

     SEC. 2401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR VISTA AND 
                   OTHER PURPOSES.

       Section 501 (42 U.S.C. 5081) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, excluding section 
     109'' and all that follows and inserting ``$100,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each 
     of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.'';
       (B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (4) and redesignating 
     paragraphs (3) and (5) as paragraphs (2) and (3); and
       (C) in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by this section), by 
     striking ``, excluding section 125'' and all that follows and 
     inserting ``such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal 
     years 2008 through 2012.''; and
       (2) by striking subsection (e).

     SEC. 2402. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR NATIONAL 
                   SENIOR SERVICE CORPS.

       Section 502 (42 U.S.C. 5082) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 502. NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS.

       ``(a) Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out part A of title 
     II, $67,500,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be 
     necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
       ``(b) Foster Grandparent Program.--There are authorized to 
     be appropriated to carry out part B of title II, $115,000,000 
     for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for 
     each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
       ``(c) Senior Companion Program.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out part C of title II, $52,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each 
     of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.
       ``(d) Demonstration Programs.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out part E of title II, $500,000 for 
     fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each 
     of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.''.

     SEC. 2403. ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION.

       Section 504 (42 U.S.C. 5084) is amended to read as follows:

     ``SEC. 504. ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION.

       ``There are authorized to be appropriated for the 
     administration of this Act $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 
     and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 
     2009 through 2012.''.

                  TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS

     SEC. 3101. INSPECTOR GENERAL ACT OF 1978.

       Section 8F(a)(1) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 
     U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking ``National and Community 
     Service Trust Act of 1993'' and inserting ``National and 
     Community Service Act of 1990''.

          TITLE IV--TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO TABLES OF CONTENTS

     SEC. 4101. TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY 
                   SERVICE ACT OF 1990.

       Section 1(b) of the National and Community Service Act of 
     1990 (42 U.S.C. 12501 note) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this 
     Act is as follows:

``Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents.
``Sec. 2. Findings and purpose.
``Sec. 3. Sense of Congress.

     ``TITLE I--NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE STATE GRANT PROGRAM

                    ``Subtitle A--General Provisions

``Sec. 101. Definitions.

    ``Subtitle B--School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning 
                                Programs

        ``Part I--Programs for Elementary and Secondary Students

``Sec. 111. Assistance to States, Territories, and Indian tribes.
``Sec. 112. Allotments.
``Sec. 113. Applications.
``Sec. 114. Consideration of applications.
``Sec. 115. Participation of students and teachers from private 
              schools.
``Sec. 116. Federal, State, and local contributions.
``Sec. 116A. Limitations on uses of funds.

 ``Part II--Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service

``Sec. 117. Higher education innovative programs for community service.

     ``Part III--Innovative Service-Learning Programs and Research

``Sec. 118. Innovative demonstration service-learning programs and 
              research.

              ``Subtitle C--National Service Trust Program

                ``Part I--Investment in National Service

``Sec. 121. Authority to provide assistance and approved national 
              service positions.
``Sec. 122. Types of national service programs eligible for program 
              assistance.
``Sec. 123. Types of national service positions eligible for approval 
              for national service educational awards.
``Sec. 124. Types of program assistance.
``Sec. 126. Other special assistance.

              ``Part II--Application and Approval Process

``Sec. 129. Provision of assistance and approved national service 
              positions.
``Sec. 129A. Education awards only research.
``Sec. 130. Application for assistance and approved national service 
              positions.
``Sec. 131. National service program assistance requirements.
``Sec. 132. Ineligible service categories.
``Sec. 133. Consideration of applications.

               ``Part III--National Service Participants

``Sec. 137. Description of participants.
``Sec. 138. Selection of national service participants.
``Sec. 139. Terms of service.
``Sec. 140. Living allowances for national service participants.
``Sec. 141. National service educational awards.

``Subtitle D--National Service Trust and Provision of National Service 
                           Educational Awards

``Sec. 145. Establishment of the National Service Trust.
``Sec. 146. Individuals eligible to receive a national service 
              educational award from the Trust.
``Sec. 147. Determination of the amount of the national service 
              educational award.
``Sec. 148. Disbursement of national service educational awards.
``Sec. 149. Process of approval of national service positions.

            ``Subtitle E--National Civilian Community Corps

``Sec. 151. Purpose.
``Sec. 152. Establishment of National Civilian Community Corps Program.
``Sec. 153. National service program.
``Sec. 154. Summer national service program.
``Sec. 155. National Civilian Community Corps.
``Sec. 156. Training.
``Sec. 157. Service projects.
``Sec. 158. Authorized benefits for Corps members.
``Sec. 159. Administrative provisions.
``Sec. 160. Status of Corps members and Corps personnel under Federal 
              law.
``Sec. 161. Contract and grant authority.
``Sec. 162. Responsibilities of other departments.
``Sec. 163. Advisory board.
``Sec. 164. Annual evaluation.
``Sec. 166. Definitions.

                ``Subtitle F--Administrative Provisions

``Sec. 171. Family and medical leave.
``Sec. 172. Reports.
``Sec. 173. Supplementation.
``Sec. 174. Prohibition on use of funds.
``Sec. 175. Nondiscrimination.
``Sec. 176. Notice, hearing, and grievance procedures.
``Sec. 177. Nonduplication and nondisplacement.
``Sec. 178. State Commissions on National and Community Service.
``Sec. 179. Evaluation.
``Sec. 180. Engagement of participants.
``Sec. 181. Contingent extension.
``Sec. 182. Partnerships with schools.
``Sec. 183. Rights of access, examination, and copying.
``Sec. 184. Drug-free workplace requirements.
``Sec. 185. Consolidated application and reporting requirements.
``Sec. 186. Sustainability.
``Sec. 187. Use of recovered funds.
``Sec. 188. Expenses of attending meetings.
``Sec. 189. Grant periods.
``Sec. 189A. Generation of volunteers.
``Sec. 189B. Limitation on program grant costs.
``Sec. 189C. Audits and reports.

      ``Subtitle G--Corporation for National and Community Service

``Sec. 191. Corporation for National and Community Service.
``Sec. 192. Board of Directors.
``Sec. 192A. Authorities and duties of the Board of Directors.
``Sec. 193. Chief Executive Officer.
``Sec. 193A. Authorities and duties of the Chief Executive Officer.
``Sec. 194. Officers.
``Sec. 195. Employees, consultants, and other personnel.
``Sec. 196. Administration.
``Sec. 196A. Corporation State offices.
``Sec. 196B. Office of Outreach and Recruitment.

          ``Subtitle H--Investment for Quality and Innovation

``PART I--ADDITIONAL CORPORATION ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT NATIONAL SERVICE

``Sec. 198. Additional corporation activities to support national 
              service.
``Sec. 198B. Presidential awards for service.

[[Page H1376]]

            ``PART II--INNOVATIVE AND MODEL PROGRAM SUPPORT

``Sec. 198D. Innovative and model program support.

          ``PART III--NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS CLEARINGHOUSE

``Sec. 198E. National service programs clearinghouse.

          ``Subtitle I--American Conservation and Youth Corps

``Sec. 199. Short title.
``Sec. 199A. General authority.
``Sec. 199B. Limitation on purchase of capital equipment.
``Sec. 199C. State application.
``Sec. 199D. Focus of programs.
``Sec. 199E. Related programs.
``Sec. 199F. Public lands or Indian lands.
``Sec. 199G. Training and education services.
``Sec. 199H. Preference for certain projects.
``Sec. 199I. Age and citizenship criteria for enrollment.
``Sec. 199J. Use of volunteers.
``Sec. 199K. Living allowance.
``Sec. 199L. Joint programs.
``Sec. 199M. Federal and State employee status.

            ``Subtitle J--Training and Technical Assistance

``Sec. 199N. Training and technical assistance.

             ``TITLE II--MODIFICATIONS OF EXISTING PROGRAMS

                       ``Subtitle A--Publication

``Sec. 201. Information for students.
``Sec. 202. Exit counseling for borrowers.
``Sec. 203. Department information on deferments and cancellations.
``Sec. 204. Data on deferments and cancellations.

                   ``Subtitle B--Youthbuild Projects

``Sec. 211. Youthbuild projects.

           ``Subtitle C--Amendments to Student Literacy Corps

``Sec. 221. Amendments to Student Literacy Corps.

       ``TITLE IV--PROJECTS HONORING VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACKS

``Sec. 401. Projects.

               ``TITLE V--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

``Sec. 501. Authorization of appropriations.

                  ``TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

``Sec. 601. Amtrak waste disposal.
``Sec. 602. Exchange program with countries in transition from 
              totalitarianism to Democracy.''.

     SEC. 4102. TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER 
                   SERVICE ACT OF 1973.

       Section 1(b) of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 
     (42 U.S.C. 4950 note) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this 
     Act is as follows:

``Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
``Sec. 2. Volunteerism policy.

           ``TITLE I--NATIONAL VOLUNTEER ANTIPOVERTY PROGRAMS

               ``Part A--Volunteers in Service to America

``Sec. 101. Statement of purpose.
``Sec. 102. Authority to operate VISTA program.
``Sec. 103. Selection and assignment of volunteers.
``Sec. 103A. VISTA programs of national significance.
``Sec. 104. Terms and periods of service.
``Sec. 105. Support service.
``Sec. 106. Participation of beneficiaries.
``Sec. 107. Participation of younger and older persons.
``Sec. 108. Limitation.
``Sec. 110. Applications for assistance.

                  ``Part C--Special Volunteer Programs

``Sec. 121. Statement of purpose.
``Sec. 122. Authority to establish and operate special volunteer and 
              demonstration programs.
``Sec. 123. Financial assistance.

               ``TITLE II--NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS

``Sec. 200. Statement of purpose.

             ``Part A--Retired and Senior Volunteer Program

``Sec. 201. Grants and contracts for volunteer service projects.

                  ``Part B--Foster Grandparent Program

``Sec. 211. Grants and contracts for volunteer service projects.

                   ``Part C--Senior Companion Program

``Sec. 213. Grants and contracts for volunteer service projects.

                      ``Part D--General Provisions

``Sec. 221. Promotion of National Senior Service Corps.
``Sec. 222. Payments.
``Sec. 223. Minority group participation.
``Sec. 224. Use of locally generated contributions in National Senior 
              Service Corps.
``Sec. 225. Programs of national significance.
``Sec. 226. Adjustments to Federal financial assistance.
``Sec. 227. Multiyear grants or contracts.
``Sec. 228. Continuity of service.
``Sec. 229. Acceptance of donations.

                    ``Part E--Demonstration Programs

``Sec. 231. Authority of Director.

              ``TITLE IV--ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION

``Sec. 403. Political activities.
``Sec. 404. Special limitations.
``Sec. 406. Labor standards.
``Sec. 408. Joint funding.
``Sec. 409. Prohibition of Federal control.
``Sec. 410. Coordination with other programs.
``Sec. 411. Prohibition.
``Sec. 414. Distribution of benefits between rural and urban areas.
``Sec. 415. Application of Federal law.
``Sec. 416. Evaluation.
``Sec. 417. Nondiscrimination provisions.
``Sec. 418. Eligibility for other benefits.
``Sec. 419. Legal expenses.
``Sec. 421. Definitions.
``Sec. 422. Audit.
``Sec. 423. Reduction of paperwork.
``Sec. 424. Review of project renewals.
``Sec. 425. Protection against improper use.
``Sec. 426. Center for Research and Training.

               ``TITLE V--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

``Sec. 501. National volunteer antipoverty programs.
``Sec. 502. National Senior Service Corps.
``Sec. 504. Administration and coordination.
``Sec. 505. Availability of appropriations.

           ``TITLE VI--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS AND REPEALERS

``Sec. 601. Supersedence of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of July 1, 1971.
``Sec. 602. Creditable service for civil service retirement.
``Sec. 603. Repeal of title VIII of the Economic Opportunity Act.
``Sec. 604. Repeal of title VI of the Older Americans Act.''.

                        TITLE V--EFFECTIVE DATE

     SEC. 5101. EFFECTIVE DATE.

       Unless specifically provided otherwise, the amendments made 
     by this Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of 
     this Act.

     SEC. 5102. SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS AND AGREEMENTS.

       (a) Service Assignments.--Changes pursuant to this Act in 
     the terms and conditions of terms of service and other 
     service assignments under the national service laws 
     (including the amount of the education award) shall apply 
     only to individuals who enroll or otherwise begin service 
     assignments after 90 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, except when agreed upon by all interested parties.
       (b) Agreements.--Changes pursuant to this Act in the terms 
     and conditions of grants, contracts, or other agreements 
     under the national service laws shall apply only to such 
     agreements entered into after 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, except when agreed upon by the parties 
     to such agreements.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. No amendment to the committee amendment is in 
order except those printed in House Report 110-539. Each amendment may 
be offered only in the order printed in the report, by a Member 
designated in the report, shall be considered read, shall be debatable 
for the time specified in the report, equally divided and controlled by 
the proponent and an opponent of the amendment, shall not be subject to 
amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the 
question.


          Amendment No. 1 Offered By Mrs. McCarthy of New York

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 1 
printed in House Report 110-539.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 1 offered by Mrs. McCarthy of New York:
       Page 8, line 14, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert 
     ``118(c)(8)''.
       Page 11, line 7, strike ``and''.
       Page 11, after line 7, insert the following:
       (10) in paragraph (28)(B) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) by striking ``602'' and inserting ``602(3)''; and
       (B) by striking ``1401'' and inserting ``1401(3)''; and
       Page 11, line 8, redesignate (10) as (11).
       Page 15, line 20, add ``and'' at the end.
       Page 16, line 11, strike ``; and'' and insert a period.
       Page 16, strike line 12 and all that follows through page 
     18, line 21.
       Page 22, after line 22, insert the following:
       ``(d) Minimum Amount.--For any fiscal year for which 
     amounts appropriated for this part exceed $43,000,000, the 
     minimum allotment to each State (as defined in section 101) 
     under this section shall be $65,000.''.
       Page 22, line 25, through page 23, line 1, strike ``or an 
     allotment of approved summer of service positions under 
     section 111(a)(5)(D)''.
       Page 23, after line 14, insert the following:
       ``(2) information about the criteria the State educational 
     agency, Territory, or Indian tribe will use to evaluate and 
     grant approval to applications submitted under subsection 
     (c), including an assurance that the State educational 
     agency, Territory, or Indian tribe will comply with the 
     requirement in section 114(a);''.
       Page 23, line 15, redesignate (2) as (3).
       Page 24, line 11, redesignate (3) as (4).
       Page 25, line 15, add ``and'' at the end.
       Page 25, line 17, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert 
     ``118(c)(8)''.
       Page 26, strike lines 5 through 11.
       Page 26, on each of lines 20, 22, and 23, strike ``State'' 
     and insert ``State, Territory, or Indian tribe''.

[[Page H1377]]

       Page 27, line 1, strike ``State'' and insert ``State, 
     Territory, or Indian tribe''.
       Page 28, strike lines 12 through 15 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of 
     carrying out a program for which assistance is provided under 
     this part--
       ``(A) for new grants, may not exceed 80 percent of the 
     total cost for the first year of the grant, 65 percent for 
     the second year, and 50 percent for each remaining year; and
       ``(B) for continuing grants, may not exceed 50 percent of 
     the total cost of the program.''.
       Page 31, line 19, strike ``and'' the first place such term 
     appears.
       Page 31, line 20, insert before the period at the end the 
     following: ``, and community colleges serving predominantly 
     minority populations''.
       Page 31, line 24, through page 32, line 1, strike ``a grant 
     is made'' and insert ``assistance is provided''.
       Page 36, lines 18 through 19, strike ``a public or private 
     nonprofit organization,'' and insert ``or a public or private 
     nonprofit organization (including grant-making entities), a 
     public or private elementary or secondary school, a local 
     educational agency,''.
       Page 37, line 2, insert a comma after ``post-secondary''.
       Page 37, lines 16 through 17, strike ``senior centers and 
     communities, schools, libraries, and other'' and insert ``in 
     senior centers and communities, in schools, in libraries, and 
     in other''.
       Page 38, line 6, strike ``and''.
       Page 38, after line 6, insert the following:
       ``(8) establish or implement summer of service programs 
     during the summer months, including the cost of recruitment, 
     training, and placement of service-learning coordinators--
       ``(A) for youth who will be enrolled in any grade from 
     grade 6 through grade 12 at the end of the summer concerned;
       ``(B) for community-based service-learning projects that--
       ``(i) shall--

       ``(I) meet unmet human, educational, environmental 
     (including energy conservation and stewardship), emergency 
     and disaster preparedness, and public service needs; and
       ``(II) be intensive, structured, supervised, and designed 
     to produce identifiable improvements to the community; and

       ``(ii) may include the extension of academic year service-
     learning programs into the summer months;
       ``(C) under which any student who completes 100 hours of 
     service in an approved summer of service position, as 
     certified through a process determined by the Corporation 
     through regulations consistent with section 138(f), shall be 
     eligible for a summer of service educational award of not 
     more than $500 (or, at the discretion of the Chief Executive 
     Officer, not more than $1,000 in the case of a participant 
     who is economically disadvantaged) from funds deposited in 
     the National Service Trust and distributed by the Corporation 
     as described in section 148; and
       ``(D) subject to the limitation that a student may not 
     receive more than 2 summer of service educational awards from 
     funds deposited in the National Service Trust; and''.
       Page 38, line 7, redesignate (8) as (9).
       Page 40, lines 12 through 13, strike ``50 percent of the 
     total cost of the program'' and insert ``75 percent of the 
     total cost of the program in the first year of the grant and 
     50 percent of the total cost of the program in the remaining 
     years of the grant, including if the grant is extended for a 
     fourth year''.
       Page 42, strike lines 24 through 25 and insert the 
     following:
       (ii) by striking ``Federal share of the cost'' and 
     inserting ``Corporation share of the cost, including member 
     living allowances, employment-related taxes, health care 
     coverage, and worker's compensation and other necessary 
     operation costs,'';
       Page 43, strike lines 1 through 4.
       Page 43, lines 5 and 8, redesignate (iv) and (v) as (iii) 
     and (iv), respectively.
       Page 45, line 11, strike ``to the Congress'' and insert 
     ``to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''.
       Page 49, line 6, insert after ``services'' the following: 
     ``, provision of supportive services to direct mentoring 
     service organizations (in the case of a partnership), or''.
       Page 53, strike lines 13 through 16 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(2) Matching requirement.--In making grants to a State 
     under this subsection, the Corporation shall require the 
     State to provide matching funds of $1 from non-Federal 
     sources for every $1 provided by the Corporation.
       ``(3) Alternative.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the 
     Chief Executive Officer may permit a State that demonstrates 
     hardship or a new State Commission to use an alternative 
     match as follows:''.
       Page 57, line 14, before the period at the end insert ``, 
     or 0.5 percent of the amount allocated for the State formula 
     under this section, whichever is greater''.
       Page 62, after line 11, insert the following:

     ``SEC. 129B. PILOT AUTHORITY FOR MEMBER-SELECTED NATIONAL 
                   SERVICE POSITIONS.

       ``(a) Authority.--
       ``(1) In general.--From the amounts appropriated for a 
     fiscal year under this subtitle and consistent with the 
     restriction in subsection (b), the Corporation may provide 
     fixed amount grants on a competitive basis to up to 10 State 
     Commissions to support member-selected approved national 
     service positions.
       ``(2) Limitation.--The Corporation shall award grants under 
     paragraph (1) to support not more than 500 approved national 
     service positions among the participating States.
       ``(b) Limits on Corporation Grant Funds.--
       ``(1) In general.--Grants awarded under subsection (a)(1) 
     shall not exceed $600 per individual enrolled in an approved 
     national service position under this section.
       ``(2) Use of grant funds.--Grants received by State 
     Commissions under subsection (a)(1)--
       ``(A) shall not be distributed to organizations receiving 
     participants with approved national service positions under 
     this section; and
       ``(B) may--
       ``(i) be used for oversight activities and mechanisms for 
     the service sites as determined by the State Commission or 
     the Corporation, which may include site visits;
       ``(ii) be used for activities to augment the experience of 
     AmeriCorps participants in approved national service 
     positions under this section, including activities to engage 
     such participants in networking opportunities with other 
     AmeriCorps participants; and
       ``(iii) be used for recruitment or training activities for 
     participants in approved national service positions under 
     this section.
       ``(c) State Commission Application.--
       ``(1) In general.--A State Commission desiring to receive a 
     grant under subsection (a)(1) shall submit an application to 
     the Corporation at such time, in such manner, and containing 
     such information as the Corporation shall determine 
     appropriate.
       ``(2) Approval.--The Corporation shall approve each 
     application under paragraph (1) in accordance with section 
     130(d).
       ``(d) Selection of Participants.--
       ``(1) Applicants.--Participants desiring to receive an 
     approved national service position under this section shall 
     submit an application to the State Commission at such time 
     and in such manner as the State Commission determines 
     appropriate. The application shall contain--
       ``(A) a position description that includes--
       ``(i) the unmet human, educational, public safety, or 
     environmental need or needs that will be met by the 
     participant; and
       ``(ii) a description of the activities and responsibilities 
     that will be carried out by the participant;
       ``(B) a description of the organization operating the 
     service site where the applicant intends to complete the 
     service described in subparagraph (A);
       ``(C) a description of the support that will be provided by 
     the organization to the participant to complete the 
     activities described in subparagraph (A);
       ``(D) the evidence of community support for the activities 
     described in subparagraph (A);
       ``(E) a certification from the organization operating the 
     service site that the organization is accepting the 
     participant to perform the service outlined in subparagraph 
     (A);
       ``(F) a certification from the organization operating the 
     service site that the organization satisfies qualification 
     criteria established by the Corporation or the State 
     Commission, including standards relating to organizational 
     capacity, financial management, and programmatic oversight; 
     and
       ``(G) any other information that the Corporation and the 
     State Commission deems necessary.
       ``(2) Residency.--A participant may apply for approved 
     national service positions under this section in States other 
     than the State in which the participant resides.
       ``(e) Organization Requirements.--The Corporation and the 
     State Commissions shall ensure that the organizations 
     receiving participants with approved national service 
     positions under this section--
       ``(1) maintain not more than 5 full-time staff and not more 
     than 5 part-time staff; and
       ``(2) are not duplicating service provided by an existing 
     AmeriCorps grantee in the same community; and
       ``(3) are located in a community where no Intermediary 
     AmeriCorps grants recipient is operating; and
       ``(4) have not applied to receive assistance under this 
     subtitle.
       ``(f) Failure to Comply.--If an organization receiving a 
     participant with an approved national service position under 
     this section fails to comply with terms and conditions 
     established by the State Commission and the Corporation--
       ``(1) the organization shall not be eligible to receive 
     such a participant, or receive an AmeriCorps grant under 
     section 121, for not less than 5 years; and
       ``(2) the State Commission shall have the right to remove 
     such a participant from the organization and relocate that 
     individual to another site.
       ``(g) Receipt of Financial Assistance.--An organization 
     that receives participants with approved national service 
     positions under this section shall not be considered a 
     recipient of Federal financial assistance based on receiving 
     such participants.
       ``(h) Definition.--For the purpose of this section, the 
     term `Intermediary AmeriCorps grants recipient' means any 
     organization that serves as a conduit between the Corporation 
     and other unaffiliated organizations operating service sites.
       Page 72, line 11, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert 
     ``118(c)(8)''.

[[Page H1378]]

       Page 72, strike line 15 and all that follows through page 
     73, line 3 and insert the following:

     SEC. 1403. DETERMINATION OF THE AMOUNT OF NATIONAL SERVICE 
                   EDUCATIONAL AWARDS.

       Section 147 (42 U.S.C. 12603) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``a value, for each of not more than 2 of 
     such terms of service, equal to 90 percent of--'' and 
     inserting ``a value of--'' ; and
       (B) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) $4,825, for fiscal year 2008;
       ``(2) $4,925, for fiscal year 2009;
       ``(3) $5,025, for fiscal year 2010;
       ``(4) $5,125, for fiscal year 2011; and
       ``(5) $5,225, for fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year 
     thereafter.''; and
       (2) in subsection (b), by inserting after ``for each of not 
     more than 2 of such terms of service'' the following: ``in 
     the period of one year''.
       Page 73, line 20, strike ``111(a)(5)(D)'' and insert 
     ``118(c)(8)(C)''.
       Page 74, line 4, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert 
     ``118(c)(8)''.
       Page 75, line 16, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert 
     ``118(c)(8)''.
       Page 76, line 2, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert 
     ``118(c)(8)''.
       Page 77, line 2, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert 
     ``118(c)(8)''.
       Page 78, line 16, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert 
     ``118(c)(8)''.
       Page 80, line 2, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert 
     ``118(c)(8)''.
       Page 82, line 5, strike ``to Congress'' and insert ``to the 
     Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''.
       Page 83, line 8, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert 
     ``118(c)(8)''.
       Page 87, line 17, strike ``The Director'' and all that 
     follows through ``goal.'' on line 24 and insert ``The 
     Director shall take appropriate steps, including through 
     collaboration with the Office of Outreach and Recruitment, to 
     increase the percentage of participants in the program who 
     are disadvantaged youth toward 50 percent of all participants 
     by year 2010. The Director shall report to the Committee on 
     Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the 
     Senate annually on such efforts, any challenges faced, and 
     the annual participation rates of disadvantaged youth in the 
     program.''.
       Page 88, lines 6 through 7, strike ``Demonstration''.
       Page 88, lines 24 through 25, strike ``Demonstration''.
       Page 92, line 1, strike ``striking by''.
       Page 93, strike lines 17 through 22 and insert the 
     following:
       (3) by amending subsection (c)(2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) Coordination with other entities.--Members of the 
     cadre may provide, either directly or through grants, 
     contracts, or cooperative agreements, the advanced service 
     training referred to in subsection (b)(1) in coordination 
     with vocational or technical schools, other employment and 
     training providers, existing youth service programs, other 
     qualified individuals, or organizations with expertise in 
     training youth, including disadvantaged youth, in the skill 
     areas described in such subsection.''.
       Page 94, line 8, after ``conservation'' insert a comma.
       Page 97, strike lines 19 through 21 and insert the 
     following:
       (iii) in subparagraph (C)--

       (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``the 
     Director'' and inserting ``the Chief Executive Officer'';
       (II) in clause (iii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (III) by redesignating clause (iv) as (v); and
       (IV) by inserting after clause (iii) the following:

       ``(iv) give consideration to retired and other former law 
     enforcement, fire, rescue, and emergency personnel, and other 
     individuals with backgrounds in disaster preparedness, 
     relief, and recovery; and''; and
       Page 98, line 22, add ``and'' at the end.
       Page 103, strike lines 24 through 25.
       Page 104, lines 1 and 4, redesignate (2) and (3) as (1) and 
     (2), respectively.
       Page 107, line 24, strike ``(g) through (k)'' and insert 
     ``(h) through (l)''.
       Page 108, after line 10, insert the following:
       ``(g) State Plan for Baby Boomer and Older Adult Volunteer 
     and Paid Service.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     this section, to be eligible to receive a grant or allotment 
     under subtitle B or C or to receive a distribution of 
     approved national service positions under subtitle C, a State 
     must work with appropriate State agencies and private 
     entities to develop a comprehensive State plan for volunteer 
     and paid service by members of the Baby Boom generation and 
     older adults.
       ``(2) Matters included.--The State plan shall include--
       ``(A) recommendations for public policy initiatives, 
     including how to best tap the population of members of the 
     Baby Boom generation and older adults as sources of social 
     capital and as ways to address community needs;
       ``(B) recommendations to the State unit on aging on--
       ``(i) a marketing outreach plan to businesses;
       ``(ii) outreach to non-profit organizations;
       ``(iii) the State's Department of Education; and
       ``(iv) other State agencies; and
       ``(C) recommendations for civic engagement and 
     multigenerational activities, such as--
       ``(i) early childhood education, family literacy, and after 
     school programs;
       ``(ii) respite services for older adults and caregivers; 
     and
       ``(iii) transitions for members of the Baby Boom generation 
     and older adults to purposeful work in their post career 
     lives.
       ``(3) Knowledge incorporated.--The State plan shall 
     incorporate the current knowledge base regarding--
       ``(A) the economic impact of older workers' roles in the 
     economy;
       ``(B) the social impact of older workers' roles in the 
     community; and
       ``(C) the health and social benefits of active engagement 
     for members of the Baby Boom generation and older adults.
       ``(4) Publication.--The State plan must be made public and 
     be transmitted to the Chief Executive Officer.''; and
       Page 108, line 11, strike ``(j)(1)'' and insert ``(k)(1)''.
       Page 108, line 13, strike ``; and'' and insert a period.
       Page 108, strike line 14 and all that follows through page 
     110, line 13.
       Page 110, line 23, strike ``various''.
       Page 111, line 5, strike ``grantees'' and insert ``each 
     grantee''.
       Page 112, line 12, strike ``to which'' and insert ``with 
     which''.
       Page 112, line 13, insert a comma after ``services''.
       Page 112, line 14, strike ``of the program and its impact, 
     for such programs'' and insert ``and the impact of such 
     programs''.
       Page 113, line 6, insert ``under this section'' before the 
     period at the end.
       Page 114, line 25, strike ``Congress'' and insert ``the 
     Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''.
       Page 115, line 20, strike ``Congress and the committees of 
     jurisdiction'' and insert ``the Committee on Education and 
     Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''.
       Page 117, line 5, strike ``Congress'' and insert ``the 
     Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''.
       Page 118, line 1, strike ``to work to''.
       Page 118, line 2, insert ``, taking into consideration 
     challenges that programs in underserved rural or urban areas 
     may face'' before the semicolon.
       Page 118, line 3, strike ``assist'' and insert ``aid''.
       Page 118, line 5, after ``acquiring'' insert ``and 
     leveraging''.
       Page 118, lines 5 through 7, strike ``that could replace 
     assistance received under the national service laws''.
       Page 122, line 25, strike ``to Congress'' and insert ``to 
     the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''.
       Page 124, line 11, strike ``to Congress'' and insert ``to 
     the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''.
       Page 126, line 22, strike the period at the end and insert 
     ``; and''.
       Page 126, after line 22, insert the following:
       (3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
       ``(g) Recruitment and Public Awareness Functions.--The 
     Chief Executive Officer shall assign or hire, as necessary, 
     such additional national, regional, and State personnel to 
     carry out such recruiting and public awareness functions of 
     the Office of Outreach and Recruitment to ensure that such 
     functions are carried out in a timely and effective manner. 
     The Chief Executive Officer shall give priority in the hiring 
     of such additional personnel to individuals who have formerly 
     served as volunteers in the programs carried out under the 
     national service laws or similar programs, and to individuals 
     who have specialized experience in the recruitment of 
     volunteers.''.
       Page 129, line 25, after ``local education agencies,'' 
     insert ``institutions of higher education,''.
       Page 130, after line 7, insert the following:
       ``(3) to collaborate with organizations with demonstrated 
     expertise in supporting and accommodating individuals with 
     disabilities, including institutions of higher education, to 
     identify and implement methods of recruitment to increase the 
     number of participants with disabilities in the programs 
     receiving assistance under the national service laws;''.
       Page 130, lines 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24, redesignate (3) 
     through (7) as (4) through (8), respectively.
       Page 131, lines 4, 7, and 9, redesignate (8) through (10) 
     as (9) through (11), respectively.
       Page 132, strike line 9 and all that follows through page 
     133, line 19, and insert the following:

     SEC. 1707. STUDY TO EXAMINE AND INCREASE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR 
                   VETERANS AND VETERANS PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAMS 
                   UNDER THE NATIONAL SERVICE LAWS AND TO DEVELOP 
                   PILOT PROGRAM.

       Subtitle G of title I is further amended by adding at the 
     end the following:

[[Page H1379]]

     ``SEC. 196C. STUDY TO EXAMINE AND INCREASE SERVICE PROGRAMS 
                   FOR VETERANS AND VETERANS PARTICIPATION IN 
                   PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL SERVICE LAWS AND TO 
                   DEVELOP PILOT PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Planning Study.--The Corporation for National and 
     Community Service shall conduct a study to identify--
       ``(1) specific areas of need for veterans;
       ``(2) how existing programs and activities carried out 
     under the national service laws could better serve veterans 
     and veterans service organizations;
       ``(3) gaps in service to veterans;
       ``(4) prospects for better coordination of services;
       ``(5) prospects for better utilization of veterans as 
     resources and volunteers; and
       ``(6) methods for ensuring the efficient financial 
     organization of services directed towards veterans.
       ``(b) Consultation.--The study shall be carried out in 
     consultation with veterans' service organizations, the 
     Department of Veterans Affairs, State veterans agencies, the 
     Department of Defense, and other individuals and entities the 
     Corporation considers appropriate.
       ``(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this section, the Corporation shall submit to 
     the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on the results of 
     the planning study required by subsection (a), together with 
     a plan for implementation of a pilot program using promising 
     strategies and approaches for better targeting and serving 
     veterans.
       ``(d) Pilot Program.--From amounts made available to carry 
     out this section, the Corporation shall develop and carry out 
     a pilot program based on the findings in the report submitted 
     under subsection (c).
       ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such 
     sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 
     through 2012.''.
       Page 134, line 23, strike ``subsections (p) and (q);'' and 
     insert ``subsection (p); and''.
       Page 134, strike line 24 and all that follows through page 
     135, line 2, and insert the following:
       (10) by redesignating subsections (q), (r), and (s) as (g), 
     (h), and (i), respectively.
       Page 138, after line 6, insert the following:
       ``(5) Silver scholarship programs.--A Silver Scholarship 
     program for citizens age 55 and older to complete no less 
     than 600 hours of service in a year meeting unmet human, 
     educational, public safety, or environmental needs and 
     receive a $1000 education award, provided that--
       ``(A) the Corporation establishes criteria for the types of 
     the service required to be performed to receive such award; 
     and
       ``(B) the citizen uses such award in accordance with 
     sections 146(c), 146(d), and 148(c).''.
       Page 138, lines 7 and 21, redesignate (5) and (6) as (6) 
     and (7), respectively.
       Page 139, line 3, redesignate (7) as (8).
       Page 139, after line 13, insert the following:
       ``(2) Matching funds.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of 
     carrying out a program for which a grant is made under this 
     part may not exceed 76 percent of the total cost of the 
     program in the first year and may not exceed 50 percent of 
     the total cost of the program for the remaining years of the 
     grant, including if the grant is extended for 1 year.
       ``(B) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the 
     remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program, 
     each recipient of a grant under this part--
       ``(i) shall provide for such share through a payment in 
     cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, 
     equipment, or services; and
       ``(ii) may provide for such share through State sources or 
     local sources, including private funds or donated 
     services.''.
       Page 139, line 14, redesignate (2) as (3).
       Page 139, line 14, strike ``Encouragement'' and insert 
     ``Collaboration encouraged''.
       Page 139, line 18, redesignate (3) as (4).
       Page 139, line 23, after ``strategies'' insert a comma.
       Page 140, strike line 19 and all that follows through page 
     141, line 9.
       Page 141, lines 13 through 14, strike ``the Corporation 
     requires, and in such manner as''.
       Page 147, line 5, strike the semicolon and insert the 
     following: ``. Such activities may utilize funding from the 
     reservation of funds to increase the participation of 
     individuals with disabilities as described in section 
     129(k);''.
       Page 147, line 12, insert before the semicolon the 
     following: ``, including providing such training and 
     technical assistance to programs receiving assistance under 
     section 201 of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973''.
       Page 148, line 24, strike ``2008,'' and all that follows 
     through the semicolon on page 149, line 4, and insert 
     ``2008;''.
       Page 149, line 10, strike ``63.75'' and insert ``60''.
       Page 149, line 16, strike ``11.25'' and insert ``15''.
       Page 149, after line 18, insert the following:
       ``(C) Summer of service.--Of the amount appropriated under 
     subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year, up to $10,000,000 shall 
     be for summer of service grants and up to $10,000,000 shall 
     be deposited in the National Service Trust to support summer 
     of service educational awards, consistent with section 
     118(c)(8).''.
       Page 151, after line 3, insert the following:
       ``(D) Priority.--Notwithstanding any other provision of 
     this Act, in obligating the amounts made available pursuant 
     to the authorization of appropriations in subparagraph (C), 
     priority shall be given to programs carried out in areas for 
     which the President has declared the existence of a major 
     disaster, in accordance with section 401 of the Robert T. 
     Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 
     U.S.C. 5170), as a consequence of Hurricanes Katrina and 
     Rita.''.
       Page 156, line 17, strike ``recruitment and''.
       Page 156, after line 19, insert the following:
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) strike ``related to the recruitment and'' and insert 
     ``related to the'';
       (II) strike ``in conjunction with the recruitment and'' and 
     insert ``in conjunction with the''; and
       (III) strike ``1993. Upon'' and all that follows through 
     the period at the end and insert ``1993.'';

       Page 156, lines 20 and 24, redesignate (i) and (ii) as (ii) 
     and (iii), respectively.
       Page 160, after line 17, insert the following:
       ``(1) In the re-entry and re-integration of formerly 
     incarcerated youth and adults into society, including life 
     skills training, employment training, counseling, educational 
     training, and educational counseling.''.
       Page 160, lines 18 and 23, redesignate (1) and (2) as (2) 
     and (3), respectively.
       Page 161, lines 7, 12, and 18, redesignate (3), (4), and 
     (5) as (4), (5), and (6), respectively.
       Page 169, strike line 5 and all that follows through page 
     170, line 11, and insert the following:
       ``(e) Competitive Grant Awards Required.--
       ``(1) In general.--Effective for fiscal year 2013 and each 
     fiscal year thereafter, each grant or contract awarded under 
     this section in such a year shall be--
       ``(A) awarded for a period of 3 years; and
       ``(B) awarded through a competitive process.
       ``(2) Elements of competitive process.--The competitive 
     process required by paragraph (1)(B)--
       ``(A) shall include the use of a peer review panel, 
     including members with expertise in senior service and aging;
       ``(B) shall ensure that--
       ``(i) the resulting grants (or contracts) support no less 
     than the volunteer service years of the previous grant (or 
     contract) cycle in a given geographic service area;
       ``(ii) the resulting grants (or contracts) maintain a 
     similar program distribution; and
       ``(iii) every effort is made to minimize the disruption to 
     volunteers; and
       ``(C) shall include the performance measures, outcomes, and 
     other criteria established under subsection (f).
       ``(3) Establishment of competitive process.--The 
     Corporation shall establish and make available the 
     competitive process required by paragraph (1)(B) no later 
     than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this 
     subsection. The Corporation shall consult with the program 
     directors of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program during 
     development and implementation of the competitive process.
       ``(f) Evaluation Process Required.--
       ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 412, and 
     effective beginning 180 days after the date of the enactment 
     of this subsection, each grant or contract under this section 
     that expires in fiscal year 2010, 2011, and 2012 shall be 
     subject to an evaluation process. The evaluation process 
     shall be carried out, to the maximum extent practicable, in 
     fiscal year 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively.
       ``(2) Elements of evaluation process.--The evaluation 
     process required by paragraph (1)--
       ``(A) shall include performance measures, outcomes, and 
     other criteria; and
       ``(B) shall evaluate the extent to which the recipient of 
     the grant or contract meets or exceeds such performance 
     measures, outcomes, and other criteria.
       ``(3) Establishment of evaluation process.--The Corporation 
     shall, in collaboration and consultation with program 
     directors of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, establish 
     and make available the evaluation process required by 
     paragraph (1), including the performance measures, outcomes, 
     and other criteria required by paragraph (2)(A), with 
     particular attention to the different needs of rural and 
     urban programs. The processes shall be established and made 
     available, including notification of the available training 
     and technical assistance, no later than 180 days after the 
     date of the enactment of this subsection.
       ``(4) Effect of failing to meet performance measures.--If 
     the evaluation process determines that the recipient has 
     failed to meet or exceed the performance measures, outcomes, 
     and other criteria established under this subsection, the 
     grant or contract shall not be renewed. Any successor grant 
     or contract shall be awarded through the competitive process 
     described in subsection (e)(1).
       ``(5) Special rule.--The Corporation may continue to fund a 
     program which has failed to meet or exceed the performance 
     measures, outcomes, and other criteria established under this 
     subsection for up to 12 months if competition does not result 
     in a successor grant or contract for such program, in order 
     to minimize the disruption to volunteers and

[[Page H1380]]

     disruption of services. In such a case, outreach shall be 
     conducted and a new competition shall be established. The 
     previous recipient shall remain eligible for the new 
     competition.
       ``(6) Performance measures.--
       ``(A) In general.--The performance measures, outcomes, and 
     other criteria established under this subsection may be 
     updated or modified as necessary, in consultation with 
     program directors for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, 
     but no earlier than fiscal year 2013.
       ``(B) Operational problems.--Effective for fiscal years 
     before fiscal year 2013, the Corporation may, after 
     consulting with program directors of the Retired Senior 
     Volunteer Program, determine that a performance measure, 
     outcome, or criterion established under this subsection is 
     operationally problematic, and may, in consultation with 
     program directors of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and 
     after notifying the Committee on Education and Labor of the 
     House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, 
     Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate--
       ``(i) eliminate the use of that performance measure, 
     outcome, or criterion; or
       ``(ii) modify that performance measure, outcome, or 
     criterion as necessary to render it no longer operationally 
     problematic.
       ``(g) Online Resource Guide.--The Corporation shall develop 
     and disseminate an online resource guide for the Retired 
     Senior Volunteer Program within 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this subsection, which shall include, but 
     not be limited to--
       ``(1) examples of high performing programs;
       ``(2) corrective actions for underperforming programs; and
       ``(3) examples of meaningful outcome-based performance 
     measures that capture a program's mission and priorities.
       ``(h) Report to Congress.--The Corporation shall submit, by 
     2012, to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on--
       ``(1) the number of programs that did not meet or exceed 
     the established performance measures, outcomes, and other 
     criteria established under subsection (f);
       ``(2) the number of new grants awarded;
       ``(3) the challenges to the implementation of evaluation 
     and competition, including but not limited to geographic 
     distribution and the minimization of disruption to 
     volunteers; and
       ``(4) how the current program geographic distribution 
     affects recruitment for the Retired Senior Volunteer 
     Program.''.
       Page 176, line 18, strike ``family management skills'' and 
     all that follows through ``children'' on line 23 and insert 
     ``and family management skills''.
       Page 180, strike line 8 and all that follows through page 
     181, line 19, and insert the following:

     SEC. 2210. AUTHORITY OF DIRECTOR.

        Section 231 (42 U.S.C. 5028) is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
       ``(a) In General.--
       ``(1) Activities authorized.--The Director is authorized 
     to--
       ``(A) make grants to or enter into contracts with public or 
     nonprofit organizations, including organizations funded under 
     part A, B, or C, for the purposes of demonstrating innovative 
     activities involving older Americans as volunteers; and
       ``(B) make incentive grants under subsection (d).
       ``(2) Support of volunteers.--The Director may support 
     under this part both volunteers receiving stipends and 
     volunteers not receiving stipends.'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``subsection (a)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(1)(A)'';
       (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``activities;'' and 
     inserting ``activities described in section 225(b) and 
     carried out through programs described in parts A, B, and 
     C;''; and
       (C) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) programs that support older Americans in aging in 
     place while augmenting the capacity of members of a community 
     to serve each other through reciprocal service centers, 
     service credit banking, community economic scripts, barter 
     services, timebanking, and other similar programs where 
     services are exchanged and not paid for; or
       ``(3) grants to non-profit organizations to establish sites 
     or programs to--
       ``(A) assist retiring or retired individuals in locating 
     opportunities for--
       ``(i) public service roles, including through paid or 
     volunteer service;
       ``(ii) participating in life-planning programs, including 
     financial planning and issues revolving around health and 
     wellness; and
       ``(iii) continuing education, including leadership 
     development, health and wellness, and technological literacy; 
     and
       ``(B) connect retiring or retired individuals with members 
     of the community to serve as leaders and mentors in life 
     planning, relationships, employment counseling, education 
     counseling, and other areas of expertise as developed by the 
     retiring or retired adults.''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Priority.--For purposes of subsection (b)(2), 
     priority shall be given to--
       ``(1) programs with established experience in carrying out 
     such a program and engaging the entire community in service 
     exchange;
       ``(2) programs with the capacity to connect to similar 
     programs throughout a city or region to augment the available 
     services to older Americans and for members of the community 
     to serve each other;
       ``(3) programs seeking to establish in an area where needs 
     of older Americans are left unmet and older Americans are 
     unable to consider aging in place without such service 
     exchange in place; and
       ``(4) programs that integrate participants in or 
     collaborate with service-learning programs, AmeriCorps State 
     and National programs, the VISTA program, the Retired and 
     Senior Volunteer Program, Foster Grandparents program, and 
     the Senior Companion programs, and programs described in 
     section 411 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 
     3032).
       ``(d) Incentive Grants.--The incentive grants referred to 
     in subsection (a)(1)(B) are incentive grants to programs 
     receiving assistance under this title, subject to the 
     following:
       ``(1) Such grants (which may be fixed-amount grants) shall 
     be grants in an amount equal to $300 per volunteer enrolled 
     in the program, except that such amount shall be reduced as 
     necessary to meet the goals of this section.
       ``(2) Such a grant shall be awarded to a program only if 
     the program--
       ``(A) exceeds performance measures established under 
     section 179 of the National and Community Service Act of 
     1990;
       ``(B) provides non-Federal matching funds in an amount that 
     is not less than 50 percent of the amount received by the 
     program under this title;
       ``(C) enrolls more than 50 percent of the volunteers in 
     outcome-based service programs with measurable objectives 
     meeting community needs, as determined by the Corporation; 
     and
       ``(D) enrolls more volunteers from among members of the 
     Baby Boom generation, as defined in section 101 of the 
     National and Community Service Act of 1990, than were 
     enrolled in the program during the previous fiscal year.
       ``(3) For each such grant, the Corporation shall require 
     the recipient to provide matching funds of 70 cents from non-
     Federal sources for every $1 provided under the grant.
       ``(4) Such a grant shall be awarded to a program only if 
     the program submits, at such time and in such manner as the 
     Corporation may reasonably require, an application that 
     contains--
       ``(A) a demonstration that the program has met the 
     requirements of paragraph (2);
       ``(B) if applicable, a plan for innovative programs as 
     described in paragraph (6)(B)(ii);
       ``(C) a sustainability plan that describes how the program 
     will maintain the activities described in paragraph (6) when 
     the grant terminates; and
       ``(D) other information that the Corporation may require.
       ``(5) Such grants shall be awarded for a period of 3 years, 
     except that the grant shall be reviewed by the Corporation at 
     the end of the first and second fiscal years and revoked if 
     the Corporation finds that the program has failed to continue 
     to meet the requirements of paragraph (2) for those fiscal 
     years.
       ``(6) Such grants--
       ``(A) shall be used to increase the number of volunteers in 
     outcome-based service with measurable objectives meeting 
     community needs as determined by the Corporation; and
       ``(B) may be used--
       ``(i) for activities for which the program is authorized to 
     receive assistance under this title; and
       ``(ii) for innovative programs focused on the Baby Boom 
     generation, as defined in section 101 of the National and 
     Community Service Act of 1990, that have been accepted by the 
     Corporation through the application process in paragraph (4) 
     and are outcome-based programs with measurable objectives 
     meeting community needs as determined by the Corporation.
       ``(7) The Director shall, in making such grants, give high 
     priority to programs receiving assistance under section 
     201.''.
       Page 191, after line 19, insert the following:
       (c) Exception.--Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to the 
     amendments made by this Act to section 201 of the Domestic 
     Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5001). Any changes 
     pursuant to those amendments apply as specified in those 
     amendments.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) and a Member opposed each 
will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak to the 
manager's amendment to H.R. 2857, Generations Invigorating Volunteerism 
and Education Act, the GIVE Act.
  As chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, I 
am pleased to offer a bipartisan manager's amendment to H.R. 2857. I am 
also pleased to say that the administration and the service community 
support the GIVE Act.
  I would like to again thank Chairman Miller for his continued support

[[Page H1381]]

and work on this reauthorization. I would also like to extend my thanks 
to the ranking member of our committee, Mr. McKeon, for his work. 
Finally, I would like to thank the ranking member of my subcommittee, 
Mr. Platts, for his work on this reauthorization.
  I also would like to thank the staff who have worked many hours on 
the bill. For the majority, Deborah Koolbeck, Denise Forte, and 
Alexander Ceja, and for the minority, Brad Thomas and Susan Ross.
  This amendment increases the ability of the Corporation for National 
and Community Service to tap into the pool of potential volunteers, 
which gives us a better opportunity to meet challenges facing our 
Nation's communities today.
  Some of the changes in the manager's amendment include: the amendment 
improves the reach and capacity of the Summer of Service. This program 
is aimed to increase civil responsibility and community service among 
5th-12th graders through summer service-learning programs. Getting 
younger kids involved in service is a good investment. Studies show 
that the earlier we get folks involved in the volunteer service the 
more likely they will stay in for their lifetime.
  We have improved the National Civilian Conservation Corps, or the 
NCCC. This valuable program has a focus on disaster preparation. NCCC 
and volunteers have helped during disasters like Katrina. Because of 
the disaster focus, there is a need for supervisors and training 
instructors with a background in law enforcement, rescue and emergency 
and disaster preparedness. The amendment allows retired law 
enforcement, fire and rescue personnel to be part of the management of 
the NCCC.
  My amendment makes the Retired Senior Volunteer Program a competitive 
grant program by 2013. I believe competition spurs innovation, and this 
will strengthen the program.
  Also included in this amendment are incentive grants for the Senior 
Corps program. These grants are designed to bolster the capacity of 
current exceptional Senior Corps programs.
  Given that the RSVP program is becoming a competitive process, it is 
expected that the RSVP programs which meet the eligibility requirements 
will be a majority of incentive grant applicants and recipients.
  Finally, I have also worked with Mr. Altmire, Mr. Sestak, and Mr. 
Souder and have included changes that they suggested in the manager's 
amendment. I want to thank them for their great ideas.
  Our national service laws were last authorized 15 years ago. We have 
worked with our colleagues across the aisle and with the service 
community to renew the spirit of service in our Nation through the GIVE 
Act.
  I hope you will join me and support my amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition to the amendment 
although I am not opposed to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PLATTS. I want to commend the ranking member for offering this 
manager's amendment which makes several very important changes to the 
GIVE Act.
  Most importantly, this amendment includes the language that would 
allow the Corporation for National and Community Service to support 
individuals who fill national service positions in small organizations 
that do not receive AmeriCorps grants.
  This language was originally proposed by Mr. Souder in committee, and 
the manager's amendment reflects the bipartisan approach and the 
bipartisan compromise that was reached to infuse more individual 
control and local flexibility into the national service programs.
  Also, I would like to reference that this amendment injects fair 
competition into the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program by requiring 
all programs to be competitively reevaluated by fiscal year 2013. For 
too long, these programs have continued to receive funding without any 
effort to determine if those programs are successfully making a 
difference in their communities, and this amendment will ensure that 
this is no longer the case.
  So, I urge a ``yes'' vote in support of the amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of 
my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                 Amendment No. 2 Offered By Mr. McKeon

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 2 
printed in House Report 110-539.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 2 offered by Mr. McKeon:
       Page 50, strike lines 21 through 23 and insert the 
     following:
       (5) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated), in paragraph 
     (1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``subsection (b) or 
     (d) of''; and
       (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(C) Priority for veterans.--Priorities established under 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall include priorities for 
     programs that--
       ``(i) recruit veterans, particularly returning veterans, 
     into service opportunities;
       ``(ii) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique 
     needs of military families while a member of the family is 
     deployed; and
       ``(iii) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique 
     needs of military families when a member of the family 
     returns from a deployment.''; and
       Page 64, strike line 23 and all that follows through page 
     65, line 10, and insert the following:
       (3) in subsection (d), in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), strike ``the 
     Corporation may include--'' and insert ``the Corporation--''; 
     and
       (B) by striking subparagraphs (A) through (G) and inserting 
     the following:
       ``(A) shall include national service programs that--
       ``(i) recruit veterans, particularly returning veterans, 
     into service opportunities;
       ``(ii) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique 
     needs of military families while a member of the family is 
     deployed; and
       ``(iii) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique 
     needs of military families when a member of the family 
     returns from a deployment; and
       ``(B) may include--
       ``(i) national service programs that conform to the 
     national service priorities in effect under section 122(d);
       ``(ii) innovative national service programs;
       ``(iii) national service programs that are well established 
     in one or more States at the time of the application and are 
     proposed to be expanded to additional States using assistance 
     provided under section 121;
       ``(iv) grant programs in support of other national service 
     programs if the grant programs are to be conducted by 
     nonprofit organizations with a demonstrated and extensive 
     expertise in the provision of services to meet human, 
     educational, environmental, or public safety needs; and
       ``(v) professional corps programs described in section 
     122(a)(8).''.
       Page 85, after line 3, insert the following new section:

     SEC. 1406. REPORT ON VETERANS SERVING IN APPROVED NATIONAL 
                   SERVICE POSITIONS.

       Subtitle D of title I (42 U.S.C. 12601 et seq.) is further 
     amended by adding at the end the following new section:

     ``SEC. 150. REPORT ON VETERANS SERVING IN APPROVED NATIONAL 
                   SERVICE POSITIONS.

       ``(a) In General.--The Corporation shall report annually to 
     the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate the number and percentage 
     of veterans serving in approved national service positions.
       ``(b) Annual Goals.--In the report described in subsection 
     (a), the Corporation shall outline strategies and goals for 
     increasing the number and percentage of veterans serving in 
     approved national service positions each year, including 
     strategies being undertaken to recruit veterans to serve in 
     such positions, and include an evaluation of progress in 
     meeting such goals.''.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman 
from California (Mr. McKeon) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I might 
consume.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment which will enhance 
the GIVE Act by codifying our commitment to ensuring veterans can serve 
and be served within our national service programs.

[[Page H1382]]

  The purpose of my amendment is to acknowledge the patriotism, 
commitment, and sacrifice made by members of the military and their 
families. In return for their service to our Nation, the least we can 
do is make sure that our national service programs are able to benefit 
veterans and military families.
  On a bipartisan basis, the Education and Labor Committee chose to 
incorporate support for veterans in the GIVE Act. My amendment is a 
natural extension of that theme, and I hope it will garner the same 
bipartisan agreement as the underlying bill.
  Already, the GIVE Act seeks to increase opportunities for veterans to 
serve and to increase the number of national service programs 
responding to the needs of veterans under AmeriCorps. My amendment 
enhances that effort by prioritizing services for and service by 
veterans throughout all of our national service programs.
  The bill before us includes a set-aside within AmeriCorps to support 
programs for veterans. In addition, the bill includes a study of how 
veterans are served and how they can be served more effectively. These 
are positive first steps, but my amendment goes further. Under my 
amendment, the Corporation will be required to place a priority on 
applications that serve veterans or recruit veterans to serve. Rather 
than a fixed set-aside within a single program, this amendment will 
allow us to broaden the reach of service by and in support of veterans.
  The Corporation for National and Community Service is required to 
establish priorities when funding national service initiatives. This 
ensures a targeted, effective investment. Under my amendment, included 
among those priorities would be an emphasis on programs that recruit 
veterans into service opportunities, promote community-based efforts to 
meet the unique needs of military families while a family member is 
deployed, and promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs 
of military families when a member of a family returns from a 
deployment.
  In addition, this amendment requires the Corporation to report to 
Congress on its efforts to increase the number of veterans serving in 
AmeriCorps and other positions that are eligible for the education 
award.
  Veterans, particularly those recently deployed to Afghanistan and 
Iraq, deserve opportunities to reintegrate into their communities 
through service programs funded under the national service laws. This 
amendment will increase those opportunities.
  Without this amendment, we will not have the necessary information to 
effectively increase veteran participation in national service 
positions or provide an educational award in exchange for citizen 
service.
  At a time when our service men and women are sacrificing on our 
behalf around the world, we should be doing all we can to repay that 
sacrifice. My amendment will make it the explicit policy of the Federal 
Government to encourage the national service programs to focus more on 
the unique needs of those heroes and their families, and to encourage 
more veterans to take advantage of service opportunities under these 
laws.
  The GIFT Act is a solid, bipartisan reform package that will 
strengthen our national service laws to make them more accountable, 
efficient, and cost effective.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in 
opposition, but I am not opposing the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized 
for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. One of the themes of the GIVE Act is to 
increase opportunities for veterans to serve in national service 
programs and to increase the amount of national service programs 
responding to the needs of veterans.
  At committee, two amendments were adopted to address these issues. 
First, we directed the Corporation to reserve 3 percent of funds 
allotted to AmeriCorps for competitive grant programs that focus on 
veterans, particularly those that are recently returned from a 
deployment, and their families. The second amendment required the 
Corporation to conduct a study of how the national service laws would 
better serve veterans and increase veteran participation and service, 
and to create a pilot program based on that study.
  This amendment builds up on those efforts. Under current law, States 
and corporations are charged with establishing priorities to 
determining the types of programs to be assisted under the national 
service law. This amendment would require States and the Corporation to 
include priorities for veterans when establishing priorities for the 
distribution of assistance under these programs.
  Those priorities would be geared towards programs that recruit 
veterans into service opportunities, promote community-based efforts to 
meet the unique needs of military families while a family member is 
deployed, and promote community-based efforts to meet the unique 
service of military families when a member of the family returns from a 
deployment.

                              {time}  1215

  In addition, this amendment encourages the corporation to report to 
Congress on its efforts to increase the number of veterans serving in 
AmeriCorps and other positions that are eligible for the educational 
award. Veterans, particularly those recently deployed to Afghanistan 
and Iraq, deserve opportunities to reintegrate into their communities 
through service programs funded under the national service laws. This 
amendment will increase those opportunities.
  At a time when our servicemen and -women are sacrificing on behalf of 
our country around the world, we should be doing all we can to repay 
that sacrifice. This amendment will make it the explicit policy of the 
Federal Government to encourage national service programs to focus more 
on the unique needs of these heroes and their families and to encourage 
more veterans to take advantage of service opportunities under these 
laws.
  I certainly urge its passage, and I thank Mr. McKeon for offering 
this. It's a very good piece added to our legislation.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank subcommittee Chair, Mrs. 
McCarthy, and ranking member, Mr. Platts, for their hard work on this 
bill. It's a good, bipartisan effort. I thank them for their help on 
this amendment. I urge the amendment be supported by our colleagues.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                 Amendment No. 3 Offered by Ms. Matsui

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 3 
printed in House Report 110-539.
  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 3 offered by Ms. Matsui:
       Page 56, strike lines 8 through 12 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(c) Allotment for Competitive Grants.--Of the funds 
     allocated by the Corporation for provision of assistance 
     under section 121(a) for a fiscal year and subject to section 
     133(d)(3), the Corporation shall reserve up to 62.7 percent 
     for grants awarded on a competitive basis to States for 
     national service programs and to nonprofit organizations 
     seeking to operate a national service program in 2 or more 
     States.''.
       Page 56, strike lines 13 through 17.In such section 129, as 
     proposed to be added by such section 1306, strike subsection 
     (d) and redesignate subsections (e) through (k) as (d) 
     through (j), respectively.
       Page 56, line 18, redesignate (e) as (d).
       Page 57, line 6, strike ``37.5 percent'' and insert ``35.3 
     percent''.
       Page 57, line 15, redesignate (f) as (e).
       Page 58, lines 7 and 12, redesignate (g) and (h) as (f) and 
     (g), respectively.
       Page 59, lines 1 and 20, redesignate (i) and (j) as (h) and 
     (i), respectively.
       Page 63, line 3, strike ``and'' at the end.
       Page 63, line 5, add ``and'' at the end.
       Page 63, after line 5, add the following:
       (C) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) In the case of a nonprofit organization operating 
     programs in 2 or more States, a description of the manner and 
     extent to which the State Commissions of each State in which 
     the nonprofit organization intends to

[[Page H1383]]

     operate were consulted and the nature of the consultation.''.
       Page 64, after line 13, add the following:

     SEC. 1308A. NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS.

       Section 131(c)(3) (42 U.S.C. 12583(c)(3)) is amended to 
     read as follows:
       ``(3) in the case of a program that is not funded through a 
     State, including programs operated by nonprofit organizations 
     seeking to operate a national service program in 2 or more 
     States--
       ``(A) consult with and coordinate with the State Commission 
     for the State in which the program operates; and
       ``(B) obtain written confirmation from the State Commission 
     that the applicant seeking assistance under this Act has 
     consulted with and coordinated with the State Commission when 
     seeking to operate a program in that State.''.
       Page 64, line 21, strike ``and'' at the end.
       Page 65, line 10, strike the period at the end and insert 
     ``; and''.
       Page 65, after line 10, add the following:
       (3) by amending subsection (d)(3) to read as follows:
       ``(3) Additional priority.--In making a competitive 
     distribution under section 129(c), the Corporation--
       ``(A) shall solicit and consider the view of a State 
     Commission regarding any application for assistance to 
     operate a national service program within the State; and
       ``(B) may give priority to a national service program that 
     is--
       ``(i) proposed in an application submitted by a State 
     Commission; and
       ``(ii) not one of the types proposed in paragraph (2),
     if the State Commission provides an adequate explanation of 
     the reasons why it should not be a priority of such State to 
     carry out any of such types of programs in the State.''.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today to offer a bipartisan amendment to the GIVE Act. The 
Matsui-Shays amendment makes needed changes to national service and 
carries with it broad support. Our amendment will combine the two 
separate State competitive funds and national competitive funds into 
one singular funding pool. This change will improve national service 
efficiency and effectiveness, while increasing collaboration between 
State and national interests.
  Every year organizations and the individuals they support are turned 
away from the grants they need because of high demand or simple 
administrative burdens. The current funding formula gives approximately 
one-third of the funding to the States based on population, 
approximately one-third to State competitive grants, and approximately 
one-third to a national competitive funding pool. Under the current 
formula, a high demand for State competitive grants means that State 
grant applicants are turned away even if there are resources still 
available in the national pool and vice versa.
  Additionally, these deserving nonprofits and community service 
organizations spend far too many of their valuable resources navigating 
a confusing applications process and managing multiple grants. If this 
amendment passes, these precious resources will now be used to better 
serve their communities.
  At its heart the amendment ensures that grants are competitively 
distributed based on merit and that resources are used in the most 
efficient and effective manner.
  I hope that all of my colleagues will join Congressman Shays and 
myself, as well as the Governor-appointed State service commissions, 
national service organizations, leading nonprofits, and Members from 
both sides of the aisle in support of this valuable amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition to 
the amendment although I am not opposed to it.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in support of the amendment and commend the maker of the 
amendment for helping to want to bring more competition to the process 
of the grants being awarded and more cooperation between the national 
and the State organizations. I'm aware that the National Governors 
Association has indicated its support for this amendment and the end 
result will be a stronger program, a program that is really more about 
less administrative costs and more dollars flowing to the programs that 
are going to make a difference in our communities, whether it be 
national or State.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, at this point I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy), the chairwoman of the 
subcommittee.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I thank the gentlewoman from California, 
and I thank Mr. Shays.
  Mr. Chairman, we are in full support of this amendment. The GIVE Act 
seeks to improve national service and to do so in innovative, creative 
ways. And this amendment does just that. We are grateful to Ms. Matsui 
and Mr. Shays for bringing forth this amendment.
  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I'd just like to associate myself with the 
remarks earlier from the gentleman from Connecticut, who spoke in favor 
of this amendment during his previous statement, and again to ask all 
Members to support this amendment when it is put before us for a vote.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, again I urge my colleagues to support the 
Matsui-Shays amendment.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Congresswoman Matsui 
and the Committee on Education and Labor for all of their hard work on 
bringing H.R. 2857 to the floor today. I would also like to thank the 
work and dedication of Chairman Miller, Ranking Member McKeon, 
Subcommittee Chairwoman Davis, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Platts.
  I believe national service is one of the most productive, cost 
effective investments our government can make.
  Since the inception of the Corporation for National and Community 
Service, of which I was a co-author, more than 1 billion service hours 
have been generated by Senior Corps volunteers, more than 40,000 
individuals have served through AmeriCorps, and more than 1 million 
high school students have participated annually in service-learning 
initiatives.
  In the wake of the September 11 attacks, natural disasters like 
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the increasing achievement gap in 
education, the call to serve is louder than ever.
  Our amendment will revise and improve the funding formula for 
AmeriCorps, which engages more than 40,000 Americans in service 
throughout the Nation, by combining State and national competitive 
funding streams.
  National service programs throughout the country believe this change 
will provide a better means of allocating this funding and will bring 
the highest quality programs to States.
  The change will also enable States to compete for more funding and 
provide States with more choices of programs.
  Community service is about helping people, and it is also about 
gaining deeper understanding of each other and the world around us.
  Through service, Americans of all ages gain a sense of commitment to 
their communities and their country, which will prove valuable for the 
rest of their lives.
  I urge my colleagues to support this amendment in order to increase 
the effectiveness and efficiency of this valuable program.
  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. McDermott

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 4 
printed in House Report 110-539.
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 4 offered by Mr. McDermott:
       At the end of the bill, add the following new title:

          TITLE VI--CONGRESSIONAL COMMISSION ON CIVIC SERVICE

     SEC. 6101. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Congressional Commission 
     on Civic Service Act''.

     SEC. 6102. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) The social fabric of the United States is stronger if 
     individuals in the United States

[[Page H1384]]

     are committed to protecting and serving our Nation by 
     utilizing national service and volunteerism to overcome our 
     civic challenges.
       (2) A more engaged civic society will strengthen the Nation 
     by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and 
     experiences to work on solutions to some of our Nation's 
     major challenges.
       (3) Despite declines in civic health in the past 30 years, 
     national service and volunteerism among the Nation's youth 
     are increasing, and existing national service and volunteer 
     programs greatly enhance opportunities for youth to engage in 
     civic activity.
       (4) In addition to the benefits received by nonprofit 
     organizations and society as a whole, volunteering and 
     national service provide a variety of personal benefits and 
     satisfaction and can lead to new paths of civic engagement, 
     responsibility, and upward mobility.

     SEC. 6103. ESTABLISHMENT.

       There is established in the legislative branch a commission 
     to be known as the ``Congressional Commission on Civic 
     Service'' (in this title referred to as the ``Commission'').

     SEC. 6104. DUTIES.

       (a) General Purpose.--The purpose of the Commission is to 
     gather and analyze information in order to make 
     recommendations to Congress to--
       (1) improve the ability of individuals in the United States 
     to serve others and, by doing so, to enhance our Nation and 
     the global community;
       (2) train leaders in public service organizations to better 
     utilize individuals committed to national service and 
     volunteerism as they manage human and fiscal resources;
       (3) identify and offer solutions to the barriers that make 
     it difficult for some individuals in the United States to 
     volunteer or perform national service; and
       (4) build on the foundation of service and volunteer 
     opportunities that are currently available.
       (b) Specific Topics.--In carrying out its general purpose 
     under subsection (a), the Commission shall address and 
     analyze the following specific topics:
       (1) The level of understanding about the current Federal, 
     State, and local volunteer programs and opportunities for 
     service among individuals in the United States.
       (2) The issues that deter volunteerism and national 
     service, particularly among young people, and how the 
     identified issues can be overcome.
       (3) Whether there is an appropriate role for Federal, 
     State, and local governments in overcoming the issues that 
     deter volunteerism and national service and, if appropriate, 
     how to expand the relationships and partnerships between 
     different levels of government in promoting volunteerism and 
     national service.
       (4) Whether existing databases are effective in matching 
     community needs to would-be volunteers and service providers.
       (5) The effect on the Nation, on those who serve, and on 
     the families of those who serve, if all individuals in the 
     United States were expected to perform national service or 
     were required to perform a certain amount of national 
     service.
       (6) Whether a workable, fair, and reasonable mandatory 
     service requirement for all able young people could be 
     developed, and how such a requirement could be implemented in 
     a manner that would strengthen the social fabric of the 
     Nation and overcome civic challenges by bringing together 
     people from diverse economic, ethnic, and educational 
     backgrounds.
       (7) The need for a public service academy, a 4-year 
     institution that offers a federally funded undergraduate 
     education with a focus on training future public sector 
     leaders.
       (8) The means to develop awareness of national service and 
     volunteer opportunities at a young age by creating, 
     expanding, and promoting service options for primary and 
     secondary school students and by raising awareness of 
     existing incentives.
       (9) The effectiveness of establishing a training program on 
     college campuses to recruit and educate college students for 
     national service.
       (10) The effect on United States diplomacy and foreign 
     policy interests of expanding service opportunities abroad, 
     such as the Peace Corps, and the degree of need and capacity 
     abroad for an expansion.
       (11) The constraints that service providers, nonprofit 
     organizations, and State and local agencies face in utilizing 
     federally funded volunteer programs, and how these 
     constraints can be overcome.
       (12) Whether current Federal volunteer programs are suited 
     to address the special skills and needs of senior volunteers, 
     and if not, how these programs can be improved such that the 
     Federal government can effectively promote service among the 
     ``baby boomer'' generation.
       (c) Methodology.--
       (1) Public hearings.--The Commission shall conduct public 
     hearings in various locations around the United States.
       (2) Regular and frequent consultation.--The Commission 
     shall regularly and frequently consult with an advisory panel 
     of Members of Congress appointed for such purpose by the 
     Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Majority 
     Leader of the Senate.

     SEC. 6105. MEMBERSHIP.

       (a) Number and Appointment.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 8 
     members appointed as follows:
       (A) 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (B) 2 members appointed by the Minority Leader of the House 
     of Representatives.
       (C) 2 members appointed by the Majority Leader of the 
     Senate.
       (D) 2 members appointed by the Minority Leader of the 
     Senate.
       (2) Qualifications.--The members of the Commission shall 
     consist of individuals who are of recognized standing and 
     distinction in the areas of international public service, 
     national public service, service-learning, local service, 
     business, or academia.
       (3) Deadline for appointment.--The members of the 
     Commission shall be appointed not later than 90 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this title.
       (4) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Commission shall 
     be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives 
     at the time of the appointment.
       (b) Terms.--
       (1) In general.--The members of the Commission shall serve 
     for the life of the Commission.
       (2) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall not 
     affect the power of the remaining members to execute the 
     duties of the Commission but any such vacancy shall be filled 
     in the same manner in which the original appointment was 
     made.
       (c) Compensation.--
       (1) Rates of pay; travel expenses.--Each member shall serve 
     without pay, except that each member shall receive travel 
     expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in 
     accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter I of 
     chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
       (2) Prohibition of compensation of federal employees.--
     Notwithstanding paragraph (1), any member of the Commission 
     who is a full-time officer or employee of the United States 
     may not receive additional pay, allowances, or benefits 
     because of service on the Commission.
       (d) Meeting Requirements.--
       (1) Frequency.--
       (A) Quarterly meetings.--The Commission shall meet at least 
     quarterly.
       (B) Additional meetings.--In addition to quarterly 
     meetings, the Commission shall meet at the call of the 
     Chairperson or a majority of its members.
       (2) Quorum.--5 members of the Commission shall constitute a 
     quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings.
       (3) Meeting by telephone or other appropriate technology.--
     Members of the Commission are permitted to meet using 
     telephones or other suitable telecommunications technologies 
     provided that all members of the Commission can fully 
     communicate with all other members simultaneously.

     SEC. 6106. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION; EXPERTS AND 
                   CONSULTANTS.

       (a) Director.--
       (1) Appointment.--The Commission shall have a Director who 
     shall be appointed by the Chairperson with the approval of 
     the Commission.
       (2) Credentials.--The Director shall have credentials 
     related to international public service, national public 
     service, service-learning, or local service.
       (3) Salary.--The Director shall be paid at a rate 
     determined by the Chairperson with the approval of the 
     Commission, except that the rate may not exceed the rate of 
     basic pay for GS-15 of the General Schedule.
       (b) Staff.--With the approval of the Chairperson, the 
     Director may appoint and fix the pay of additional qualified 
     personnel as the Director considers appropriate.
       (c) Experts and Consultants.--With the approval of the 
     Commission, the Director may procure temporary and 
     intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, 
     United States Code, but at rates for individuals not to 
     exceed the daily equivalent of the maximum annual rate of 
     basic pay for GS-15 of the General Schedule.
       (d) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the 
     Commission, Chairperson, or Director, the head of any Federal 
     department or agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any 
     of the personnel of that department or agency to the 
     Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this 
     title.

     SEC. 6107. POWERS OF COMMISSION.

       (a) Hearings and Sessions.--The Commission may, for the 
     purpose of carrying out this title, hold public hearings, sit 
     and act at times and places, take testimony, and receive 
     evidence as the Commission considers appropriate.
       (b) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of 
     the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any 
     action which the Commission is authorized to take by this 
     section.
       (c) Obtaining Official Data.--Upon request of the 
     Chairperson, the head of any department or agency shall 
     furnish information to the Commission that the Commission 
     deems necessary to enable it to carry out this title.
       (d) Physical Facilities and Equipment.--The Architect of 
     the Capitol, in consultation with the appropriate entities in 
     the legislative branch, shall locate and provide suitable 
     facilities and equipment for the operation of the Commission 
     on a nonreimbursable basis.
       (e) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of 
     the Commission, the Architect of the Capitol and the 
     Administrator

[[Page H1385]]

     of General Services shall provide to the Commission on a 
     nonreimbursable basis such administrative support services as 
     the Commission may request in order for the Commission to 
     carry out its responsibilities under this title.

     SEC. 6108. REPORTS.

       (a) Interim Report.--The Commission shall submit an interim 
     report on its activities to Congress not later than 20 months 
     after the date of the enactment of this title.
       (b) Final Report.--
       (1) Deadline.--The Commission shall submit a final report 
     on its activities to Congress not later than 120 days after 
     the submission of the interim report under subsection (a).
       (2) Contents.--The final report shall contain a detailed 
     statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, 
     together with its recommendations for proposed legislation.

     SEC. 6109. TERMINATION.

       The Commission shall terminate not later than 30 days after 
     submitting its final report under section 6108(b)(1).

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman 
from Washington (Mr. McDermott) and a Member opposed each will control 
5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington.
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Chairman, when Katharine Lee Bates wrote ``America 
the Beautiful'' in 1893, I believe her poetic lyrics were intended to 
express the goodness of the American people as much as the natural 
beauty of our great Nation. America was founded on the concept of 
helping one another, and that selfless spirit expresses itself in 
countless acts of goodness by ordinary Americans every day.
  I want to harness that American spirit, and I want to make it a part 
of the American experience. Mr. Farr, Mr. Walsh, and Mr. Shays have 
joined me in putting this amendment together, and we had a bill 
previously, because we believe that making this possible for every 
American is really where we ought to be.
  We all benefit in countless ways from a Nation that is our home. I 
believe we owe something in return. But there are countless ways for 
every American to serve and give back to America, and America certainly 
could use their help. That's why we put this together as an amendment 
to establish a Congressional Commission on Civic Service.
  We want this commission to investigate ways to create a broader 
commitment to national service in order to strengthen our common sense 
of responsibility to our community, our Nation, and to each other.
  The commission would hold hearings around the country to engage the 
American people and get their own ideas. Whether it's in schools or 
nursing homes or prisons or mental hospitals or in the forests or 
cleaning up beaches or whatever, we want to talk to the local people. 
The commission would report to Congress with recommendations on how to 
harness the power of one, that is, the power of American people to 
improve our Nation.
  Our amendment is a first step. It is simply an authorization, and the 
Congress will need to follow up with an appropriation. It mirrors the 
legislation we introduced last year, H.R. 1819.
  Throughout the process, we have worked closely with some of America's 
best organizations: Voices for Service Coalition, the National Peace 
Corps Association, Corporation for National and Community Service, and 
the State AmeriCorps Administrators.
  President John Kennedy once said: ``Ask not what your country can do 
for you. Ask what you can do for your country.'' From that came the 
Peace Corps and other organizations similar, and we want to recreate 
that sense of American expectation in this time. With this amendment we 
want to help America answer that question and the call.
  Today America needs the American people like never before to meet the 
challenges of a slowing economy, health care, education, conservation. 
The government can't do it all, and ordinary Americans can and in many 
cases already do much of it.
  It's time to build on the success of our national service programs 
like AmeriCorps by considering bold proposals that compel, inspire, and 
enable us to tackle the challenges, big and small, that will always 
confront us. There is no shortage of ideas.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition, 
although I am not opposed to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I do plan on supporting this amendment and 
appreciate the intended maker of the amendment. And to make sure that 
we are being thorough in our approach to this important issue, I do 
want to express just some reservation that we don't duplicate the 
efforts of the subcommittee and the work of the subcommittee or the 
corporation itself in exploring the ideals of public service, but I 
will be supporting it and encourage a ``yes'' vote.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
New York (Mrs. McCarthy).
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I thank the gentleman from Washington (Mr. 
McDermott) for yielding.
  We support this amendment. We look forward to the results of the 
commission as we continue to increase the number of Americans who 
participate in national service and work to overcome challenges in our 
Nation's communities.
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Chairman, I am waiting for Mr. Farr, but we will 
see if he gets here in time.
  The recommendations produced by this commission would be a plan of 
action because it will look at three key areas: to improve the ability 
of Americans to serve, to improve our community here and abroad. It 
will also identify and offer solutions to the barriers that make it 
difficult to perform national service and volunteer. And, finally, we 
will look at ways to build the foundation of service opportunities that 
are currently available.
  According to the data collected from the Census Bureau, Americans 
over the age of 16 are volunteering at an historically high rate with 
61.2 million, giving their time in 2006 to help others by mentoring 
students, beautifying neighborhoods, and restoring homes after 
disasters.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Congressman McDermott 
and Congressman Farr, Congresswoman Matsui and the Committee on 
Education and Labor for all of their hard work on bringing this 
reauthorization to the floor today.
  This amendment establishes a Congressional Commission on Civil 
Service. The Commission would identify ways to expand opportunities for 
volunteerism and national service in America. It would also recommend 
ways Federal and local governments can improve awareness and access to 
national service opportunities, encourage increased volunteerism and 
better train future public service leaders.
  I believe national service is one of the most productive, cost-
effective investments our Government can make.
  I am pleased this amendment addresses the need for a public service 
academy, a federally-funded 4-year institution dedicated to training 
the future leaders of our country's public service sector. In the next 
10 years, 90 percent of our nation's Federal executives will be over 
the age of 50 and nearing retirement. We need to ensure that this 
workforce is replaced with well-trained, invigorated graduates.
  Investing in service opportunities provides enormous returns to 
communities.
  There is no substitute for the passion of our Nation's volunteers, 
who can be found mentoring students, building houses, assisting senior 
citizens or beautifying our national parks.
  Community service is about helping people, and it is also about 
gaining deeper understanding of each other and the world around us.
  Through service, Americans of all ages gain a sense of commitment to 
their communities and their country which will prove valuable for the 
rest of their lives.
  I urge my colleagues to support this amendment in order to increase 
the effectiveness and efficiency of this valuable program.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. All time has expired.
  The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from 
Washington (Mr. McDermott).
  The amendment was agreed to.


         Amendment No. 5 Offered by Mr. English of Pennsylvania

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 5 
printed in House Report 110-539.
  Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.

[[Page H1386]]

  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 5 offered by Mr. English of Pennsylvania:
       At the end of the bill, insert the following (and conform 
     the table of contents accordingly):

                      TITLE VI--SENSE OF CONGRESS

     SEC. 6101. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       It is the Sense of Congress that the Corporation for 
     National and Community Service should make the maximum effort 
     possible to coordinate the recruiting and assignment 
     procedures of their various programs to allow senior citizens 
     and their grandchildren to share volunteer opportunities and/
     or be assigned to the same geographic areas during their 
     period of service.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. English) and a Member opposed each will control 
5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania.
  Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would add a 
section at the end of the bill to express a sense of Congress that the 
Corporation for National and Community Service should attempt to 
coordinate the recruiting and assignment procedures of their various 
programs to allow senior citizens and their grandchildren to share 
volunteer opportunities and be assigned to the same geographic areas 
during their period of service.
  I would note, Mr. Chairman, Marian McQuade, the founder of National 
Grandparents Day and a homemaker from Fayette County, West Virginia, 
held as one of her primary motivations of her advocacy for a National 
Grandparents Day, persuading the grandchildren to tap the wisdom and 
heritage of their grandparents. This amendment builds on the principles 
that evolved into National Grandparents Day by creating more 
opportunities to build bridges on an intergenerational basis and 
strengthen the family structure. This amendment will honor grandparents 
and enhance the bond between grandparents and grandchildren while 
encouraging a lifetime of community service.

                              {time}  1230

  It seems somehow fundamental that AmeriCorps and Senior Corps work 
together to bring grandparents and grandchildren together to share 
memorable and rewarding experiences of community service together, 
strengthen bonds of family, and make the lives of fellow citizens 
brighter.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this amendment today. This 
is a remedy for many of the pressures that we feel today on families, 
it's an attempt to unite generations, and it's an attempt to better 
coordinate two very important programs in the interest of fostering 
stronger families.
  Mr. Chairman, I would retain the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I rise to claim time in opposition, but I 
am not opposing the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized 
for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Thank you.
  We support this amendment, as it seeks to support the fostering of 
service among generations of a family. It is easy to imagine the kind 
of benefits that grandparents and their grandchildren would gain by not 
only spending time together, but serving others. The earlier children 
are introduced to service, the more likely they will volunteer 
throughout their life.
  Speaking as a grandparent, and I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania 
(Mr. English) for introducing this, when I take my grandchildren with 
me and I try to explain the work that I do, and to see them get 
involved and be interested in the work that I do I think is a great 
thing.
  The volunteering work that we do, and we bring the grandchildren with 
us, it opens up their eyes for a number of reasons. A lot of the work 
that we do is serving in underserved areas and to be able to see that 
these young children, my grandchildren, 7 and 9, are out there in the 
community and seeing children less fortunate than them. But to take it 
back even then to their classroom and say maybe we can do something, 
when you have Grandparents Day in school with your grandchildren, and 
you're fostering the sense of volunteerism.
  So I thank the gentleman very much for bringing this to our 
attention. I certainly am in full support of it.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English).
  The amendment was agreed to.


         Amendment No. 6 Offered by Mr. English of Pennsylvania

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 6 
printed in House Report 110-539.
  Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the 
desk.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 6 offered by Mr. English of Pennsylvania:
       At the end of the bill, insert the following (and conform 
     the table of contents accordingly):

                      TITLE VI--SENSE OF CONGRESS

     SEC. 6101. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       It is the Sense of Congress that the Corporation for 
     National and Community Service should make the maximum effort 
     possible to coordinate with the National Endowment for the 
     Humanities to provide opportunities for young people enrolled 
     in NACS programs to collect oral histories form senior 
     citizens in the communities where they serve.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. English) and a Member opposed each will control 
5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania.
  Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  Mr. Chairman, this amendment creates a sense of the Congress that the 
Corporation for National and Community Service should make the maximum 
effort possible to coordinate with the National Endowment for the 
Humanities to provide opportunities for young people enrolled in 
national and community service programs to collect oral histories from 
senior citizens in the communities that they serve.
  As cochairman of the Congressional Humanities Caucus, I have been 
actively advocating policies and programs to raise awareness of the 
role of history, literature, languages, and other humanities in 
Americans' lives. As we all know, studying our history, our culture, 
and our heritage can help provide a framework to guide our decisions as 
we confront challenging issues facing us now and into the future. It 
also gives us a national memory.
  If we look back to the experience during World War II when the 
Federal Government employed many writers to do histories of local 
communities that now have become an important resource to us, 
recognizing that we are at a time when our greatest generation is now 
moving on and the opportunity to consult them could very well be lost 
in the near future, this is an opportunity that we must seize.
  As we all know, studying our history, our culture, and our heritage 
can be an important part of our future defining of who we are. We not 
only learn from museums and books, but we also learn from those who 
have lived in the past. For that reason, I think it's important for our 
youth to reach out to our knowledgeable elders who have lived through 
tougher times, who have fought and seen wars, and who have seen the 
transformation of America.
  Close to 1,000 World War II veterans die each day. Many have never 
spoken of their experiences. During a time in their lives where many 
are lonely and yearning for an opportunity to have an exchange, this 
creates an opportunity for us to capture those memories and 
institutionalize them.
  To carry on the American tradition and living history, I urge the 
support of my colleagues for this amendment today.
  Mr. Chairman, I retain the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in 
opposition, but I am not opposing the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized 
for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. We support this amendment, as it continues 
to support the integration of

[[Page H1387]]

priority for national service. Everyone gains when they speak to others 
from a different generation and learn how things have changed over the 
years. And yet, at the same time, how many things remain the same.
  Fostering communication between people increases the connection for 
all of the community. This piece will add a section to the bill that is 
the sense of Congress that the Corporation for National and Community 
Service should make the maximum effort possible to coordinate with the 
National Endowment for the Humanities to provide opportunities for 
young people enrolled in NACS programs to collect oral histories from 
senior citizens in the communities they serve.
  With that, I would like to yield 2 minutes to Mr. Anthony Weiner from 
New York.
  Mr. WEINER. I thank the sponsors of this legislation and of the 
amendment.
  I think this is an opportunity for us to expand on the notion that 
many Americans already support, and that is the idea that Americans 
very much want to be asked to help, they want to be asked to volunteer, 
they want to be asked to serve. Despite the conventional wisdom about 
growing apathy in the country, studies have actually shown that almost 
30 percent did volunteer work in 2006, up dramatically since 1989, the 
last time the survey was asked.
  We found when asked is government, is Washington, is our country 
asking enough of us, overwhelmingly Americans say no, we are not being 
asked to do enough. Unlike the period after Pearl Harbor when FDR 
famously called us all to this national sense of calling, we failed to 
do it. The bill that we have today hopefully will reverse that to some 
degree and get more people involved doing more things.
  One of the things the bill does that is most laudable is expands 
outreach to let cities, localities, and organizations know the program 
has grown much more flexible over the course of years. I believe that 
cities should be thinking about their own version of kind of a city 
version of AmeriCorps, addressing specific problems, maybe not as 
general as the AmeriCorps program is, where we have many people going, 
doing discrete individual things, but create programs that cities say 
let's try to tackle the problem of child hunger, let's try to tackle 
the problem of affordability. This type of a program would allow cities 
to take more control, something that my colleagues on both sides of the 
aisle support.
  Not that long ago, I gave a speech in May, where I laid out a 
proposal in something I called AppleCorps, that New York City would 
come up with their program to take advantage. The idea would be if you 
get cities involved, maybe we can get them to put money in on top of 
what we in the Federal Government are offering to tackle those 
challenges that they face.
  One thing is very clear, that when Roosevelt once famously asked, 
``Now that we are in this war, we are all in it, all the way. Every 
single, man, woman, and child is a partner in the most tremendous 
undertaking of our American history. We must share together the bad 
news and the good news, the defeats and the victories.'' This bill 
seeks to do that.
  Thank you very much for the time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of 
my time.
  Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to 
join me in supporting this amendment, which I think will go a long way 
to giving our next generation a sense of what our fathers and our 
forefathers have faced.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English).
  The amendment was agreed to.


         Amendment No. 7 Offered by Mr. English of Pennsylvania

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 7 
printed in House Report 110-539.
  Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the 
desk.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 7 offered by Mr. English of Pennsylvania:
       Page 133, after line 19, insert the following (and conform 
     the table of contents accordingly):

     SEC. 1708. COORDINATION WITH VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS SERVING 
                   VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES.

       The Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and 
     Community Service shall coordinate with veterans 
     organizations serving veterans with disabilities to provide 
     opportunities for young people enrolled in existing NACS 
     programs to provide transportation services on a full-time, 
     part-time, or as-needed basis.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. English) and a Member opposed each will control 
5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania.
  Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, the freedom of the United 
States has depended on the courage of men and women in uniform for over 
200 years. Our veterans, having served as a member of the greatest 
military in the world, can be assured that they have the appreciation 
and admiration of millions of Americans.
  The experience gained from the U.S. military is without a doubt 
invaluable, and I applaud our veterans for the courage and the 
commitment that they have demonstrated consistently while serving our 
country.
  With that said, I would like to offer this amendment, which will 
provide a valuable service to our veteran population while giving young 
volunteers an opportunity to be exposed to some of these American 
heroes that have allowed us to exercise our everyday freedoms. 
Specifically, my amendment would require the Board of Directors of the 
Corporation for National and Community Service to work with the 
Disabled American Veterans organization to provide opportunities for 
young people to serve as drivers in the DAV transportation network.
  This new service will certainly help ease the burden on veterans 
throughout the country, especially in communities like mine and in 
yours, Mr. Chairman, in rural areas where we have many veterans who 
have a challenge getting the service that they need from our brick and 
mortar VA institutions, give them easy and convenient transportation to 
doctor appointments, physical therapy, and routine checkups.
  Mr. Chairman, at a time when America's veterans are facing increased 
challenges regarding health care coverage and full access to the 
benefits that they have earned, Congress ought to embrace commonsense 
policies that will help ensure our veterans get the care they need and 
deserve.
  In my part of Pennsylvania, Mr. Chairman, it has been a challenge to 
drum up the volunteers to provide driver service for many of our VA 
participants and clients. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting 
this initiative that will help fill that gap and encourage more of our 
young people to volunteer to help some of our aging veterans and some 
of our younger veterans who happen to live a distance away from the 
institution that serves them.
  Mr. Chairman, I retain the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in 
opposition, but I am not opposing this amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized 
for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I want to thank, again, my colleague Mr. 
English from Pennsylvania for this amendment. This would require the 
Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community 
Service to coordinate with veterans organizations serving veterans to 
provide opportunities for young people to enroll in existing NACS 
programs to serve as drivers in the DAV transportation network on a 
full-time, part-time, or as-needed basis. The reason we support this 
amendment, which is similar to Mr. McKeon's in a way, is that it will 
help serve our Nation's veterans. This amendment reminds us of the 
challenges faced by disabled veterans after they have devoutly served 
our Nation.
  When I see a lot of my veterans back home in Long Island, a lot of 
them do volunteer their time on driving our veterans back and forth. We 
only have one veterans hospital on Long Island. A lot of these drivers 
are as old as

[[Page H1388]]

those they are driving. So to see that our young people, and I can see 
something like this, which would be terrific for our young college 
students and our seniors that are driving, to be able to be part of 
this.
  It was earlier mentioned by Mr. Shays that with the war in Iraq, no 
one has asked Americans to be helpful. Well, this is a perfect time. 
This is where our young people can feel that all right, here we have 
our veterans that have done a gallant job on protecting this Nation. 
Help them now. Let us help them to get back and forth for their 
physical therapy or any treatments that they need.
  It's also a wonderful opportunity for our young people to get to know 
our seniors and our veterans that have served this country. The more I 
think about this, I am sorry that we didn't think of this amendment 
while we were having our committee hearings. I think next time I will 
reach out to my colleague and say what ideas do you have so we can 
bring them to the committee.
  So, again, I support this amendment. I think it's a terrific 
amendment. I think it's a wonderful time for our young people and our 
seniors and our veterans to get to know each other. They will actually 
find they have a lot more in common than they do have apart.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, let me just say in 
response to the gentlelady, I am most grateful for her support, and I 
am most grateful for her open-mindedness. Seeing the excellent work 
that she has done working on a bipartisan basis, and I want to also 
thank my colleague from Pennsylvania on this very important 
reauthorization. I am most grateful to them for their open-mindedness 
to some small refinements on what I think is a reauthorization of an 
enormously important program.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English).
  The amendment was agreed to.

                              {time}  1245


                 Amendment No. 8 Offered by Ms. Sutton

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 8 
printed in House Report 110-539.
  Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 8 offered by Ms. Sutton:
       Page 64, after line 16, insert the following:
       (2) in subsection (c)(6), insert after subparagraph (E) the 
     following:
       ``(F) Areas that have a mortgage foreclosure rate greater 
     than the national average mortgage foreclosure rate for the 
     most recent 12 months for which satisfactory data are 
     available.''.
       Page 64, lines 17 and 22, redesignate (2) and (3) as (3) 
     and (4), respectively.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Ohio.
  Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, communities across this Nation are being devastated by 
home foreclosures, and my home State of Ohio has been particularly hard 
hit. This crisis has not stemmed from a single cause, and mitigating 
its effects will not be achieved with a single solution. Housing 
problems stem from predatory lending practices, job losses, and 
situations such as death, divorce and health emergencies.
  It is important, Mr. Chairman, that we pursue innovative solutions to 
deal with this. This includes tying the provisions of Volunteerism and 
Service-Learning grants to programs that will serve areas that have 
been adversely affected by the mortgage crisis. This amendment would 
require the Corporation for National and Community Service to consider 
whether an area has a mortgage foreclosure rate greater than the 
national average when considering grant applications from States and 
other eligible entities.
  In a time when so many of our communities are struggling, we need to 
pursue every avenue to make sure that the cities and towns with the 
greatest needs have access to the most assistance.
  I urge a yes vote on this amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time 
in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment and would associate 
myself with the maker of the amendment's statements regarding the 
importance of helping those who are facing challenges because of the 
housing crisis. This amendment recognizes that communities that are 
particularly hard hit by this crisis may be in need of special national 
service efforts. I thus support the amendment and encourage a yes vote.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
distinguished gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy).
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague. Let me 
say that my colleague is having a problem with her voice with 
laryngitis, so I am actually going to be speaking for her from her 
talking points. So I will continue talking about Ohio, which has been 
particularly hurt by the current mortgage foreclosure crisis.
  In a ranking of metropolitan areas with the highest foreclosure 
rates, Ohio has the sad distinction of having four areas in the top 20. 
Northeast Ohio, which includes Lorain and Elyria in her district, had 
the sixth highest rate. Nearly 3 percent of all households in these 
cities are in some stage of foreclosure, a 112 percent jump from 2006. 
Akron came in at 12, Dayton at 15 and Toledo at 19.
  The current subprime mortgage crisis has not stemmed from a single 
cause, and mitigating its effects will not be achieved with a single 
solution. Housing problems stem from predatory lending practices, job 
losses, and situations such as death, divorce and health emergencies. 
We must pursue innovative solutions, and this includes trying the 
provisions of volunteerism and Service-Learning grants to areas that 
have been adversely affected by the mortgage crisis.
  This amendment would require the Corporation for National and 
Community Service to consider whether an area has a mortgage 
foreclosure rate greater than the national average when considering 
grant applications from States and other eligible entities.
  Each year, more than 1.5 million individuals serve our country 
through the service programs that were created by the National and 
Community Service Act. In a time when so many of our communities are 
struggling, we need to pursue every avenue to make sure that the cities 
and towns with the greatest needs have access to the most assistance.
  We expect this amendment is going to be noncontroversial, but they 
may argue that it is duplicative because of the factors that are 
already included. The areas affected by high foreclosure rates would 
likely also be areas with high concentrations of low-income persons and 
high unemployment rates. But when we look at this, we see that by 
including this additional factor we will focus the Corporation on 
awarding grant funding to programs that address the specific needs of 
communities affected by the foreclosure crisis.
  When you look at this particular amendment, the Corporation for 
National and Community Service administers the National Service Trust 
Program, which provides funding for service programs, community groups, 
youth groups, service-lending, campus-based programs, pre-professional 
training programs and other services, one of the criteria the 
Corporation is required to consider when evaluating applications for 
funding is the extent to which projects would be conducted in the areas 
where they are needed most.
  Factors already considered are communities designated as empowerment 
zones or redevelopment areas; targeted for special economic incentives; 
designated as having high concentrations

[[Page H1389]]

of low-income people; areas that are environmentally distressed; areas 
that are adversely affected by Federal actions related to the 
management of Federal lands that result in significant regional job 
losses and economic dislocation; areas adversely affected by reductions 
in defense spending or closure of bases; areas with unemployment rates 
greater than the national average for the 12 most recent months.
  This amendment will add another factor that the Corporation must 
consider when determining what constitutes an area.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. All time has expired.
  The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Ohio 
(Ms. Sutton).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                 Amendment No. 9 Offered by Ms. Sutton

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 9 
printed in House Report 110-539.
  Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 9 offered by Ms. Sutton:
       Page 133, insert after line 19 the following (and conform 
     the table of contents accordingly):

     SEC. 1708. STUDY TO EXAMINE AND INCREASE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR 
                   DISPLACED WORKERS IN SERVICES CORPS AND 
                   COMMUNITY SERVICE AND TO DEVELOP PILOT PROGRAM 
                   PLANNING STUDY.

       (a) Planning Study.--The Corporation for National and 
     Community Service shall conduct a study to identify--
       (1) specific areas of need for displaced workers;
       (2) how existing programs and activities carried out under 
     the national service laws could better serve displaced 
     workers and communities that have been adversely affected by 
     plant closings and job losses;
       (3) prospects for better utilization of skilled workers as 
     resources and volunteers; and
       (4) methods for ensuring the efficient financial 
     organization of services directed towards displaced workers.
       (b) Consultation.--The study shall be carried out in 
     consultation with the Department of Labor, State labor 
     agencies, and other individuals and entities the Corporation 
     considers appropriate.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Corporation shall submit to 
     Congress a report on the results of the planning study 
     required by subsection (a), together with a plan for 
     implementation of a pilot program using promising strategies 
     and approaches for better targeting and serving displaced 
     workers.
       (d) Pilot Program.--From amounts made available to carry 
     out this section, the Corporation shall develop and carry out 
     a pilot program based on the findings in the report submitted 
     under subsection (c).
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may 
     be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Ohio.
  Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, as we heard with the last amendment, Ohio and many 
other States have suffered tremendous job losses in recent years. These 
workers and their families deserve our support, and they deserve 
creative and innovative thinking and policies from us as their 
representatives.
  Programs such as AmeriCorps and Senior Corps have done so much to 
provide opportunities for our youth and seniors. It is time now that we 
investigate ways to provide similar opportunities for Americans who 
have lost jobs through no fault of their own.
  This amendment would require the Corporation for National and 
Community Service to conduct a study to identify specific areas of need 
for displaced workers and how existing programs and activities carried 
out under our national service laws can better serve displaced workers 
and communities affected by plant closings and job losses. The 
amendment also requires the Corporation to develop and carry out a 
pilot program based on the findings of the study.
  Mr. Chairman, workers who have toiled for so long in manufacturing 
plants have much to offer their communities with their unique skill 
sets and leadership capabilities. I look forward to seeing how new 
service programs would reinvigorate America's displaced workforce with 
a sense of new purpose, so that they may continue to explore new career 
opportunities and continue contributing to our communities.
  I urge a yes vote on this amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time 
in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Chairman, I do rise in support of this amendment. This amendment 
is similar to a study and pilot program dealing with veterans that was 
authorized through an amendment that passed in the committee. While I 
hope that as this bill moves forward we do not end up with studies and 
pilot programs for so many different areas that we lose our focus on 
the bill's priorities, I do believe that it is appropriate activity for 
the corporation to undertake this effort.
  In general, unemployment remains extremely low by historical 
standards, despite concerns about the economy. However, for those 
communities such as the maker of the amendment referenced in her home 
State of Ohio that are experiencing unusually high job losses, it would 
be wise to explore ways to target national service efforts towards 
addressing those concerns.
  Therefore, I support the amendment, and encourage a yes vote.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the support of the 
distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania. I thank him for his work on 
this bill. It is greatly appreciated by the people I represent. And to 
the distinguished chairwoman, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. 
McCarthy), I also extend my appreciation, and I yield her such time as 
she may consume.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague from 
Ohio.
  Good data collection is so important, because with data we can 
determine how to better implement programs and better serve the needs 
of our Nation's citizens. As workers must find ways to obtain new 
skills or transition into a new career, this study will provide us with 
important information. Service can be a bridge between one phase of 
life to another or from one career to another.
  It is not a secret to anyone that Ms. Sutton's home State of Ohio has 
suffered tremendous job losses in recent years. From the year 2000 to 
2007, Ohio has lost more than 209,000 non-farm jobs, the biggest 7 year 
drop since the end of the Great Depression. These workers and families 
deserve our support, and they deserve creative and innovative thinking 
and policies from us as their representatives.
  This study and pilot program require the Corporation for National and 
Community Service to examine how to use community service programs to 
provide opportunities for displaced workers. Programs such as 
AmeriCorps and Senior Corps have done so much to provide opportunities 
for our young and our seniors. It is time that we investigate ways to 
provide similar opportunities for Americans who have lost their jobs 
through no fault of their own.
  Workers who have toiled for so long in manufacturing plants have much 
to offer their communities, and their unique skill sets and leadership 
capabilities should not go to waste when plants close. I look forward 
to seeing how new service programs would reinvigorate America's 
displaced workforce with a sense of purpose so they may explore new 
career opportunities and continue contributing to all their 
communities.
  The Corporation for National and Community Service has proven itself 
to be an entrepreneurial, innovative and effective organization. This 
amendment will lead the Corporation in a new direction to consider how 
the programs they provide funding to can do better serve the needs of 
America's displaced workers.

[[Page H1390]]

  Our national service laws provide funding for numerous worthy 
organizations such as AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Habitat for Humanity, 
City Year, Boys and Girls Club, Teach for America, and Youthbuild. This 
amendment will spur new programs that address the needs of our 
displaced workers and their families.
  So, again I thank my colleague from Ohio (Ms. Sutton) for offering 
this amendment, and I am looking forward to working with her on other 
areas.
  Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for being 
compassionate and expanding on the amendment. As she indicated, I have 
a little health issue I am dealing with here.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                 Amendment No. 10 Offered by Mr. Flake

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 10 
printed in House Report 110-539.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 10 offered by Mr. Flake:
       Page 16, line 11, strike ``; and'' and insert a period.
       Page 16, strike line 12 and all that follows through page 
     18, line 21.
       Page 148, line 24, strike ``$65,000,000 for fiscal year 
     2008,'' and all that follows through ``; and'' on page 149, 
     line 4, and insert ``$45,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and''.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman 
from Arizona (Mr. Flake) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, Ronald Reagan once said, ``No matter how big 
or powerful government gets and the many services it provides, it can 
never take the place of volunteers.'' I believe that wholeheartedly. 
But listening to the debate today, you might easily conclude that 
volunteerism wasn't discovered until Congress discovered it, and that 
the only meaningful service that anyone can provide is in a program 
sponsored by government. We all know that that is simply not the case.
  In truth, the programs that are being talked about today, the 
government-sponsored programs, make up probably less than one-hundredth 
of 1 percent of all the volunteer activity that takes place across this 
country. But when we have community service and volunteer positions, 
when we end up financing them or providing incentives from government, 
it becomes just another government service.

                              {time}  1300

  The new Summer of Service grant program created by this legislation 
gives incentives to community service work in the form of financial 
benefits at taxpayer expense. The amendment that I am offering today 
would simply strike all the language in the bill relating to the so-
called Summer of Service program and reduce the authorization by $20 
million. This is the amount designated to the program.
  The new Summer of Service program would award $20 million annually 
for education awards for volunteer positions in which school-aged 
participants can earn up to $1,000 for completion of a 100-hour 
community-based service-learning project.
  Now, we are all familiar with volunteer service that goes on: 
churches, Rotary Clubs, Boy Scout organizations. In fact, this weekend, 
2 days from now, my own son will be doing his Eagle project. He will 
provide up to 30 hours of service himself, and more than 100 hours will 
be provided by people that he has recruited to help him in his project. 
This kind of activity goes on every day, every minute of every day, 
every second of every day. And yet, we feel that we have to have new 
and more government programs somehow to prompt volunteer service. That, 
I think, sells people across this country short. People can volunteer 
on their own and do without benefits provided by government.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in 
opposition to the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I yield myself 3 minutes.
  Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose this amendment. When the National 
Community Service Act was enacted in 1990, we saw powerful new 
opportunities to inspire civic engagement and transformation in our 
communities. Last year, AmeriCorps' number reached 500,000, and today 
Learn and Serve Americans continue to support service learning for K-12 
and college students making a vital connection between their academic 
studies and a real world application through their service.
  Now, with the Summer of Service program, we can provide a new opening 
to reach many young people we know will benefit with the opportunities 
to spend a summer in service to their communities. It is a right of 
passage during grades 5-12.
  Mr. Chairman, this program grants educational awards of up to $500 to 
students who complete 100 hours of service over the summer months. By 
employing service-learning models to teach civic participation skills, 
the program will help young people serve their communities and expand 
educational opportunities for themselves and discourage what is 
commonly known as the summer academic slide.
  Today, 10 million students nationwide between the ages of 12 and 18 
have participated in school-based service. Research shows that, among 
those students, teens from disadvantaged communities who serve hold 
more positive civic attitudes. Kids who engage in volunteering are more 
likely to be successful in school and avoid risky behaviors such as 
drugs, alcohol, and crime. Unfortunately, those disadvantaged teens who 
have so much to gain from the experience are less likely to volunteer 
than their peers from more advanced backgrounds.
  When service is tied to what students are learning in school, young 
people make gains on achievement tests, complete their homework more 
often, and increase their grade point average. Students who engage in 
service learning improve communication skills, grow more aware of 
career possibilities, and develop more positive workplace attitudes, 
laying the foundation for America's future leaders. Yet, Learn and 
Serve's funding stayed the same at no more than $43 million since 1996, 
and decreasing over the past several years. In Learn and Serve's last 
grant award cycle, they had 506 applications but only the resources for 
102 awards.
  For generations, during times of great crisis and need throughout our 
Nation, students have stepped up and served their country and their 
communities. Today, again, our young people want to serve and are 
desperate to do their part, yet their call has gone unheard.
  Since 2001, there have been nearly 50 proposals involving national 
service before Congress, and not one has been enacted. Here we have a 
program that demonstrates our commitment to that great promise. A 
modest investment in Summer of Service is an important and long overdue 
step in providing service-learning opportunities for young people to 
start.
  We must do everything we can to help every child reach his or her 
full potential. We cannot teach our children until we honestly help 
them become engaged in their communities and give them the power to 
actively participate in their education. I urge a ``no'' vote on this 
amendment.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield time to my colleague from Maryland (Mr. 
Sarbanes).
  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Chairman, I rise as well to oppose this amendment, 
which really overlooks the incredible positive impact that a summer of 
service can have on our youth.
  The Summer of Service is a program which fills a policy gap which 
helps communities create positive alternatives for young teens. The 
middle school years in particular are extremely pivotal years for young 
people. Most youth are making the difficult transition from middle 
school to high school, and many of them have no organized activities 
during those periods when they are out of school. Many are left 
unsupervised and at risk of being engaged in potentially harmful 
activity. We want to engage them. We want to make sure that they have 
something to do.

[[Page H1391]]

  I was recently, Mr. Chairman, at a conference held in Baltimore that 
is focusing on what some refer to as the summer learning slide or 
summer learning lost. Basically, what do you do to engage students over 
those summer months to make sure that you are complementing the 
educational opportunities that they have during the regular school 
year? And the Summer of Service is a perfect opportunity to do that and 
to support them so that continuum, that trajectory is always upward. It 
is not a kind of roller coaster where you get two steps forward and you 
slip one step back.
  How our youth spend their time during the summer period may determine 
whether they embark on a course of active citizenship and civic 
engagement and engaged learning or whether they go down a different 
path. This was a conclusion of a conference that the White House 
convened in 2000 to look at the issues that are facing teenagers. The 
Summer of Service initiative will offer youth the chance to spend a 
summer in service to their communities. I urge that we vote against the 
Flake amendment that would eliminate the Summer of Service.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentleman's time has expired.
  Mr. FLAKE. May I inquire as to the time remaining on my side.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Arizona has 2\1/2\ minutes 
remaining.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, this $20 million program is being authorized 
under the Learn and Serve program. I would be glad to yield 30 seconds 
to the sponsor of this program or to the committee if I can find out if 
they actually studied whether this program is working as it is. It 
doesn't seem they are near the microphone, so I will read something 
from the Office of Management and Budget.
  The Office of Management and Budget audited this program a while ago 
under the Learn and Serve program. The Learn and Serve program was 
audited to be not performing, results not demonstrated. The AmeriCorps 
National Civilian Community Corps, not performing. Ineffective. This is 
our own government telling us what our own programs are doing, and yet 
here we are under the Learn and Serve program authorizing $20 million 
more for a new program without trying to go in and actually fix the old 
program or eliminate the old program.
  We in Congress sometimes wonder why our authorizing committees are 
sometimes neglected. This is why. This is why. This program, the whole 
AmeriCorps program hasn't been reauthorized I think since 1996 or so; 
and yet, when we do come to reauthorize it, we ignore what our own 
government, our own agencies are telling us about these programs and we 
simply pile more money on.
  No matter what we do on the overall bill, and I can read the writing 
on the wall, the bill is going to pass, let's at least give some 
thought to the taxpayers here who have to fund this, to say that we are 
not going to increase a program to create a new program under an 
existing program that has been rated by our own Office of Management 
and Budget as not performing, results not demonstrated.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chairman announced that the 
noes appeared to have it.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona will 
be postponed.


                 Amendment No. 11 Offered by Mr. Inslee

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 11 
printed in House Report 110-539.
  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 11 offered by Mr. Inslee:
       Page 144, strike lines 15 through 19 and insert the 
     following (and conform the table of contents accordingly):

                 Subtitle I--Energy Conservation Corps

     SEC. 1811. GENERAL AUTHORITY.

       The Corporation for National and Community Service (in this 
     subtitle referred to as the ``Corporation'') shall make 
     grants to States for the creation or expansion of full-time 
     or part-time Energy Conservation Corps programs. 
     Notwithstanding provisions identified in this subtitle, the 
     Corporation shall apply the provisions of subtitle C of this 
     subchapter in making grants under this section as necessary.

     SEC. 1812. APPLICATION.

       (a) In General.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this subtitle, a State shall invite applications from within 
     the State to receive an Energy Conservation Corps grant.
       (b) Process.--The State shall then prepare and submit a 
     State application to the Corporation at such time, in such 
     manner, and containing such information as the Corporation 
     may reasonably require. The Corporation shall consult with 
     state and local Conservation Corps in the development of the 
     application guidelines.
       (c) Disadvantaged Youth.--To acknowledge the focused 
     enrollment of disadvantaged youth and young adults in the 
     Energy Conservation Corps, the Corporation shall--
       (1) allow a higher cost-per-member to enable Energy 
     Conservation Corps programs to provide the necessary 
     supportive services to ensure the success of the 
     participants; and
       (2) allow for greater flexibility in retention rates.
       (d) Consideration of Residential Corps.--The Corporation 
     shall allow for equal consideration of residential Corps 
     program opportunities since residential Corps thrive in rural 
     areas that commonly lack opportunities for young adults, 
     enable the participation for emancipated foster youth, gang 
     involved youth, and others lacking a safe and stable home 
     environment, allow for more structured time for work, 
     training, education and counseling, and provide disaster 
     response-ready crews immediately upon request.
       (e) Equitable Treatment.--In the consideration of 
     applications, the Corporation shall ensure the equitable 
     treatment of both urban and rural areas.

     SEC. 1813. FOCUS OF PROGRAMS.

       (a) In General.--Programs that receive assistance under 
     this subtitle may carry out activities that--
       (1) meet an identifiable public need with specific emphasis 
     on projects in support of energy conservation, infrastructure 
     and transportation improvement, and emergency operations, 
     including--
       (A) improving the energy efficiency of housing for elderly 
     and low-income people;
       (B) building energy-efficient ``green'' housing for elderly 
     and low-income people;
       (C) environmental education and energy conservation 
     education for elementary and secondary school students and 
     the public;
       (D) reusing and recycling including deconstruction;
       (E) the repair, renovation, or rehabilitation of an 
     existing infrastructure facility including, but not limited 
     to, rail, mass transportation, ports, inland navigation, 
     schools and hospitals;
       (F) transportation enhancements;
       (G) recreational trails improvements, including those that 
     enable alternative means of transportation and ensure safe 
     use;
       (H) transformation of military bases affected by the Base 
     Realignment and Closing process (BRAC) to green the space;
       (I) tree planting and reforestation;
       (J) renewable resource enhancement; and
       (K) assisting in emergency operations, such as disaster 
     prevention and relief; and
       (2) provide opportunities for youth and young adults, 
     especially disadvantaged youth, to be trained for careers 
     related to the activities listed in paragraph (1), including 
     those that will be part of the emerging field of ``green 
     collar'' jobs.
       (b) Goals of the Energy Conservation Corps.--The goals of 
     the Energy Conservation Corps are to--
       (1) promote clean energy use and preserve, protect, and 
     sustain the environment;
       (2) provide young adults with opportunities to become 
     better citizens, students and workers through meaningful 
     service to their communities and the nation;
       (3) mobilize youth and young adults, especially 
     disadvantaged youth, to promote energy conservation and 
     mitigate threats to the environment; and
       (4) provide a pathway to responsible adulthood and 
     productive, unsubsidized employment in the private sector.

     SEC. 1814. TRAINING AND EDUCATION SERVICES.

       All applicants must describe how they intend to--
       (1) assess the skills of Corpsmembers;
       (2) provide life skills and work skills training;
       (3) provide training and education;
       (4) develop agreements for academic study with--
       (A) local education agencies;
       (B) community colleges;
       (C) 4-year colleges;
       (D) area charter high schools and vocational-technical 
     schools; and
       (E) community-based organizations;
       (5) provide career and educational guidance; and
       (6) Recruit participants without high school diplomas.

     SEC. 1815. PREFERENCE FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS.

       In the consideration of applications the Corporation shall 
     give preference to programs that are discrete and--

[[Page H1392]]

       (1) meet an identifiable public need;
       (2) instill a work ethic and a sense of public service in 
     the participants;
       (3) involve youth operating in crews or a team-based 
     structure; and
       (4) enhance skills development and educational level and 
     opportunities for the participants.

     SEC. 1816. PARTICIPANTS.

       (a) In General.--Age enrollment in programs that receive 
     assistance under this subtitle shall be limited to 
     individuals who, at the time of enrollment, are not less than 
     18 years nor more than 25 years of age, except that summer 
     programs may include individuals not less than 14 years or 
     more than 21 years of age at the time of the enrollment of 
     such individuals.
       (b) Participation of Disadvantaged Youth.--Programs that 
     receive assistance under this subtitle shall ensure that at 
     least 50 percent of the participants are economically 
     disadvantaged youth.
       (c) Special Corpsmembers.--Notwithstanding subsection (a) 
     of this section, program agencies may enroll a limited number 
     of special Corpsmembers over age 25 so that the Energy 
     Conservation Corps may draw on their special skills to 
     fulfill the purposes of this chapter.

     SEC. 1817. USE OF VOLUNTEERS.

       The use of volunteer services under this section shall be 
     subject to the condition that such use does not result in the 
     displacement of any participant.

     SEC. 1818. COOPERATION AMONG STATES FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE.

       (a) Agreements Between States.--States operating an Energy 
     Conservation Corps may enter into a compact with 
     participating states to provide for mutual cooperation to 
     manage any emergency or disaster that is duly declared by the 
     affected state.
       (b) Participating State Responsibilities.--
       (1) The authorized representative of a participating state 
     may request assistance of another party by contracting the 
     authorized representative of that state. The provisions of 
     this agreement shall only apply to requests for assistance 
     made by and to authorized representatives.
       (2) There shall be frequent consultation between state 
     officials who have assigned emergency management 
     responsibilities and other appropriate representatives of the 
     party states with affected jurisdictions and the United 
     States Government, with free exchange of information, plans, 
     and resource records relating to emergency capabilities.

     SEC. 1819. FEDERAL SHARE.

       The federal share of the cost of carrying out an Energy 
     Conservation Corps program for which a grant is made under 
     this subtitle is 76 percent of the total cost of the program.

     SEC. 1820. BEST PRACTICES.

       (a) Training and Technical Assistance.--The Corporation 
     shall provide technical assistance to grantees that request 
     assistance and shall disseminate best practices that emerge 
     from the Energy Conservation Corps.
       (b) Contract.--In providing training and technical 
     assistance, the Corporation shall contract with a national 
     organization with a proven track record of developing and 
     sustaining Corps, working with the Conservation Corps model, 
     and engaging young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

     SEC. 1820A. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2008 through 
     2010 to achieve the purposes of this subtitle.
       (b) Allocation.--Of the amounts appropriated to carry out 
     this subtitle for each fiscal year--
       (1) 90 percent shall be for grants to eligible entities;
       (2) 5 percent shall be technical assistance, and 
     dissemination of best practices; and
       (3) 5 percent shall be for evaluation.

     SEC. 1820B. LEARN AND SERVE AMERICA.

       (a) In General.--To promote Learn and Serve programs that 
     have the potential to reach every student in our public 
     education network and private schools through school-based 
     green service-learning, the Corporation shall establish a 
     competitive grant program for the creation or expansion of 
     such service learning programs.
       (b) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this section, a State Education Agency, Local education 
     Agency, or nonprofit organization shall submit an application 
     with such information and in such time as the Corporation may 
     require.
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--For this purpose, 
     there are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for 
     fiscal year 2009 and such sums as may be necessary 
     thereafter.

     SEC. 1820C. NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS.

       (a) In General.--To promote National Senior Service Corps 
     programs that have the potential to both involve seniors in 
     providing meaningful volunteer opportunities the Corporation 
     shall establish a competitive grant program for the creation 
     or expansion of National Senior Service Corps programs that--
       (1) make effective use of the talents and experience of 
     seniors, particularly baby boomers, in programs and projects 
     involving seniors in the improvement of the energy efficiency 
     of housing for elderly and low-income people;
       (2) building or helping to supervise energy-efficient 
     ``green'' housing for elderly and low-income people; the 
     repair, renovation, or rehabilitation of an existing 
     infrastructure facility including, but not limited to, rail, 
     mass transportation, ports, inland navigation, schools and 
     hospitals; transportation enhancements; recreational trails 
     improvements, including those that enable alternative means 
     of transportation and ensure safe use;
       (3) volunteering in schools to teach or other support 
     environmental education and energy conservation education for 
     elementary and secondary school students and the public; and
       (4) assisting in such other activities as the National 
     Senior Service Corps may identify.
       (b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this section, a program in the National Senior Service Corps 
     shall submit an application with such information and in such 
     time as the Corporation may require.
       (c) Authorization.--For this purpose, there is authorized 
     to be appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such 
     sums as may be necessary thereafter.

  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman 
from Washington (Mr. Inslee) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington.
  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise with Mr. Sarbanes to offer an 
amendment today that will establish an energy conservation corps 
program. This will provide green collar training and educational 
service grants to nonprofit organizations, universities, and State and 
local governments. This is really an exciting opportunity for us to 
create opportunities for young folks to be engaged in this new 
revolution of clean energy in this country.
  The energy conservation corps we envisioned will help revitalize 
communities and preserve and restore the environment, while also 
preparing young people for the responsible and productive lives we know 
they are going to have.
  The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 will create hundreds 
of thousands of new opportunities for Americans. It will give low-
income young people training to fill these green collar jobs that we 
are now excited about and hope for a prosperous and successful future.
  The conservation corps will fund energy conservation installations in 
public spaces, energy efficient green housing for elderly and low-
income people, and restoration of historic structures on public lands. 
It would also provide funding for and repair, renovation, and rehabbing 
of existing infrastructure facilities, and transportation enhancements 
and recreational trail improvements. It is going to help a lot of 
places that we need energy conservation. It also establishes a 
competitive grant program to fund National Senior Service Corps 
programs that will involve seniors in providing meaningful volunteer 
opportunities.
  Now, there are multiple organizations that can participate in this, 
one of which just as an example is the Student Conservation 
Association. Under this grant program, they will be able to deploy 
sustainable community projects which engage disadvantaged and other 
youth to help communities learn energy saving and water conservation 
techniques and strategies to prevent pollution.
  In this program, SCA corps members will be able to provide a variety 
of energy-related services to homeowners, schools, and businesses, and 
communities. These services include outreach and education, facility 
audits, development of energy reduction strategies, and implementation 
in support of these programs. As part of this program, corps members 
will receive training, career development, and life skills while 
helping communities benefit from these sustainable programs.
  I am familiar with this organization, the SCA. My parents led Student 
Conservation Association efforts with young people in Mt. Rainier 
National Park back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and I saw how 
important these programs were both to help these communities, and to 
help the young folks themselves. Because what we have learned is, and 
what I saw firsthand when my folks worked with the SCA kids, once kids 
get involved in volunteer programs, once they get involved in their 
communities, once they get involved in clean energy, they are never 
going to turn back. This is going to be a lifetime pursuit, and there 
is nothing better we can do to help both kids' lives but this clean 
energy revolution we are going to launch in this country.
  So, by establishing the energy conservation corps, we will help make 
our

[[Page H1393]]

Nation's volunteer programs into a true 21st century program, and we 
will also help solve one of the most pressing challenges of this 
century, global warming, while helping our kids as well.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to Chairwoman McCarthy.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I want to say thank you to 
my colleague for offering this amendment, and I certainly fully support 
it. But I want to also address Mr. Flake's concern and clarify: While 
OMB conducted a part assessment on Learn and Serve, the Summer of 
Service initiative, what we are proposing is a new initiative that I 
believe has not been parted.
  So with that being said, I think that when we look at the whole bill, 
and especially for the Summer of Service part, we have an opportunity 
to help our people, our young people during the summertime. This, to 
me, can certainly cut down on what we are seeing in our communities 
across this country right now, on more violence in our communities. We 
have to look at what is the underlying cause.
  With that being said, we are certainly doing the most we can for the 
little amount of money that we have, to make the biggest impact on 
these children's lives. So with that being said, I certainly hope that 
when we come down to it that we will be against Mr. Flake's amendment 
and let this bill go forward, and let's help the young people, let's 
help our veterans, let us help everybody in this particular amendment. 
It is a good bill. It has been overwhelmingly supported on both sides 
of the aisle, but this particular amendment, as far as I am concerned, 
would hurt too many of our young people.

                              {time}  1315

  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized 
for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, while I certainly understand the focus and 
intent of this amendment, I rise in opposition and worry that this 
amendment will create more bureaucracy and administrative costs rather 
than focus on getting dollars out to the participants in the programs.
  The focus of the GIVE Act is on streamlining our national service 
programs to make them more effective, efficient, and accountable. To do 
that, we have refocused a number of programs and added priorities to 
others to ensure that national service funds are being spent on 
initiatives that meet the most pressing needs.
  We have accomplished that by working within the existing program 
structures rather than piling new programs on top of existing programs 
with similar purposes. I share the gentleman's concerns in the area of 
energy conservation. I believe a better approach to this issue would 
have been to work within existing structures. In fact, this bill 
already does that by addressing energy usage and conservation in a 
number of areas.
  Learn and Service, a new Summer of Service program, includes a focus 
on energy conservation. And in the innovative program section of that 
program, energy conservation is specifically included as a type of 
program eligible for funding.
  Under the National Civilian Community Corps, energy conservation was 
specifically added as a new purpose for that program. And under the 
programs of national significance authority within the Senior Corps, 
energy conservation and environmental stewardship were added as types 
of programs eligible for funding.
  Obviously, infrastructure issues are found throughout the bill 
because we recognize that this is a priority in many locations. But 
establishing a new corps that will siphon away already scarce resources 
will only undermine the efforts of the amendment's sponsors to bring 
greater focus to these types of programs.
  I understand this amendment authorizes $10 million for fiscal year 
2009. Well, not within this specific act, but the Public Land Corps 
within the Department of the Interior already exists and is funded by 
the Federal Government at the amount of $2.5 million this year and it 
is authorized for $12 million. This program, the Public Land Corps, 
engages disadvantaged youth ages 16-24 in protecting public lands and 
the environment, including global warming and emissions reduction.
  So my opposition is not to the focus of the effort, but I believe we 
are being duplicative and are going to waste hours on administrative 
costs in creating a new program rather than investing these dollars in 
existing programs that will better focus on energy conservation.
  So I would encourage a ``no'' vote, and ask Members to vote ``no.''
  Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 10 seconds to the gentlewoman from 
New York (Mrs. McCarthy).
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I just want to clarify I certainly am in 
support of the Inslee-Sarbanes amendment. I just wanted to clarify 
that.
  Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes).
  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Chairman, I just want to say that I am in strong 
support of this amendment. I am glad to cosponsor it with Congressman 
Inslee.
  The way we are going to make improvement with our environment is when 
hundreds of thousands of people develop the habits that clean up the 
environment instead of having the habits that hurt the environment. 
There is no better way to do this than to establish this Energy 
Conservation Corps which brings a service dimension for our young 
people and for our seniors in the Learn and Service programs to support 
this green frontier that we are embarked upon.
  So I think it is a critical boost to the other efforts that we are 
making on the energy horizon.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I just want to again emphasize that the GIVE Act specifically 
includes ``energy conservation and stewardship as specified allowable 
uses of grant funds in programs already in place.'' So I would 
encourage a ``no'' vote.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chairman announced that the 
ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Washington 
will be postponed.
  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do 
now rise.
  The motion was agreed to.
  Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. 
Obey) having assumed the chair, Mr. Holden, Acting Chairman of the 
Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, reported that 
that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2857) to 
reauthorize and reform the national service laws, had come to no 
resolution thereon.

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