[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 18, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H3594-H3600]
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 250 and rule 
XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House 
on the State of the Union for the further consideration of the bill, 
H.R. 1388.

                              {time}  1418


                     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 further consideration of 
the bill (H.R. 1388) to reauthorize and reform the national service 
laws, with Mr. Pastor of Arizona in the chair.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The CHAIR. When the Committee of the Whole rose earlier today, 
amendment No. 5 had been postponed.


                 Amendment No. 6 Offered by Ms. Kilroy

  The CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 6 printed in 
House Report 111-39.
  Ms. KILROY. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 6 offered by Ms. Kilroy:
       In section 122(a)(2)(A) of the National and Community 
     Service Act of 1990 as proposed to be amended by section 1302 
     of the bill, redesignate clauses (vii) and (viii) as clauses 
     (ix) and (x), respectively, and insert after clause (vi) the 
     following new clauses:
       ``(vii) addressing childhood obesity by providing 
     volunteers to organize and supervise physical education 
     classes and after school physical activities at elementary 
     and secondary schools and providing nutrition education to 
     students;
       ``(viii) addressing issues faced by homebound elderly 
     citizens through food deliveries, legal and medical services 
     provided in the home, and providing transportation;''

  The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 250, the gentlewoman from 
Ohio (Ms. Kilroy) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Ohio.
  Ms. KILROY. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today regarding my amendment to the Generations Invigorating 
Volunteerism and Education Act, or the GIVE Act.
  My amendment would add additional opportunities to the GIVE Act by 
adding the Healthy Futures Corps, by helping children and the elderly.
  Mr. Chairman and Members, as a former VISTA volunteer, as a former 
school board member who helped bring City Year to my community, and as 
a former county commissioner who worked diligently on the issues of 
childhood obesity and hunger in our community, as well as with senior 
options, issues facing our homebound elderly, this amendment continues 
some of the issues and concerns that I have seen and recognized back in 
central Ohio.
  As somebody who has had close involvement with AmeriCorps and City 
Year and with VISTA, I can assert that these are very cost-effective 
programs that provide vital services to our community. In this 
instance, today, in Ohio, more than 30 percent of our children between 
the ages of 10 to 17 are found to be overweight or obese.
  As we know, childhood obesity leads to lifelong health consequences, 
including diabetes and heart disease. Our poorest children are more 
than twice as likely to be overweight. At a time when our schools are 
facing cuts, physical education classes are being cut and parents are 
working more than one job to keep families together, this program would 
allow us to step up, to help educate our children about living healthy 
lifestyles.
  My amendment focuses volunteers towards programs that combat obesity 
through physical education for children, after-school activities and 
nutrition classes. We simply cannot continue to ignore this nationwide 
epidemic and also the corollary epidemics of preventable chronic 
diseases.
  Physical education opportunities not only help to build strong bodies 
but help to build for these children habits for a healthy lifetime of 
good, healthy living. And, as I have seen this as a

[[Page H3595]]

member of the school board, I believe that including physical education 
and exercise in our children's daily lives also helps them improve 
their learning.
  Along with our children, our elderly face challenges in obtaining 
access to health care and other services. Many senior citizens face 
restrictions on their movement, making them unable to leave their 
homes. It shuts them off from the world, and not only from medical 
care, but from social interaction, from companionship, dealing with 
other human beings.
  Our homebound elderly struggle to get food and adequate nutrition, 
because they are unable to shop for groceries. It can be a lonely life 
and a dangerous one where a fall can mean a painful end of their life. 
My amendment would also allow volunteers to bring food, medical 
supplies, and legal counsel to these senior citizens who may never be 
able to access these services otherwise.
  I ask for support of children and the elderly by supporting my 
amendment to direct volunteer services towards combating childhood 
obesity and providing services to the homebound elderly, to our senior 
citizens who we need to respect and care for in their later years.
  Mr. Chairman, America is facing unprecedented challenges, and it is 
in these times that Americans must come together to support one another 
by directing our attention to those who truly need our help.
  It was heartwarming to me to learn in our local newspapers that many 
people who have lost their jobs are devoting themselves to 
volunteerism, putting their talents to work.
  President Obama has called on Congress to create new opportunities 
for Americans, to build a stronger country, stronger communities and 
calling for a new era of service.
  This bill, the GIVE Act, is an answer to that call, a call to all 
Americans to help give back to their communities and to offer help to 
those of us in greatest need.
  Again, I can testify from my experience as a VISTA volunteer and 
being inspired by the young people in City Year, we see people helping 
people, helping themselves. We see young people becoming role models 
for other young people, and we see these young volunteers, themselves, 
learning and developing their own leadership skills.
  I support the GIVE Act. It helps people of all ages, from our schools 
and our school children to our seniors and encourages others to invest 
their time and passion in their communities.
  I urge support of this bill, which will signal a new era of social 
responsibility.
  The CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time 
in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to the 
amendment.
  The CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from Pennsylvania is 
recognized for 5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I would just quickly say I support the 
amendment, commend the maker of the amendment, the gentlelady from 
Ohio, for ensuring that through the GIVE Act we are looking out for our 
Nation's youth and our elderly, especially when it comes to their 
health and nutrition, and especially in the area of physical fitness. 
As we know, many schools are struggling to be able to provide physical 
education classes.
  I have a fourth grader and sixth grader and know how important those 
classes are to them, both from a health standpoint and from just a 
release to be out of school now and then and burn off a little energy. 
I think that probably makes them all the more focused in the classroom 
and maybe a little less antsy in the classroom, which benefits their 
teachers as well.
  I support the amendment.
  I yield 3 minutes to the gentlelady from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).
  Ms. FOXX. I want to thank my colleague from Pennsylvania for yielding 
the time.
  I want to thank the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kilroy) for her 
service in various governmental capacities and for her amendment. We 
all agree that service to this Nation is important. That's why all of 
us are here. We serve our constituents.
  So I would like to ask the gentlewoman, Ms. Kilroy, why she voted to 
block consideration of a bill to require the Treasury Secretary to 
recoup the outrageous bonuses to AIG employees.
  This week, $165 million was awarded to 73 AIG employees. Today's vote 
would have stopped the bonus payments on behalf of American taxpayers 
and prevented future abuses of bailout funds. All Americans, my 
constituents, your constituents, which we serve, are outraged over this 
because it is taxpayers who are keeping this country alive.
  So I ask the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kilroy) why she didn't stand 
up and serve her constituents today. We all had a chance to do 
something today.
  I would like to yield to the gentlewoman for a response.
  Ms. KILROY. Mr. Chairman, I would like to address those comments. 
Nobody is more outraged by the actions of AIG than myself.
  Ms. FOXX. Reclaiming my time, I would like to ask the gentlewoman to 
answer my question. Why did you not vote for that bill to stop these 
payments?
  Ms. KILROY. If the gentlelady will yield, there have been votes on 
record in this House, including a vote prior to the last allocation of 
TARP funds, in which I am on record as asking for restrictions on 
executive compensation.
  Ms. FOXX. Reclaiming my time, I would like to ask the gentlelady to 
answer my question.
  The CHAIR. Members should direct their remarks in debate to the 
Chair.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Chairman, I have asked the gentlewoman from Ohio for a 
simple answer and I am not getting that. I would like to ask her to 
please answer the question that I asked her: Why did she not vote to 
stop the bonuses to the AIG employees?
  Does the gentlelady refuse to answer?
  The CHAIR. Members are reminded to direct their comments to the 
Chair.
  Ms. FOXX. I yield to the gentlelady from OHio.
  Ms. KILROY. It appears the gentlelady from North Carolina does not 
like the answers that she has been receiving.
  I am on record as being against excessive compensation, restrictions 
on bonuses paid to those recipients of the TARP fund.
  I think there should be a time and a place for this debate, and it is 
unfortunate that a debate on volunteerism and service has been turned 
into a debate on another issue.
  Ms. FOXX. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, the gentlewoman from Ohio 
says there is a time and place for this debate. She indicates this is 
not the time and place.
  It is my belief that this is the time and place for that debate. It 
is a time and place for there to be accountability and responsibility. 
We have heard those words over and over and over from the other side 
and from the President. It's time that the other side decides to live 
up to their responsibility and their accountability.
  The CHAIR. The gentleman from Pennsylvania has 1 minute remaining.

                              {time}  1430

  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I again rise in support of the amendment, 
and thank the maker of the amendment for offering it and urge a ``yes'' 
vote.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kilroy).
  The question was taken; and the Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Ms. KILROY. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
  The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on 
the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Ohio will be postponed.


                 Amendment No. 7 Offered by Mr. Roskam

  The CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 7 printed in 
House Report 111-39.
  Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 7 offered by Mr. Roskam:
       In the table of contents in section 1(b) of the bill, 
     strike the item relating to section 1601 of the bill and 
     insert the following:


[[Page H3596]]


    ``Sec. 1601. Family and medical leave and reports.''.

       In section 1513 of the bill, strike paragraphs (1) and (2), 
     and redesignate paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (1) and 
     (2), respectively.
       Amend section 1601 of the bill to read as follows:

     SEC. 1601. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE AND REPORTS.

       (a) 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''.
       (b) Reports.--Section 172 (42 U.S.C. 12632) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Evaluation Using Program Assessment Rating Tool.--
       ``(1) Study.--The Director of the Office of Management and 
     Budget shall conduct a study to evaluate the programs 
     authorized by this Act, including the amendments made by this 
     Act, under the Program Assessment Rating Tool or a successor 
     performance assessment tool that is developed by the Office 
     of Management and Budget.
       ``(2) Report.--The Director shall transmit to Congress a 
     report on the results of the study conducted under paragraph 
     (1) within 1 year of the date of enactment of this 
     subsection.
       ``(e) GAO Study.--
       ``(1) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study 
     of the National Civilian Community Corps program authorized 
     under subtitle E of title I.
       ``(2) Components of study.--The study conducted under 
     paragraph (1) shall consist of--
       ``(A) a comprehensive examination of the program;
       ``(B) an examination of the programs cost-effectiveness, 
     particularly in relation to other comparable AmeriCorps 
     service programs;
       ``(C) whether the program has data and quantifiable 
     measures to adequately assess the program's progress toward 
     achieving its strategic goals;
       ``(D) a review of the Office of Management and Budget's 
     2005 Program Assessment Rating Tool assessment of the 
     program; and
       ``(E) recommendations for future Congressional treatment of 
     the program, particularly assessing whether the program is 
     duplicative or could be more efficiently managed.
       ``(3) Submission.--The results of the study conducted under 
     paragraph (1) shall be submitted within 6 months of the date 
     of enactment of this subsection.''.

  The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 250, the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Roskam) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
  Mr. ROSKAM. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In a nutshell, this is an 
amendment that is meant to follow on some of the themes that President 
Obama articulated in his inauguration where he said--and I'm 
paraphrasing--``Programs that are good, we are going to continue to do, 
but those that are not so good, let's not do them.''
  Toward that end, this is an attempt to give us a diagnostic tool to 
make sure that we have a clear understanding of what's working and 
what's not working.
  So, in a nutshell, Mr. Chairman, the amendment directs the Office of 
Management and Budget to evaluate all programs authorized by the entire 
legislation under the Program Assessment Rating Tool or some successor 
standard to that.
  It also directs the GAO to conduct a review of the National Civilian 
Community Corps program, and it strikes one of the underlying 
provisions of the bill which, in my view, and I hope in the majority's 
view, we can do a little bit better, which would have eliminated the 
Community Corps' annual reporting requirement, and it would have said 
let us evaluate this in 2014. But instead, with the amendment, if it's 
adopted, Mr. Chairman, it will say let's continue on an annual basis 
with the evaluations.
  So I think it's short, sweet, not meant to be controversial, and it's 
my understanding that it is perceived in that way.
  With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim time in 
opposition, although we do not oppose the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Blumenauer). Is there objection to the request 
of the gentleman from New Jersey?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Chairman, I thank you. We will support this 
amendment because we certainly want whatever analytical tools the 
Office of Management and Budget or whomever uses to rigorously look at 
all aspects of this bill and this program.
  We believe that it's a very sound program, but we certainly invite 
rigorous scrutiny of the expenditures of the program when it's adopted.
  I do want to address some of the remarks by my dear friend from North 
Carolina. I notice she's left the floor.
  She asked the rhetorical question, Mr. Chairman, ``When is the right 
time to discuss the bonuses paid by some of the recipients of the 
financial recovery legislation of last fall?'' The answer is: Probably 
within the next 24 hours.
  It's the intention of the House leadership, my understanding, to 
bring to the floor a bill which does not make a political point but 
actually solves the problem.
  So I think the short answer to the gentlelady's rhetorical question 
is: The right time is when you know what you're doing, when you have 
found the mechanism that will actually solve the problem, and you can 
bring the bill to the floor when it's the issue on the floor, and not 
make it into an ancillary diversion, which is what happened here.
  This bill is about improving and strengthening national service. We 
believe this amendment is consistent with the bill, and we will support 
the amendment.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ROSKAM. I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. Roe).
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise in 
support of conducting a GAO study of whether the NCCC and PART programs 
are accomplishing their mission in a cost-effective manner.
  While reauthorizing the Corporation for National and Community 
Service in our committee, I learned that approximately up to $27,000 
dollars is spent per volunteer in the NCCC. In Tennessee, where I am 
from, you can go to a university in our State for 3 years for that.
  I understand that this is a residential program, so there are 
additional costs for this program that don't exist for other programs, 
but it still seems high to me. I think it would be helpful to have an 
independent evaluation of this program to prove its effectiveness, and 
I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. ANDREWS. I support the amendment and yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. ROSKAM. I thank the gentleman from New Jersey, thank the 
gentleman from Tennessee, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Roskam).
  The amendment was agreed to.


           Amendment No. 8 Offered by Ms. Markey of Colorado

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 8 
printed in House Report 111-39.
  Ms. MARKEY of Colorado. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the 
desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 8 offered by Ms. Markey of Colorado:
       In section 129A(b) of the National and Community Service 
     Act of 1990 (as proposed to be inserted by section 1307 of 
     the bill), strike ``$600'' and insert ``$800'' and strike 
     ``$800'' and insert ``$1,000''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 250, the gentlewoman 
from Colorado (Ms. Markey) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Colorado.
  Ms. MARKEY of Colorado. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume. I'd like to thank Chairman Miller, Congresswoman McCarthy, 
and the entire committee for their diligent work on this important 
legislation.
  I rise today to urge my colleagues to support my amendment to H.R. 
1388. My amendment would increase the amount of funds that go to 
organizations to support national servicemembers. AmeriCorps is one 
such organization, and its members are making a difference in 
communities across the United States.
  Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all 
ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with 
local and national nonprofit groups, including nine in my home State of 
Colorado.

[[Page H3597]]

  These projects have helped to coordinate such days as Martin Luther 
King Day of Service and Colorado Cares Day.
  Within my congressional district, the Weld County Youth Conservation 
Corps contracts with the city of Greeley and does everything from 
working in museums to making buildings handicapped-accessible to 
eradicating weeds in our State parks. The Corps maintains the Poudre 
River Trail Corridor, works at the Wray Fish Hatchery, and supports the 
forest service. In my rural district, VISTA members address poverty 
needs and disaster relief.
  Additionally, one of my constituents, Justin Horn, won ``Corps Member 
of the Year'' for the State of Colorado in 2008. Constituents in my 
district contribute to the great work being done around Colorado, along 
with 75,000 AmeriCorps programs across the country.
  To help our men and women do this admirable work, Congress 
established the Education Award Program in 1998 in order to address 
concerns about costs organizations incurred from hosting national 
servicemembers.
  Currently, organizations receive only $600 to support the individuals 
who are enrolled in full-time national service positions. This small 
amount helps to pay for operational and member support costs, including 
a living allowance. My amendment proposes an increase to that amount. 
In today's economy, these organizations are struggling.
  My amendment is not only an investment that will boost these 
organizations and their noble work but, at the same time, improve these 
communities throughout the United States.
  I urge all Members to support my amendment to H.R. 1388.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chair, I rise to claim time in opposition, but I rise 
in support of the amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PLATTS. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  As I said, I rise in support of the amendment in strong recognition 
of the National Service Corporation's request for this additional 
ability to ensure they can recruit needed personnel.
  So I urge a ``yes'' vote.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Would the gentlewoman from Colorado 
yield?
  Ms. MARKEY of Colorado. Yes, I yield.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I want to thank the gentlewoman for 
introducing this amendment. It's an important amendment so that we can 
preserve the quality of these programs, and we can make sure that they 
remain accessible to all those who want to participate.
  This will help such grantees as the Boys and Girls Club of America, 
the Student Conservation Association, and so many other organizations 
that are responsible for covering this cost. This will help them out in 
that effort.
  They clearly are putting their own resources into this program. This 
is the Federal Government providing up as a good partner to increase 
the opportunities that the gentlewoman from Colorado has supported and 
spoken to the committee about.
  We support the amendment. Thank you.
  Ms. MARKEY of Colorado. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. Markey).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Ms. MARKEY of Colorado. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Colorado 
will be postponed.


                  Amendment No. 9 Offered by Mr. Hill

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 9 
printed in House Report 111-39.
  Mr. HILL. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 9 offered by Mr. Hill:
       In section 122(b)(1)(I) of the National and Community 
     Service Act of 1990 as proposed to be amended by section 1302 
     of the bill, insert ``, such as sending care packages to 
     members of the Armed Forces deployed in combat zones 
     overseas'' before the period.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 250, the gentleman 
from Indiana (Mr. Hill) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Indiana.
  Mr. HILL. I am happy that we are taking up this important piece of 
legislation today. I think it's the right thing to do. The President 
and the First Lady have, of course, been strong advocates for national 
service programs.
  The amendment that I am offering today evolved as a result of a bill 
that I introduced in this session. It's House Resolution 1090, called 
the Homefront Heroes Tax Relief Act. It's a bill that gives support to 
our troops and our military families who are serving our country.
  This legislation actually came about because of a constituent of mine 
in Bloomington, Indiana--Indiana University Professor Catherine 
Dalton--who came up with the idea. She had been sending care packages 
to Iraq and incurring a lot of expense. These care packages were sent 
to families and to soldiers in Iraq that were not related to her own 
family.
  Everybody wants to help our troops, and this fine young woman was 
doing just that. She was helping our troops, on her own. But she was 
also incurring a lot of expense. So she came to me and said, 
``Congressman Hill, I think it would be a good idea to help people like 
myself who are trying to help our troops, and that is the expenses that 
we incur are tax deductible on our income taxes.''
  So I filed the bill, the Homefront Heroes Tax Relief Act, to allow 
people like Professor Dalton to do just that.
  So my amendment simply ensures that sending care packages to members 
of the armed services deployed in combat are also included in the 
eligible national service program.
  Currently, people like Professor Dalton have to just absorb these 
expenses. If this amendment is passed, it would allow volunteer 
programs that send care packages to members of the armed services to be 
eligible for grant funding under the GIVE Act.
  With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim time in 
opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to the 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PLATTS. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in 
strong support of the amendment. I thank the gentleman from Indiana for 
offering this amendment.
  Having had the privilege to visit our courageous troops eight times 
in Iraq and five times in Afghanistan, I know how much these care 
packages from home really mean to the troops, and how they look forward 
to them and what a morale boost it is.
  I think recognizing this type of service, especially to those who are 
serving us in harm's way, is a wonderful amendment, a change to the 
legislation, and urge a ``yes'' vote.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Will the gentleman yield for 30 
seconds?
  Mr. HILL. I will yield.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I just want to commend him for 
offering this amendment, for all of his work on behalf of not only our 
veterans, but service people on active duty and in support of his 
constituent from Indiana that came up with this idea to start sending 
care packages to our troops in service in the theaters of battle.
  We clearly think this is a consistent use and allowable use under the 
National Service Act, and we welcome the amendment and support it.
  Mr. HILL. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the 
chairman and the ranking member for this bipartisan support. This is a 
bipartisan bill and amendment, and I am sure it will gain a lot of 
Democrat and Republican votes.

[[Page H3598]]

  This is the right thing to do. This is how democracy is supposed to 
work. We are supposed to listen to our constituents who have good ideas 
and come here to Washington to pass good legislation. So I am happy 
that we have this bipartisan support.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill).
  The amendment was agreed to.

                              {time}  1445


                 Amendment No. 10 Offered by Mr. Teague

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 10 
printed in House Report 111-39.
  Mr. TEAGUE. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 10 offered by Mr. Teague:
       In section 122(a)(4)(A)(ii) of the National and Community 
     Service Act of 1990 (as proposed to be inserted by section 
     1302 of the bill), insert after ``opportunities'' the 
     following: ``, including such opportunities that reflect 
     their military experience''.
       In section 122(a)(4)(A)(iii) of the National and Community 
     Service Act of 1990 (as proposed to be inserted by section 
     1302 of the bill), insert after ``certification'' the 
     following: ``, licensure, and credentials, including 
     coordinating with and assisting State and local agencies 
     administering veterans education benefits and programs for 
     internships and fellowships that could lead to employment in 
     the private and public sector''.
       In section 122(a)(4)(A)(iv) of the National and Community 
     Service Act of 1990 (as proposed to be inserted by section 
     1302 of the bill), strike ``active duty military members'' 
     and insert the following: ``members of the Armed Forces 
     serving on active duty, including such efforts to help 
     veterans file benefits claims and assist Federal agencies in 
     providing services to veterans''.
       In section 122(a)(4)(A)(vi) of the National and Community 
     Service Act of 1990 (as proposed to be inserted by section 
     1302 of the bill), insert after ``disabled,'' the following: 
     ``rural,''.
       In section 122(a)(4)(A)(vi) of the National and Community 
     Service Act of 1990 (as proposed to be inserted by section 
     1302 of the bill), insert after ``veterans'' the following: 
     ``, including such projects that assist such veterans with 
     transportation''.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 250, the gentleman 
from New Mexico (Mr. Teague) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Mexico.
  Mr. TEAGUE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an important 
amendment to an important piece of legislation, the GIVE Act. My 
amendment, which I am offering together with my friend, Congressman 
Klein of Florida, establishes that a Veterans Volunteer Corps would 
engage in activities that are important to veterans in my district and 
across the country.
  Those activities include: Helping veterans pursue education and 
employment by coordinating with State and local agencies that 
administer education and job programs for veterans; helping veterans 
file benefit claims; and, aiding rural, disabled, and unemployed 
veterans with transportation needs.
  This amendment is especially important for veterans in rural areas 
like the one I represent. Many veterans in my district have to travel 4 
hours or more to reach a veterans hospital for doctor appointments. For 
folks who would require constant medical care, the burden of this 
travel weighs heavily on both the veteran and his or her family. 
Ensuring that a veteran can receive a helping hand for transportation 
through the GIVE Act will mean so much to men and women in Southern New 
Mexico and rural areas across the country.
  Additionally, providing access to knowledgeable volunteers for 
veterans applying for their benefits can be a guiding light through the 
maze of the benefits application process. Veterans service 
organizations across the country already provide assistance like this 
at veterans benefits centers often on a volunteer basis. My amendment 
bolsters their critical service.
  Mr. Chairman, this amendment invests in our veteran community, while 
also allowing our veterans to invest in themselves and their fellow 
vets.
  I thank my chairman on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Congressman 
Filner, for his assistance and support of this amendment, and I thank 
Chairman Miller.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time 
in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed.
  The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 
5 minutes.
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I just rise in support of the amendment. I want to commend the 
gentlemen from both New Mexico and Florida for offering this amendment, 
a great addition to the bill, and, as with the previous amendment, 
ensuring we do right by those who are serving our Nation, past and 
present, and that we recognize the sacrifices they have made in defense 
of our Nation, along with their families, and that we now keep our 
commitment as a Nation to them. I urge a ``yes'' vote.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. TEAGUE. I yield to Chairman Miller 30 seconds.
  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. I thank the gentleman for yielding. 
I want to thank him for bringing this to the committee and offering 
this amendment.
  All of us in our congressional offices know how thin the support 
services for the veterans as they seek out occupational opportunities, 
therapy opportunities, all of the needs that our returning veterans 
have. The gentleman is making a great contribution to this legislation, 
especially since this is the first time that we have fully integrated 
veterans into the national service corps of this Nation. These kinds of 
services are in desperate need in so many areas of the country. This is 
a very important amendment to making sure that our veterans are able to 
proceed with all of their needs when they return home.
  I thank the gentleman for offering the amendment, and I urge passage 
of the amendment.
  Mr. TEAGUE. Mr. Chairman, I yield the remaining time to the cosponsor 
of this amendment, Congressman Klein of Florida.
  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. I thank the gentleman.
  Mr. Chairman, Members, I rise in strong support of this amendment and 
the underlying bill. Congressman Teague and I introduced this amendment 
in order to clarify the services that could be formed by Veterans' 
Corps volunteers anywhere.
  I represent Palm Beach and Broward Counties in south Florida, home to 
many of our Nation's veterans. We all agree that when Americans who 
wear the military uniform return from service, they deserve to be 
treated with the highest level of respect and dignity that they have 
earned. This includes making sure they receive the benefits they are 
entitled to, and I know we all share that commitment.
  While the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and military 
staff work hard to ensure that every veteran gets full advantage of the 
benefits they have earned, some veterans still have difficulty 
navigating the system and coming up with all the necessary documents. 
By allowing trained Veterans' Corps volunteers to guide them through 
this process, we can ensure more veterans obtain the benefits they were 
promised.
  With thousands of new servicemembers returning from Afghanistan and 
Iraq, the job of the Veterans' Corps is more critical than ever. As of 
September 2008, 330,000 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans have filed 
disability claims with the VA; yet, 54,000 are still waiting for 
confirmation that the VA even received their claims. The average wait 
for a disability claim is more than 6 months. This amendment could help 
these veterans access the services they need.
  I can think of few priorities greater or more urgent than providing 
basic services such as these to our brave men and women who serve to 
protect our country, secure our peace, and safeguard our way of life.
  I would like to thank my colleague, Congressman Teague, for working 
with me on this amendment, and particularly Chairman Miller for 
introducing this important piece of legislation, which will enable 
hundreds of thousands of Americans to dedicate their time to a cause 
that is bigger than themselves through volunteerism and community 
service. I urge adoption of

[[Page H3599]]

this amendment and a ``yes'' vote on the underlying legislation for the 
betterment of our community and our country as a whole.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Teague).
  The amendment was agreed to.


                 Amendment No. 11 Offered by Ms. Titus

  The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 11 
printed in House Report 111-39.
  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.
  The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:

       Amendment No. 11 offered by Ms. Titus:
        In the table of contents in section 1(b) of the bill, 
     strike the item relating to section 1804 and insert the 
     following:

Sec. 1804. Innovative and Model Program Support and National Service 
              Reserve Corps.
       In section 193A(b)(20) of the National and Community 
     Service Act of 1990 (as proposed to be inserted by section 
     1704 of the bill), strike ``section 198F'' and insert 
     ``section 198G''.

       In the section heading of section 1804, insert ``AND 
     NATIONAL SERVICE RESERVE CORPS'' after ``INNOVATIVE AND MODEL 
     PROGRAM SUPPORT''.

       In the matter proposed to be inserted by section 1804 of 
     the bill, amend the heading relating to part II of subtitle H 
     of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to read as 
     follows:

  PART II--INNOVATIVE AND MODEL PROGRAM SUPPORT AND NATIONAL SERVICE 
                             RESERVE CORPS

       In section 1804 of the bill, strike the close quotation 
     mark and following period after the matter proposed to be 
     inserted by such section, and insert at the end of such 
     section the following:

     ``SEC. 198E. NATIONAL SERVICE RESERVE CORPS.

       ``(a) Definitions.-- In this section--
       ``(1) the term `term of national service' means a term or 
     period of service--
       ``(A) under subtitle C, E, or G or sections 198B or 198F of 
     this Act, or under part A of title I of the Domestic 
     Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4951 et seq.); or
       ``(B) under an annual service requirement, which may 
     include an annual training session under subsection (b), as 
     determined by the Corporation of not less than 10 hours.
       ``(2) the term `National Service Reserve Corps member' 
     means an individual who--
       ``(A) has completed a term of national service;
       ``(B) has successfully completed training described in 
     subsection (b) within the previous 2 years; and
       ``(C) has indicated interest to the Corporation in 
     responding to national disasters and other emergencies in a 
     timely manner through the National Service Reserve Corps.
       ``(3) Establishment of national service reserve corps.--The 
     Corporation shall establish a National Service Reserve Corps 
     to prepare and deploy National Service Reserve Corps. In 
     carrying out this section, the Corporation may work with 
     organizations representing individuals who have completed a 
     term of national service, as well as directly with such 
     individuals.
       ``(b) Annual Training.--The Corporation shall, in 
     consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency 
     Management Agency, conduct or coordinate annual training 
     sessions for individuals who have completed a term of 
     national service, and who wish to join the National Service 
     Reserve Corps.
       ``(c) Certification of Organizations.--
       ``(1) On a biannual basis, the Corporation shall certify 
     organizations with demonstrated experience in responding to 
     disasters, including through using volunteers, for 
     participation in the program under this section.
       ``(2) The Corporation shall ensure that every certified 
     organization is--
       ``(A) prepared to respond to major disasters or 
     emergencies;
       ``(B) prepared and able to utilize National Service Reserve 
     Members in responding; and
       ``(C) willing to respond in a timely manner when notified 
     by the Corporation of a disaster or emergency.
       ``(d) Databases.--The Corporation shall develop or contract 
     with an outside organization to develop--
       ``(1) a database of all National Service Reserve Corps 
     members; and
       ``(2) a database of all nonprofit organizations that have 
     been certified by the Corporation under subsection (c).
       ``(e) Deployment of National Service Reserve Corps.--
       ``(1) In general.--If a major disaster or emergency 
     designated by the President under the Robert T. Stafford 
     Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 
     et seq.) occurs and the Corporation, in consultation with the 
     Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
     determines is an incident for which National Service Reserve 
     Corps members are prepared to assist, the Corporation shall--
       ``(A) deploy interested National Service Reserve Corps 
     members on 30-day assignments to assist with local needs 
     related to preparing or recovering from the incident in the 
     affected area, through organizations certified under 
     subsection (c);
       ``(B) make travel arrangements for the deployed National 
     Service Reserve Corps members to the site of the incident; 
     and
       ``(C) provide funds to those organizations that are 
     responding to the incident with deployed National Service 
     Reserve Corps members, to enable the organizations to 
     coordinate and provide housing, living stipends, and 
     insurance for those deployed members.
       ``(2) Allowance.--Any amounts that are utilized by the 
     Corporation from funds appropriated under section 
     501(a)(2)(F) to carry out paragraph (1) for a fiscal year 
     shall be kept in a separate fund. Any amounts in such fund 
     that are not used during a fiscal year shall remain available 
     to use to help organizations pay Reserve Corps Members an 
     allowance, determined by the Corporation, for out-of-pocket 
     expenses.
       ``(3) Information.--The Corporation, the State Commissions, 
     and entities receiving financial assistance for programs 
     under subtitle C, E, or G or section 198F of this Act, or 
     under part A of title I of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act 
     of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4951 et seq.), shall inform participants 
     of those programs of the National Service Reserve Corps upon 
     the participants' completion of their term of national 
     service.
       ``(4) Coordination.-- In deploying National Service Reserve 
     Corps members under this subsection, the Corporation may 
     consult and, as appropriate, partner with Citizen Corps 
     programs in the affected area.''.

       In the matter proposed to be inserted by section 1805 of 
     the bill, redesignate section 198E of the National and 
     Community Service Act of 1990 as section 198F.

       In the matter proposed to be inserted by section 1806 of 
     the bill, redesignate section 198F of the National and 
     Community Service Act of 1990 as section 198G.

       In the table of contents of the National and Community 
     Service Act of 1990 (as proposed to be amended by section 
     4104 of the bill), strike the item relating to part II of 
     subtitle H and insert the following:

  Part II--Innovative and Model Program Support and National Service 
                             Reserve Corps

       In the table of contents of the National and Community 
     Service Act of 1990 (as proposed to be amended by section 
     4101 of the bill), after the item relating to section 198D, 
     insert the following:

Sec. 198E. National Service Reserve Corps.
       In the table of contents of the National and Community 
     Service Act of 1990 (as proposed to be amended by section 
     4101 of the bill), strike the item relating to section 198E 
     and insert the following:

Sec. 198F. Social Innovation Fund.

       In the table of contents of the National and Community 
     Service Act of 1990 (as proposed to be amended by section 
     4101 of the bill), strike the item relating to section 198F 
     and insert the following:

Sec. 198G. National Service Programs Clearinghouse.

  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 250, the gentlewoman 
from Nevada (Ms. Titus) and a Member opposed each will control 5 
minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Nevada.
  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of this amendment, which will create a 
National Service Reserve Corps.
  In recent years, we have watched with broken hearts when the 
aftermath of some natural disaster has left people homeless, jobless, 
and helpless. But we have also felt, as we witnessed our fellow 
citizens rise to the occasion with perseverance and selflessness to 
assist those in need, a real hope for the future.
  Many wonderful Americans, including Members of this body, have 
reached into their hearts and their pockets to help, to serve, to work, 
and to give. The creation of a National Service Reserve Corps will make 
sure that those who are most eager to serve and already have the 
training that communities need can be deployed quickly and effectively.
  Our amendment will create a National Service Reserve Corps composed 
of alumni of AmericaCorps and Senior Corps programs. These wonderful 
volunteers can be identified and called upon in time of natural 
disasters and emergencies to start the relief and rebuilding process 
post haste. The corps members will not only have the valuable training 
and experience from their year of service, but they will also receive 
annual training sessions in emergency response.
  Our Nation is facing numerous economic challenges, and Nevada, my 
State, is one of the hardest hit. We have endured record foreclosures 
and an unemployment rate that is approaching double digits. Nevada 
AmeriCorps volunteers have been invaluable to our communities in need. 
Over 2,000 AmericaCorps members have

[[Page H3600]]

served in 15 different programs; they have provided more than 2.5 
million hours of service, and have earned over $4.7 million in 
education credits. In 2007, AmericaCorps programs contributed over 
25,000 hours of service to Nevada, and members recruited over 3,300 
community volunteers who then gave more than 23,000 hours of service.
  With public need rising all across the country, we must do all we can 
to shore up volunteer programs and provide opportunities to those who 
want to be of service. By creating a National Service Reserve Corps, we 
will create an organized deployment system for those citizens who are 
ready to serve and are trained to do so.
  We will also show volunteers and anyone who is considering a year of 
national service that we value their contributions and we will continue 
to honor it in the years to come. So I encourage my colleagues to 
support this amendment as well as final passage of the GIVE Act.
  Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. 
Perriello).
  Mr. PERRIELLO. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this great 
national service bill, and specifically the Reserve Corps amendment. I 
rise also as a proud member of the community service generation. My 
generation, which was often given a hard time for not voting, was 
always volunteering in record numbers. We did believe in the idea of 
civic duty and community service that we had learned from our 
grandparents in the greatest generation, and we saw through the 
original AmericaCorps programs and others what a great idea service 
was. Not only was it a chance to help out those struggling in our 
community, but it was a chance to build our own character and our own 
sense of commitment to community and to country.
  I come from the nonprofit sector. I spent most of the last decade 
before Congress in the nonprofit sector, and I have not had a day of 
that experience go by that I did not feel that I had benefited as much 
as I had helped. I have worked in West Africa, in Darfur, and in the 
communities with at-risk kids back here at home, and always enjoyed and 
celebrated that time.
  There are a few things that I have learned from that time in the 
nonprofit sector that I believe have gone into this Reserve Corps 
amendment. First and foremost is the idea that once you get someone to 
volunteer for a little piece of time, you have turned them into a 
volunteer for life. Volunteering is a wonderful program, and where we 
can reach out and help people become volunteers we will see that 
continue to come back to our communities time and time again.
  And this cannot be something that is only affordable to those with 
wealth. We have so many displaced workers who want to volunteer, senior 
citizens who want to volunteer, community and high school students. And 
we need to be celebrating and fostering that spirit of service.
  Finally, we need to respect and understand the level of 
professionalism in our nonprofit and volunteer sector. People learn 
skills here that are incredibly valuable to our community, and this 
Reserve Corps is based on the idea that once we have made that 
investment in giving someone the skills to be a great high-level 
professional in their community, let's keep them on as a Reserve Corps 
so that we can call them up in times of great national emergency, like 
Hurricane Katrina, to help them rebuild levees, to help build low-
income homes. Let's make volunteerism not something just to do for a 
summer, but something to do for a lifetime.
  I believe this amendment reaches into the best of the American 
tradition of service and the best of our sense of this being not 
something that happens for one generation, but across generations, 
particularly at this time of economic crisis when we must all come 
together.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time 
in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to the 
amendment.
  The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman 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 gentlelady from 
Nevada and the gentleman from Virginia for their amendment and urge a 
``yes'' vote.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the 
gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus).
  The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes 
appeared to have it.
  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.
  The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further 
proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Nevada 
will be postponed.

                          ____________________