[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E888]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  EDWARD M. KENNEDY SERVE AMERICA ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 31, 2009

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 1388, the 
Generations Invigorating Volunteerism Education (GIVE) Act of 2009, 
also known as the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.
  The GIVE Act is designed to support and encourage community service 
across the country in fields such as education and healthcare. This Act 
empowers more Americans to take an active role in their communities 
through public service. Civic participation has the power to not only 
build confidence in the individual but simultaneously prepare our 
nation for the future.
  The GIVE Act creates 175,000 new service opportunities, increasing 
the number of participants in programs such as Ameri-Corps and 
establishes new service programs such as the Clean Energy Corps, 
Education Corps, Healthy Futures Corps, and a Veterans Service Corps. 
One goal of the Act will be to strengthen and coordinate disaster 
relief efforts through the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) to 
provide relief for communities that have suffered natural disasters and 
emergencies.
  Despite the economic challenges that our country currently faces, it 
is particularly encouraging that young Americans are serving in record 
numbers. Volunteerism among college students is especially high, with 
the percentage of college students who volunteer each year exceeding 
30%. The GIVE Act will not only support existing volunteers but will 
also give younger students the opportunity to serve even before they 
enter college. The Summer of Service and Campus of Service Programs 
focus on encouraging middle and high school students to participate in 
volunteer activities and also assist college students with an interest 
in public service careers. These programs will place the prospect of a 
college education within the reach of many students by offering 
monetary assistance for college. Specifically, it increases the full-
time education award that servicemembers can receive to $5,350.
  It is important to acknowledge that students are not the only ones 
taking the initiative to rebuild our country. Currently, Senior Corps 
consists of roughly 475,000 volunteers who collectively contribute 116 
million hours of service each year. The GIVE Act will increase these 
figures by creating Silver Scholarships and Encore Fellowships to offer 
all Americans over the age of 55 the chance to transition into service 
after retirement.
  I believe that service is key to building character and instilling 
values in our young people. Even before taking office, President Obama 
consistently called on all Americans to serve, and I believe his life 
exemplifies the power of public service. I am proud that Congress has 
answered his call for service through this legislation.

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