[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H5587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING NATIONAL AMERICORPS WEEK

  (Mrs. CAPPS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. CAPPS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National 
AmeriCorps Week. Over the last 15 years, nearly half a million 
AmeriCorps volunteers have served with thousands of nonprofits, public 
agencies, and faith-based organizations across America. AmeriCorps 
recruits and trains millions of community volunteers to serve our 
country's critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, 
and disaster relief nationwide.
  Sixty-five percent of AmeriCorps alumni go on to pursue a career in 
public service. In my home State of California alone, almost 8,000 
people this year will participate in one of more than 7,500 AmeriCorps 
programs throughout the State. One such program is coordinated by the 
Santa Barbara County Education Office in my district.
  This program provides daily tutoring and reading for over 700 at-risk 
students. It recruits volunteers for additional educational programs, 
and it works to increase disaster preparedness in the schools of Santa 
Barbara County.
  The over 700 million hours served by AmeriCorps members have bettered 
our communities and touched the lives of countless Americans. These 
individuals dedicate their time and energy to help meet the needs of 
our local communities, and during these tough economic times, we need 
them now more than ever.
  To all these incredible participants in AmeriCorps, I commend you and 
thank you for your service.

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