[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 59 (Monday, April 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E656-E657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEERISM

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a cosponsor of H. Res. 
1276, which commemorates the first anniversary of the Serve America 
Act. For the last year, the Serve America Act has been promoting 
service to help meet national challenges, expand opportunities to 
serve, and support social innovation. The Serve America Act is a 
historic milestone for national service, but signing the bill is just 
the beginning--we need every American to rise to this national call to 
service.
  I thank Chairman Miller for his leadership in bringing this bill to 
the floor. I also thank him for sponsoring this legislation and taking 
the time to chronicle the crucial achievements of the Serve America 
Act.
  Mr. Speaker, last year President Obama signed into law the Edward M. 
Kennedy Serve America Act, the most sweeping expansion and 
strengthening of national service in a generation. The strong 
bipartisan support for this legislation was a testament to the proven 
impact of national service and the widespread recognition that service 
is a solution to tough challenges. There is strong momentum for citizen 
service--volunteering increased last year to the highest level since 
2003, AmeriCorps applications continue to increase on a yearly basis, 
and the service field is experiencing a wave of new innovation and 
collaboration. In California, last year 230,000 individuals of all ages 
and backgrounds helped meet local needs, strengthen communities, and 
increase

[[Page E657]]

civic engagement through 366 projects state-wide. This year, the 
Corporation for National and Community Service, the organization 
implementing the Serve America Act, will commit over $75 million to 
support California communities through national service initiatives.
  The Serve America Act has empowered individuals, nonprofits, state 
governments, and local communities to address our nation's most 
pressing challenges through service. The significant progress already 
made since the passing of this legislation, and the attitude of 
selflessness that it has promoted make it entirely fitting that we take 
this time to honor and commemorate the first anniversary of the Serve 
America Act. Thanks to the leadership of the President, the bipartisan 
support of Congress, new authorities under the Serve America Act, 
historic funding for programs, and a growing consensus that service is 
a solution, we stand at the dawn of a new era of service in America.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 
1276.

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