[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 117 (Thursday, July 24, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2014

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements 
of the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) on its 40th anniversary. Forty 
years ago, President Nixon signed into law the LSC Act, establishing 
the Legal Services Corporation as one of the major sources of funding 
for civil legal aid. In the time since, LSC has grown to be the single 
largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans, including 
many military families and veterans.
  Legal Services Corporation-funded legal aid programs continue to make 
a crucial difference to millions of Americans by assisting with the 
most basic civil legal needs, such as addressing matters involving 
safety, subsistence, and family stability. LSC funds 134 legal aid 
organizations that serve hundreds of thousands of low-income 
individuals, children, families, seniors, and veterans across America. 
These individuals range from women seeking protection from abuse, 
mothers trying to obtain child support, families facing unlawful 
evictions or foreclosures that could leave them homeless, veterans 
seeking benefits duly earned, and seniors defending against consumer 
scams.
  Demand for legal services and the need for legal aid attorneys has 
never been greater in this country. In recent years, however, over 
1,000 full time employees have been terminated as a result of a 
continued lack of funding for LSC. So while we reflect on the 
achievements of LSC over the last forty years, Congress must also renew 
its commitment to providing LSC the critical resources it needs to 
assist our most vulnerable.
  On this anniversary, I salute the Legal Services Corporation and LSC-
funded attorneys for the vital work they do every day on behalf of 
Americans who need qualified counsel. Every day that a legal aid 
attorney protects the safety, security and health of our most 
vulnerable citizens, they bring this nation closer to living up to its 
commitment to equal justice for all.

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