[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 173 (Thursday, October 26, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6855-S6856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. Coons, and Mr. Blumenthal):
  S. 2029. A bill to establish a National and Community Service 
Administration to carry out the national and volunteer service 
programs, to expand participation in such programs, and for other 
purposes, to the Committee on Finance.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, as Americans, we take inspiration from those 
who have answered the call to serve, whether in defense of our Nation 
abroad or to strengthen our communities at home. This willingness to 
make common cause with our fellow citizens and serve a purpose greater 
than ourselves is a hallmark of our Nation. We should ensure that every 
American who wants to serve has the opportunity to do so. To that end, 
I am introducing the America's Call to Improving Opportunities Now 
(ACTION) for National Service Act with Senators Coons and Blumenthal. 
Our legislation calls for elevating the Corporation for National and 
Community Service (CNCS) to a cabinet-level agency and supporting up to 
one million national service positions annually.
  Since 1994, over one million individuals have served through the 
AmeriCorps program. Additionally, roughly 245,000 seniors over the age 
of 55 volunteer annually through the Senior Corps programs. These 
individuals have addressed critical community needs in education, 
economic development, health, and many other areas. They have come to 
their fellow citizens' aid in times of national disaster, including 
thousands who have been deployed in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey, 
Irma, and Maria. Unfortunately, we have not created the capacity to 
support all those who want to serve.
  Rhode Island has embraced service. Providence is one of the top 
AmeriCorps cities in the nation. Across our State, nearly 4,200 
AmeriCorps and Senior Corps volunteers are helping students succeed in 
school, ensuring veterans get access to the services they need, 
supporting seniors in their communities, protecting the environment, 
and addressing other critical needs. With additional resources and 
support, Rhode Island volunteers could accomplish so much more.
  We strive to honor those who serve. Even more importantly, we invest 
in the education and professional development of those who have 
sacrificed and given so much to our Nation. Developing the talents of 
our most committed citizens pays life-long dividends. Our investment in 
the GI Bill not only honors our service members, but also enriches our 
Nation. Similarly, the education awards for those who have served 
through CNCS programs have economic impacts beyond the individuals who 
earn them. Just as we came together on a bipartisan basis to expand and 
enhance the GI Bill benefits, now is the time to increase the education 
award for those who serve at

[[Page S6856]]

home. The ACTION for National Service Act will ensure that national 
service volunteers who complete two full terms of service earn an 
education award equivalent to four years of in-State tuition at a 
public university. Those who are willing to serve should not have to 
carry a heavy burden of student loan debt to achieve their educational 
goals.
  Today, as our communities face challenges in a host of areas, we need 
more people to participate in national service, and we need more 
partners to support them. As such, the ACTION for National Service Act 
will establish a National Service Foundation to encourage private 
sector and philanthropic investment in expanding national service 
opportunities.
  All AmeriCorps members take a pledge to get things done for 
Americans, to make communities safer, smarter and healthier, and to 
bring us together. Today, I ask my colleagues to join us in pledging to 
ensure that all who want to answer the call to serve can do so by 
cosponsoring the ACTION for National Service Act.

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