[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 9, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. Coons, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Brown, Mr. 
        Blumenthal, Ms. Klobuchar, Mrs. Gillibrand, and Ms. Duckworth):
  S. 3622. A bill to establish an AmeriCorps 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, service is at the heart of the Americans 
ethos. We take inspiration from those who have answered the call to 
serve, whether in defense of our Nation abroad or in strengthening our 
communities at home. Finding common cause through service is how we 
will overcome the major challenges of our time, from recovering from 
the COVID-19 pandemic to addressing inequality to strengthening civil 
society and democratic institutions to leaving a healthy, resilient 
planet to future generations. That is why I am proud to join 
Congressman John Larson of Connecticut in introducing the America's 
Call to Improving Opportunities Now, ACTION for National Service Act. 
Our legislation calls for a historic expansion of the number of service 
opportunities and an increased investment in those who serve.
  The ACTION for National Service Act will honor our national value of 
service, while addressing the barriers that limit citizens' 
opportunities to serve. Our legislation will set us on a path to 1 
million national service positions within 10 years. It will increase 
the educational award so that an individual completing 2 full years of 
service will earn the equivalent of 4 years of the average in-state 
tuition at a public college or university. Indeed, those who are 
willing to serve should not be left to carry a heavy financial burden 
of student loan debt. The ACTION for National Service Act will also 
ease other financial barriers to service by increasing the living 
allowance and eliminating the tax liability for the education awards 
and living stipends. The bill calls for a robust outreach effort to 
ensure that all young people will know about the many opportunities to 
serve their country and their communities. It will mobilize a Civilian 
Climate Corps to address the urgent needs of hardest hit communities. 
Finally, the ACTION for National Service Act calls for elevating the 
Corporation for National and Community Service to a Cabinet-level 
Agency and establishes a National Service Foundation to leverage 
private sector resources to support national service activities.
  Mr. President, it is time we reinvigorate the social contract we have 
with each other. Americans have a deep tradition of service, starting 
with the dedicated men and women of our Armed Forces and including all 
those who have served in AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Peace Corps. 
However, as more Americans desire to serve, it is important that they 
be given the opportunity to do so. It is just as important to 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 lifelong dividends. Our investment in the GI 
Bill not only honors our servicemembers but also enriches our Nation. 
Similarly, the education awards for those who have served through our 
national programs have economic impacts beyond the individuals who earn 
them. That is the new deal that the ACTION for National Service Act 
offers.
  All AmeriCorps members take a pledge to get things done for 
Americans, to make communities safer, smarter and healthier, and to 
bring us together. It is a pledge we all should commit ourselves to.
  I would like to thank Senators Coons, Baldwin, Brown, Blumenthal, 
Gillibrand, and Klobuchar for joining me as original cosponsors of the 
ACTION for National Service Act and to urge our colleagues to join us 
in working for its passage so we can ensure that all who aspire to 
serve have the opportunity to do so.
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