[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 47 (Tuesday, March 14, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S774]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REED (for himself, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Brown, 
        Mr. Coons, Ms. Duckworth, and Ms. Klobuchar):
  S. 779. 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. Madam President, service is a core American value. 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--addressing inequality, strengthening 
civil society and democratic institutions, and 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 instate 
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.
  Madam President, it is time that we reinvigorate the social contract 
we have with each other by elevating service as a national value. We 
must also make the commitment to invest in the education and 
professional development of those who are willing to sacrifice for 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, 
Duckworth, and Klobuchar for joining me as original cosponsors of the 
ACTION for National Service Act and the over 40 organizations, 
including Voices for National Service, States for Service Coalition, 
Habitat for Humanity International, YouthBuild, Service Year, City 
Year, and With Honor Action, that have endorsed this legislation. We 
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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