[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 46 (Thursday, March 12, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1048-S1049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. Coons, Ms. Duckworth, Ms. Baldwin, 
        Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Klobuchar, and Mr. Kim):
  S. 4068. 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 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 can overcome the 
major social, economic, and environmental challenges of our time. That 
is why I am proud to join Congressman John Larson of Connecticut and 
Senators Coons, Duckworth, Blumenthal, Klobuchar, Baldwin, and Kim 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 available to Americans 
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 education 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. 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 be made aware of 
the many opportunities to serve their country and their 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, this is the 250th anniversary of our Nation's 
founding. As we reflect on the values and the actions that have helped 
America prosper, we should recognize the essential role that service 
has played and restore it as a fundamental national value.
  We must make the commitment to invest in the education and 
professional development of those who are willing to dedicate their 
time and energy in service to their neighbors and the Nation. 
Developing the talents of our most committed citizens pays lifelong 
dividends. Our investment in the G.I. Bill not only honors our 
servicemembers but also enriches our Nation. Similarly, the education 
awards for those who have served through our national service 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 the cosponsors of the ACTION for National 
Service Act and the over 40 organizations, including Voices for 
National Service, America's Service Commissions, States for Service 
Coalition, the Corps Network, National AmeriCorps Seniors Association, 
Service Year Alliance, City Year, and Campus Compact, that have 
endorsed this legislation. We urge our

[[Page S1049]]

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.
                                 ______