[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE PROMOTING NATIONAL SERVICE AND REDUCING 
                            UNEMPLOYMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 3, 2026

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the Promoting National 
Service and Reducing Unemployment Act to address one of the greatest 
workforce tragedies--our unemployed young people--by adding 500,000 new 
members to AmeriCorps. Youth unemployment is harming our young people 
and costing our country billions of dollars each year in lost 
productivity and tax revenue, among other costs. Although the total 
unemployment rate has reached a relative low (4.2 percent), the youth 
unemployment rate is 10.8 percent. These young people have not had a 
fair chance to use the high school or college education we strongly 
urged them to obtain.
  By adding 500,000 new members to AmeriCorps, this bill would allow 
unemployed youth to earn a stipend, obtain work experience, and provide 
valuable public service. AmeriCorps participants receive a living 
allowance and are also eligible for an education award equal to the 
value of a Pell Grant, school-loan forbearance, health care benefits, 
and childcare assistance.
  This bill would also establish that the minimum wage for any 
AmeriCorps State and National member is 200 percent of the federal 
poverty line and would not allow for a decrease in that amount, as is 
allowed under current law. AmeriCorps members serve their country and 
gain skills, but we should increase the minimum wage for everyone, 
including national service members.
  For some time, it has been clear that policies to address the most 
stubborn forms of unemployment need to be targeted in order to be 
effective. Without significant targeting, many young people will 
continue to face their first years as adults without jobs and with no 
way to acquire necessary work experience. Young people deserve a better 
start in life as adults.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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