    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [June 19, 2003]
    [Page 661]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 661]]

    Statement on Congressional Action on Legislation To Strengthen
    AmeriCorps
    June 19, 2003

        I commend Congress, particularly Senators Bond and Mikulski and
    Representatives Boehner and
    Hoekstra, for working with my administration
    and taking swift action to pass the ``Strengthen AmeriCorps Program
    Act.'' The bill establishes accounting guidelines for the Corporation
    for National and Community Service that will help put AmeriCorps on a
    sound financial footing. It is also the essential first step toward
    maximizing enrollment this year to benefit the nonprofit organizations
    that count on AmeriCorps members to offer help and hope to people in
    communities across the country.
        I hope Congress will continue to show strong support for my effort
    to help every American answer the call to volunteer service and act
    quickly to strengthen and expand national service by passing the
    ``Citizen Service Act.''