National AmeriCorps Week

Floor Speech

NATIONAL AMERICORPS WEEK -- (House of Representatives - May 14, 2007)

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(Ms. MATSUI asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Ms. MATSUI. I want to thank my good friend from Kentucky (Mr. Yarmuth) for yielding me time.

I also want to thank Chairwoman McCarthy and Ranking Member Platts for their leadership in the committee and their tireless efforts to reauthorize and strengthen the program.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be part of those standing up in support of the first ever AmeriCorps Week. I believe strongly that the AmeriCorps program embodies the spirit of the American people, and it's important for Members of Congress to acknowledge the work accomplished by AmeriCorps members.

As a cochair of the National Service Caucus, it's a pleasure to highlight and honor the tremendous work of those involved at every level and every program of AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service. Since AmeriCorps was established in 1994, AmeriCorps members have performed over 630 million hours of service addressing a critical need in education, housing, public safety, disaster response and recovery and environmental preservation.

The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, popularly known as NCCC, has a campus in my congressional district in Sacramento. I have had the opportunity to see firsthand how the experience positively influences the communities served by the team members and how it also enriches the lives of the participants.

Nearly everywhere I go in Sacramento someone stops me and tells me about how amazing and committed the NCCC members are to their mission. Most recently I have heard from AmeriCorps members about their experiences in the gulf coast recovery efforts. These participants all remarked that they are not just rebuilding communities, they are, quite literally, rebuilding people's lives.

It is because of all of the great work of AmeriCorps members that extraordinary things are happening all around America. Just last week, I learned that the Child Abuse Prevention Council, an important program in my district, will receive support from AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps members will serve as home visitors, resource aides and community coordinators.

There is nothing more important than our children, and I appreciate the Corporation for National and Community Service and for providing the program with 96 AmeriCorps members to help them carry out their mission. I know that we will be hearing more about the great work of AmeriCorps as the 110th Congress proceeds, and we consider reauthorization and funding.

AmeriCorps members are a vital part of our communities. With very little funding, they leverage millions of dollars and perform crucial work, whether in a classroom, in a national park, or rebuilding houses on the gulf coast. I truly hope that my colleagues will continue to support AmeriCorps programs.

The spirit of service that is so important in our communities is one that should be encouraged. I want to extend my greatest appreciation to those who have served and continue to serve in the AmeriCorps programs throughout the country.

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