Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act

Floor Speech

Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act

Mr. Chairman, throughout our history, American citizens have never hesitated to heed the call to service. They have answered in times of peace and prosperity, in times of war and recession. They have donated time and money and sweat--as much as they could, whenever it was needed.

When our Nation faced the Great Depression, President Roosevelt formed the Civilian Conservation Corps and put citizens to work for the national interest. When we faced political uncertainty in the world, President Kennedy challenged our young people to serve and dispatched the Peace Corps on missions of international aid and public diplomacy. And when neighbors have challenges, when communities struggle, or when the Nation sees tragedy, our citizens rally and lend a hand.

In recent years, we have seen some of the largest increases in volunteerism in history. This new trend is led by our young people, who are serving in record numbers. The number of college students who volunteer increased by 20 percent between 2002 and 2005. And the programs we consider today are a key part of that service.

Today's legislation will increase enrollment in AmeriCorps and establish ways to deploy AmeriCorps alumni in times of national need. It will establish an Office of Outreach and Recruitment to match new volunteers with service opportunities. It will create a new program, a Summer of Service, to encourage more young people to help their communities. It will strengthen our emergency preparedness and disaster response with improvements to the National Civilian Community Corps. And it will challenge our scientists, mathematicians, and engineers to meet our Nation's technical needs with creativity and innovation.

Mr. Chairman, Americans have made tremendous investments through national service. Let us, in turn, pass this legislation today to assist their efforts and continue their commitment to our Nation's future.

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