U.S. Reps. Miller, McCarthy Statement in Honor of National Youth Service Day

Friday, April 25, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Reps. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), the chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities, issued the following statement today in honor of National Youth Service Day.

“Almost fifty years ago, President John F. Kennedy first challenged the nation to give back through service, inspiring a generation of Americans to make a difference here at home and around the globe. Since the beginning roots of the service movement, millions of volunteers have worked to better their communities, building a powerful legacy of hope and service that connects us to the world. 

“Throughout our nation’s history, volunteers have helped communities recover during some of our darkest hours. In the wake of the horrific attacks of September 11^th, the strength and support of volunteers helped our nation recover. After Hurricane Katrina devastated Gulf Coast communities, volunteers continue to play a key role in relief and rebuilding efforts. Research shows that the earlier youth engage in service, the more likely they are to participate in service throughout their lives. Day in and day out, generations of Americans work to help children succeed in school, mentor at-risk youth, and make our communities safe – efforts that strengthen both our economy and our nation.

“At a time when more and more Americans are dedicating their time to meet some of the most urgent challenges facing our country, we should be doing everything we can to support our volunteers and encourage future generations to get involved in service. But last month, when given the opportunity to pass bipartisan legislation that would strengthen service opportunities, Republican leaders in the House instead used obstructionist tactics to kill consideration of the bill. Those we honor today – the tens of millions of volunteers who are deeply committed to improving our country – deserve better than a Republican leadership that is clearly more interested in playing political games than getting things accomplished on behalf of the American people.”

Miller and McCarthy are the authors of bipartisan legislation, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act (H.R. 2857), that would expand the nation’s key community service and volunteer programs, including AmeriCorps, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America programs. The bill, which was brought to the House floor for a vote in March, would mark the first reauthorization of national and community service laws and programs since 1993.

For more information on the legislation, click here.

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