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"House Passes McDermott National Service Amendment"
House of Representatives - March 6, 2008

The House today passed on voice vote an amendment by Rep. Jim McDermott to establish a commission on national service.  It would conduct hearings around the country and produce a report to Congress on ways to establish national service as part of the American experience.  The McDermott amendment had strong bi-partisan support, including Representatives Chris Shays and Sam Farr who were co-sponsors.

In managing the bill’s passage on the House floor, Rep. McDermott reminded colleagues of President John F. Kennedy’s famous remark – “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” – and said America today needs the American people like never before.  The text of his remarks follows.

Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA)
March 6, 2008

Mr. Speaker,

When Katharine Lee Bates wrote America the Beautiful in 1893, I believe her poetic lyrics were intended to express the goodness of the American people as much as the natural beauty of this great nation. 

America was founded on the concept of helping one another and that selfless spirit expresses itself in countless acts of goodness by ordinary Americans every day.

I want to harness that American spirit and I want to make it part of the American experience. 

As Americans, we all benefit in countless ways from the nation that is our home.  I believe we owe something in return. 
And there are countless ways for every American to give back; and America could use the help. 
That’s why Chris Shays, Sam Farr and I have offered an amendment to establish a Congressional Commission on Civic Service. 

We want this commission to investigate ways to create a broader commitment to national service in order to strengthen a common sense of responsibility to our community, our nation, and to each other.

The commission would hold hearings around the country to engage the American people and get their ideas.  The commission would produce a report to Congress with recommendations about how to harness the power of one, the power of the American people to improve our nation.

Our amendment is the first step.  It is simply an authorization and Congress would need to follow up with an appropriation.   It mirrors the legislation we introduced last year, H.R. 1819.

Throughout the process, we have worked closely with some of America’s best organizations: Voices for Service Coalition, National Peace Corps Association, Corporation for National and Community Service, and State Americorps Administrators.

President John F. Kennedy once said:  Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.

With this amendment we want to help America answer that question and call.

Today, America needs the American people like never before to meet the challenges of a slowing economy, healthcare, education and conservation.  The government can’t do it all and ordinary Americans can and in many cases already do so much.   
It’s time to build upon the success of our national service programs like Americorps by considering bold proposals that compel, inspire, and enable us to tackle the challenges – big or small – that will always confront us.  There is no shortage of ideas. 
 Thank you.