Introductory Statement on S. 4068

Introductory Statement on S. 4068

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 46 (Thursday, March 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 46 (Thursday, March 12, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S1048-S1049] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. Coons, Ms. Duckworth, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Klobuchar, and Mr. Kim): S. 4068. A bill to establish an AmeriCorps Administration to carry out the national and volunteer service programs, to expand participation in such programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Finance. Mr. REED. Mr. President, service is a core American value. We take inspiration from those who have answered the call to serve, whether in defense of our Nation abroad or in strengthening our communities at home. Finding common cause through service is how we can overcome the major social, economic, and environmental challenges of our time. That is why I am proud to join Congressman John Larson of Connecticut and Senators Coons, Duckworth, Blumenthal, Klobuchar, Baldwin, and Kim in introducing the America's Call to Improving Opportunities Now, ACTION, for National Service Act. Our legislation calls for a historic expansion of the number of service opportunities available to Americans and an increased investment in those who serve. The ACTION for National Service Act will honor our national value of service, while addressing the barriers that limit citizens' opportunities to serve. Our legislation will set us on a path to 1 million national service positions within 10 years. It will increase the education award so that an individual completing 2 full years of service will earn the equivalent of 4 years of the average instate tuition at a public college or university. The ACTION for National Service Act will also ease other financial barriers to service by increasing the living allowance and eliminating the tax liability for the education awards and living stipends. The bill calls for a robust outreach effort to ensure that all young people will be made aware of the many opportunities to serve their country and their communities. Finally, the ACTION for National Service Act calls for elevating the Corporation for National and Community Service to a Cabinet-level Agency and establishes a national service foundation to leverage private sector resources to support national service activities. Mr. President, this is the 250th anniversary of our Nation's founding. As we reflect on the values and the actions that have helped America prosper, we should recognize the essential role that service has played and restore it as a fundamental national value. We must make the commitment to invest in the education and professional development of those who are willing to dedicate their time and energy in service to their neighbors and the Nation. Developing the talents of our most committed citizens pays lifelong dividends. Our investment in the G.I. Bill not only honors our servicemembers but also enriches our Nation. Similarly, the education awards for those who have served through our national service programs have economic impacts beyond the individuals who earn them. That is the new deal that the ACTION for National Service Act offers. All AmeriCorps members take a pledge to get things done for Americans, to make communities safer, smarter, and healthier, and to bring us together. It is a pledge we all should commit ourselves to. I would like to thank the cosponsors of the ACTION for National Service Act and the over 40 organizations, including Voices for National Service, America's Service Commissions, States for Service Coalition, the Corps Network, National AmeriCorps Seniors Association, Service Year Alliance, City Year, and Campus Compact, that have endorsed this legislation. We urge our [[Page S1049]] colleagues to join us in working for its passage so we can ensure that all who aspire to serve have the opportunity to do so. ______

Referenced legislation: S4068