Chairman Miller and Congresswoman McCarthy Applaud Signing of Historic Service Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) and U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA) today issued the following joint statement after President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act in to law. McCarthy was the original House sponsor of the legislation. Miller is the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee and chief House co-sponsor of the bill.
“This is a historic day for all Americans. By signing this law, President Obama has launched a new era of service and volunteerism that will help our nation emerge stronger from this crisis. We’re empowering new generations of Americans to meet growing needs in their communities, to learn skills for the jobs of the future, and to become part of the solution to the key challenges we face – health care, energy and education. This law will make Americans of all ages, from middle school through retirement, the backbone of our nation’s recovery and revival.
“There is something intrinsically American about giving back. Service is not a Democratic or Republican issue – it is an American value – and an ideal that we can all embrace. We are proud to stand with President Obama, Senator Kennedy, and so many of our friends and colleagues to share in this historic occasion.”
Background:
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act will provide the largest expansion of national service and volunteer opportunities since President John F. Kennedy issued his call to serve nearly 50 years ago. Among other things, the bill will more than triple the current number of volunteers serving in America to support health care, energy, education and our veterans, and the education award Americans receive in return for their service will now be linked with the value of the Pell Grant scholarship – so that it rises with college costs. This award can be used to help pay for college or pay down student debt.
To learn more about the law, click here.
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