Stark Statement on Passage of H.R. 1388, the GIVE Act
Congressional Desk
March 22, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Pete Stark (D-CA), lauded the bipartisan passage of H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act, by a vote of 321-105. Below is the text of Rep. Stark´s floor statement.
"Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism & Education (GIVE) Act.
"The challenges we face have never been greater. Unemployment, foreclosures, inadequate health care, and dwindling retirement accounts are plaguing communities all over our country. Congress and the President are acting quickly and boldly, passing unprecedented measures to create jobs and bolster the frayed safety net.
"Ordinary Americans are also rising to the challenge. They understand that this recession is not just a collection of statistics but an everyday reality for them and their neighbors. People are lining up in record numbers – for AmeriCorps, VISTA, Learn and Serve America and many other national volunteer programs - hoping to have the opportunity to contribute to their communities. Yet these organizations are turning people away because they do not have the necessary funds. This is a tragedy and a wasted opportunity. In these times of crisis, it is imperative that we make use of all our resources.
"H.R. 1388 brings together America´s human capital – our engineers and entrepreneurs, our students and seniors – to find new solutions to pressing community challenges. This bill will more than triple the number of volunteers in these programs nationwide to 250,000 and give people from all backgrounds the opportunity to contribute to a common purpose. In addition to improving existing service programs, the bill also creates a number of new programs that will allow volunteers to help address the energy, health care and education needs in our communities.
"The GIVE Act is the right legislation at the right time. Thousands of Americans want to invest their time and their energy in the future of our nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in providing them that opportunity."
"Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1388, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism & Education (GIVE) Act.
"The challenges we face have never been greater. Unemployment, foreclosures, inadequate health care, and dwindling retirement accounts are plaguing communities all over our country. Congress and the President are acting quickly and boldly, passing unprecedented measures to create jobs and bolster the frayed safety net.
"Ordinary Americans are also rising to the challenge. They understand that this recession is not just a collection of statistics but an everyday reality for them and their neighbors. People are lining up in record numbers – for AmeriCorps, VISTA, Learn and Serve America and many other national volunteer programs - hoping to have the opportunity to contribute to their communities. Yet these organizations are turning people away because they do not have the necessary funds. This is a tragedy and a wasted opportunity. In these times of crisis, it is imperative that we make use of all our resources.
"H.R. 1388 brings together America´s human capital – our engineers and entrepreneurs, our students and seniors – to find new solutions to pressing community challenges. This bill will more than triple the number of volunteers in these programs nationwide to 250,000 and give people from all backgrounds the opportunity to contribute to a common purpose. In addition to improving existing service programs, the bill also creates a number of new programs that will allow volunteers to help address the energy, health care and education needs in our communities.
"The GIVE Act is the right legislation at the right time. Thousands of Americans want to invest their time and their energy in the future of our nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in providing them that opportunity."