Mr. PLATTS. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 453, a resolution recognizing AmeriCorps Week observed last month on May 9 through May 16.
AmeriCorps recognizes the individuals who have chosen to participate in the AmeriCorps program, and they have dedicated a significant amount of time helping others in local communities.
In 1990, President George Herbert Walker Bush signed the National Service Act, a network of national service programs that engage Americans in intensive service to meet the Nation's vital needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.
In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed the National Community Service Trust Act, which established the Corporation for National and Community Service, which brought the full range of domestic community service programs under the umbrella of one central organization.
Finally, just a few months ago, President Obama signed the latest reauthorization of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a bill that was developed and passed in a strong bipartisan fashion in both Chambers. This legislation builds on the reforms to the corporation, started by the previous administration, to ensure additional accountability in national service programs. This most recent legislation will also help smaller organizations participate in national service, and it will ensure that the unique skills of America's veterans are well-utilized.
AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to address a myriad of needs in communities all across America, such as tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth, fighting illiteracy, building affordable housing, and assisting communities in times of natural disaster. For example, in the last 3 years, more than 4 million service hours have been spent helping gulf coast communities recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. That's 4 million hours of service made possible by the organizations and by the individuals who chose to participate in the AmeriCorps programs.
This resolution recognizes one week where we salute current and former AmeriCorps members for their important work. It also allows us to thank all community partners who make it possible for AmeriCorps members to serve.
I want to take this opportunity to thank my fellow cochairs on the National Service Caucus, Representatives MATSUI, EHLERS and PRICE, for introducing this resolution. I ask my colleagues to support it.
