The president issued a proclamation to officially mark National Volunteer Week and to reiterate his administration’s commitment to “ushering in a new era of service and responsibility.”
Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., introduced Senate Resolution 495 recognizing the anniversary of the Serve America Act, or U.S. Public Law 111-13, and encouraging “every person in the United States to continue to answer the call to serve.”
The House leadership selected Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, Ind.-MP, to be the floor manager for debate on a similar measure, House Resolution 1276, saluting volunteerism and community service, and the Kennedy Act anniversary.
The resolution passed the House by voice vote following the debate.
Last year, Sablan was one of the 12 original co-sponsors of the Serve America Act, which is now increasing opportunities for volunteers throughout our nation. AmeriCorps, for instance, is on track to expand from 75,000 to 250,000 volunteers by 2014.
Sablan was also in attendance for the signing of the Act into law by the president.
“For many Americans, including my constituents in the Northern Mariana Islands,” Sablan told the House, “service is the most valuable way for them to contribute to their communities. I strongly believe that our people are our most important and best resource, and engaging them in service puts that resource to work for the good of the community as a whole,” Sablan said.
“I have seen the benefits, in my home in the Northern Mariana Islands, to the recipient of service and the volunteer alike, and I know that it is a rewarding experience for both, one that strengthens the ties of our community.
