March 13, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today released the following statement criticizing House Republicans for defeating the GIVE Act, HR 5563, legislation that promotes volunteerism and reauthorizes national service programs.
“What demonstrates true American values more than volunteering? What better way to give back to our country and community than engage in service work? When our cities and our towns are in crisis, how do we rebuild them and get our neighbors back on their feet? With volunteers-people giving their time, their care, their resources to make our neighborhoods and our nation a better place. I am truly confounded as to why my colleagues would divide on partisan lines and defeat a bill that strengthens and provides for our national service organizations.
“This bill was approved unanimously by the Education and Labor Committee
44 to 0. It authorizes extremely successful and effective organizations such as AmeriCorps, VISTA, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Foster Grandparent Program, and Senior Companion Program. It also creates a new service-learning program called Summer of Service, which engages youth in service through summer volunteer opportunities.
“What do my Republican colleagues have against volunteerism?”
Posted at 11:27 am on 03/30/08
Posted by Kelli Johnson
We need a federal program to accomplish these goals. Clinton said “build the American community” and “reward individual responsibility”