Pelosi Statement on the Ted Kennedy Serve America Act

Pelosi Statement on the Ted Kennedy Serve America Act

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Contact:Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. â€" Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today after the House passed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act by a vote of 275 to 149. The Senate passed the act, formerly called the GIVE Act, last week and it now goes to President Obama for his signature into law.

"Just one month ago, in his address to Congress, President Obama called upon Congress to pass legislation ‘to encourage a renewed spirit of national service for this and future generations.’ Today, The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act is on its way to his desk to become law. I congratulate Chairman George Miller for crafting this bipartisan legislation and for his commitment to getting it passed quickly.

"In times of great challenge, Americans always rise to the occasion. In these times, our economy, our health care system, and our schools need the help of the generous Americans who are willing to serve. And in so doing, our volunteers will save lives, heal disease, and create brighter futures for our children.

"By creating 175,000 new service opportunities â€" more than tripling the number of volunteers nationwide, and rewarding those who volunteer with real investments in their education, we are launching a new era of service. This new era of service will create a stronger nation for all Americans."