National-Service Bill Defeated in U.S. House by One Vote

March 13, 2008

National-Service Bill Defeated in U.S. House by One Vote

The U.S. House of Representatives last night rejected by one vote a bill to reauthorize and expand the national-service programs operated by the Corporation for National and Community Service, disappointing advocates who were hoping Congress would breathe new life into programs like AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America.

The Generations Invigorating Volunteering and Education (GIVE) Act, H.R. 5563, would have authorized AmeriCorps — which provides volunteers and grants to charities, religious organizations, and government agencies — to expand from 75,000 participants to 100,000 over five years.

It also would have created several new programs, including a summer service program for middle- and high-school students, a Silver Scholarship Program to provide $1,000 educational grants to people age 55 and over who volunteer at least 600 hours a year, and a “reserve corps” of AmeriCorps alumni to help during national emergencies.

While the bill had broad bipartisan support, it got caught up in wrangling between Democrats and Republicans that brought it to the floor under procedures that are designed to speed approval but that require a two-thirds majority to pass. The vote was 277 to 140, one vote shy of the number needed to win. All those voting against were Republicans.

Voices for National Service, a coalition of nonprofit groups and state agencies, said it was disappointed that the lawmakers passed up the chance to reauthorize the country’s national-service programs for the first time in 15 years.

“The bill would have helped to strengthen and expand the federally supported service initiatives, stimulate community volunteerism, and increase accountability and efficiency within the administration of the national service programs,” it said in a statement.

So far, the Senate has not drawn up any legislation to reauthorize national-service programs.

— Suzanne Perry

Comments

Ameri*Corp. is a very useful Program for non-profits. Please do whatever is necessary to reauthorize.

— Ken Moskowitz Mar 13, 03:57 PM #
As a second year AmeriCorps member, this news saddens me greatly.

— Alison Traina Mar 17, 02:38 PM #

Commenting is closed for this article.

Previous: Senators Send Letters to Three Ministries
Next: Where John McCain's Foundation Donates