[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 3] [House] [Pages 3354-3400] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]GENERATIONS INVIGORATING VOLUNTEERISM AND EDUCATION ACT The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015 and rule XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill, H.R. 2857. {time} 1114 In the Committee of the Whole Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 2857) to reauthorize and reform the national service laws, with Mrs. Tauscher in the chair. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the rule, the bill is considered read the first time. The gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) and the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) each will control 30 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller). Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2857, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, the first reauthorization of national and community service laws and programs since 1993. I am pleased that today this House is taking up this important measure that will take volunteerism and service into the 21st century. It was in March of 1961 that President John F. Kennedy first challenged a generations of Americans to ask ``not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.'' By establishing the Peace Corps and the Volunteers in Service to America programs, he inspired millions of Americans to make a difference here at home and around the globe. He created a powerful legacy of hope and service that connects us as Americans. Almost 50 years later, we should be very proud that volunteering in America is at a 30-year high. Through AmeriCorps and other service programs, new generations of Americans have become inspired to build stronger, more vibrant communities, help children succeed in schools, and rebuild cities in times of disaster. In fact, in 2006, more than 61 million Americans gave back to their communities through service. That same year, volunteers in my home State of California contributed more than 858 million hours of service to our State economy, a value of more than $17 billion. In the 15 years since AmeriCorps was enacted into law, more than 500,000 Americans of all ages and backgrounds have participated in this program. Our current and future generations of volunteers deserve our renewed support for their programs, just as President Kennedy first provided decades ago. The GIVE Act, this legislation, recognizes this growing service movement that is taking place across the Nation. It builds upon the successful work being done in communities across by members of AmeriCorps, VISTA, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. AmeriCorps has become a successful model for public-private partnerships. Last year, the AmeriCorps program leveraged more than $200 million in matching funds, mobilized more than 1.4 million volunteers, and worked with 2,000 small and large faith-based and community-based organizations across the country. The GIVE Act would strengthen the AmeriCorps service model by putting us on the path to increasing the number of AmeriCorps members from 75,000 to 100,000 by 2012 with a focus of engaging low-income, disadvantaged, and at-risk youth. With soaring tuition prices making it more difficult for many students to get a college degree, the GIVE Act would help AmeriCorps members pay for college by increasing the scholarship that they earn in exchange for their service from $4,725 to $5,255 by 2012. This bill would also introduce young people to community service by creating a new Summer of Service initiative that will offer middle school and high school students the opportunity to spend the summer working to improve their communities while earning a $500 education award that can be used for college or for college preparation. Alumni of these programs remain valuable resources to our communities. More than 72 percent of AmeriCorps members continue to volunteer in their communities after their term of service ends. After Hurricane Katrina devastated gulf coast communities, AmeriCorps alumni played a key role in relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. To help tap into these resources in times of emergency, this bill would expand the number of volunteers ready to respond by creating an Alumni Reserve Corps of service alumni with previous experience serving during disasters. Volunteering also provides critical opportunities for older Americans to make a difference in their communities. Each year, nearly half a million older Americans participate in the Senior Corps programs, mentoring children of prisoners, providing independent living services to seniors, assisting victims of natural disasters, and mobilizing other volunteers. The GIVE Act would expand the purpose of Senior Corps programs by adding an emphasis on recruiting retired STEM, health care, law enforcement and military professionals to help with education, after- school, public safety and technology needs. In addition, it would phase in the competition for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs, an important part of the Senior Corps by 2013, allowing new grantees and volunteers to join the service movement and encouraging innovation and evolution among high-performing programs. I also want to thank the RSVP program for working with us to ensure a responsible transition. I want to thank Members on both sides of the aisle, in particular Representatives McCarthy, McKeon and Platts, for their leadership, as well as the Service Caucus for their support. I also want to thank our committee staff for their hard work on this bill, including Alex Ceja, Denise Forte, Stephanie Moore, Deborah Koolbeck with Mrs. McCarthy, Brad Thomas with Mr. McKeon, and Becky Wolfkiel with Mr. Platts. Let me also thank Voices of Services and its member organizations, who were invaluable in helping us develop this legislation. It is clear that service has played an important role in this country's history and will continue to help us meet the challenges and needs of our communities. It is clear that the interest in volunteering reaches across all generations: our young people, retiring baby boomers, and older Americans. The GIVE Act reflects their commitment, and our commitment, to building a stronger country through service. I urge my colleagues to join us in this effort by supporting this legislation. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. McKEON. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I rise in support of the GIVE Act. I would like to begin by thanking Chairman Miller, as well as the Chair and the ranking member of the subcommittee, Mrs. McCarthy of New York and Mr. Platts from Pennsylvania, for their efforts to develop a solid, bipartisan bill that will strengthen our national service programs. I would also like to recognize Brad Thomas from my staff for his hard work on this bill. Like many of my colleagues, particularly on this side of the aisle, I historically have had concerns about AmeriCorps and the other programs within the Corporation for National and Community Service. Particularly during the 1990s, Federal management of these programs was at best dismal. For years, I joined many of my colleagues, led by Mr. Hoekstra, in seeking to establish performance measures to ensure that these national service programs are in fact meeting their goals. [[Page 3355]] Under the Bush administration, it has become clear that these programs are being held more accountable and they have become more efficient as a result. For example, the corporation received its seventh consecutive clean audit during the fiscal year 2006. Likewise, the corporation's leadership has instituted significant improvements in efficiency and quality, including streamlining the grants and application reporting processes, consolidating five field service centers into one, and automating education award payments, time and attendance, and travel. In short, the recent management of this program has far surpassed its record of low accountability under the previous administration; and for that reason in particular, it deserves our continued support. Moreover, this program brings together our neighbors to serve one another and thus benefit our Nation. Although there are clear opportunities to strengthen and improve these programs, the simple fact is that the corporation plays a key and increasingly effective role in, as President Bush would say, ``rallying the armies of compassion.'' Later today I plan to offer an amendment that will strengthen this already good bill. The purpose of my amendment is to acknowledge the patriotism, commitment, and sacrifice made by members of the military and their families. In return for their service to our Nation, I believe the least we can do is ensure our national service programs are able to benefit veterans and military families. Madam Chairman, this bill is based on sound principles for reform outlined by the administration and developed in conjunction with the corporation. It includes a long overdue emphasis on accountability with its inclusion of performance measures and increased competition. And on the whole, I find the bill to be a balanced one that is worthy of our support. Madam Chairman, this bill represents a bipartisan effort to come together on a program that is good for the citizens of this Nation. Unfortunately, our Democrat colleagues have been unwilling to work in the same bipartisan fashion on our Nation's security interests. It has been 18 days since the Protect America Act expired, nearly 3 weeks that the majority has conspicuously refused to bring the bipartisan Senate Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act modernization bill to a vote. And yesterday we got a glimpse of the reason why. An anonymous Member argued that delaying action on this critical security measure made for good politics. Madam Chairman, it is unfathomable that our Nation's security may be put at risk in the name of political gamesmanship. I strongly urge the majority to bring FISA modernization for a vote. Madam Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts), and I ask unanimous consent that he be allowed to control that time. The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Pennsylvania will control the time. Mr. PLATTS. I reserve my time. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This is a great day for national service. It has been 15 years since we reauthorized our national service laws. As chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, I am pleased to speak in support of H.R. 2857, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, the GIVE Act. I am also pleased to say that the administration and the service community support the GIVE Act. I would like to thank Chairman Miller for his continued strong support and work on this reauthorization. I would also like to extend my thanks to the ranking member of our committee, Mr. McKeon, for his hard work. Finally, I would like to thank my good friend and ranking member of the subcommittee, Mr. Platts, for his work on this reauthorization. Later I will speak on my manager's amendment, which is also a bipartisan effort. National service has a distinguished and strong history in our Nation. The benefits of service cannot be disputed. Evidence shows that service and volunteering lowers school dropout and crime rates, lowers costs associated with the aging population, and improves health among the elderly. Volunteering is a cost-effective way of working to solve the challenges facing our Nation today. That is why the passage of the GIVE Act is necessary. One of the most effective volunteer organizations in this Nation is AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps volunteers offer a range of services focused on low-income and disadvantaged communities. Our legislation recognizes their invaluable work and increases the number of participants to 100,000. The GIVE Act also encourages programs to recruit underrepresented populations to serve, including scientists and engineers, young people in our aging-out foster care, children at risk of delinquency, and other disadvantaged young people. I truly believe that expanding national service, particularly to disadvantaged youth, is an effective way to combat things like youth gangs and violence, and the evidence bears it out. {time} 1130 If we are serious about reducing gang violence, we must take the first step and offer children an alternative. This legislation creates a Summer of Service program which gives middle school and high school students an opportunity to become engaged in a positive way within their community. Through the Summer of Service program, our Nation's young people will have a chance to serve with others their own age while improving their community. Research shows that if students are engaged in service at an early age, they continue to serve throughout their life. We are strengthening the mission of the first responder volunteer program, the National Civil Community Corps by requiring more intense disaster and emergency relief training during down periods in order to be better prepared in a time of crisis. We are all aware of what our Nation faced in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and the NCCC was there to respond, and continues to recover today. The GIVE Act will help our Nation become better prepared for future disasters by training and preparing more emergency volunteers. The GIVE Act creates in the corporation an office of outreach and recruitment. The new office will establish a reserve corps made up of those who have gone through the program and are alumni. The reserve corps alumni will be called on during emergencies, disasters, or other times of national need. We've heard people asking over and over again during our hearings, why aren't we using former volunteers? The new outreach office will work to connect over 500,000 former volunteers who can be resources for recruitment. The GIVE Act lowers the age of participation in the National Senior Service to 55 years old. By lowering the age, we are encouraging retiring Americans to participate in national service and giving older Americans the opportunity to lead us into the future. Our Nation's retiring and retired adults are a rich resource that cannot be overlooked. Every American, old and young, has skills that improve the day-to-day functions of our society. The GIVE Act encourages individuals to get involved, creates a deeper commitment to service, and makes our Nation more like what it should be. I want to again thank Chairman Miller for his deep commitment to national service, Ranking Member McKeon and Congressman Platts for their work with us on this bipartisan activity. And I urge my colleagues to support this much needed legislation. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. PLATTS. Madam Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to speak today, and I certainly rise also in support of H.R. 2857, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. This program will certainly strengthen and finally reauthorize the Nation's national and community service programs. And after 15 years, this [[Page 3356]] reauthorization is certainly long overdue. I want to add my words of praise and thanks to my Chair, Chairwoman McCarthy, as well as to the full committee Chair, Chairman Miller, and the ranking member, Buck McKeon, for their important leadership in moving this reauthorization forward of this very important program that promotes active involvement of citizens of all ages. In 1973, Congress passed the Domestic Volunteer Service Act, DVSA, to foster and expand volunteer service in communities while helping vulnerable and disadvantaged populations such as the elderly and the poor. DVSA authorized the National Senior Volunteer Corps, made up of the Foster Grandparents Program, the Senior Companion Program, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Seventeen years later, Congress passed the National and Community Service Act, NCSA, of 1990. NCSA aims to address unmet human, educational, environmental, and public safety needs, as well as to renew a sense of civic responsibility by encouraging citizens to participate in national service programs. Authorized under NCSA are Learn and Serve America, AmeriCorps State and national grants, and the National Civilian Community Corps. Both DVSA and NCSA are administered by the Corporation for National Community Service, and both laws were most recently amended in 1993 by the National and Community Service Act. While authorization of appropriations for both laws expired at the end of fiscal year 2006, these programs have remained funded through annual appropriations measures. I'm pleased to be a cosponsor of H.R. 2857, the GIVE Act, and believe that this bill makes commonsense improvements to our Nation's national service programs. Not only does it provide increased flexibility for States, but importantly, and as referenced by Ranking Member McKeon, it also increases accountability and efficiency within the administration of these programs. H.R. 2857 strengthens existing community and national service programs by providing year-round service opportunities for students and elderly alike, and further encourages involvement of disadvantaged youth. This legislation also expands eligibility requirements for senior serving programs like Foster Grandparents and the Senior Companion Program, ensuring that individuals with an interest in serving have options available to them. Finally, the GIVE Act reauthorizes DVSA and NCSA through fiscal year 2013. Recent natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as the wild fires in California, have showcased the important efforts of AmeriCorps and NCCC volunteers. I am proud to be part of this effort to strengthen national service programs and ensure that participants can continue to aid disadvantaged and needy populations. And I have seen firsthand in my district the great work of senior citizens in the Senior Companion Program and young citizens in AmeriCorps partnering with Habitat for Humanity to truly make a difference in Central Pennsylvania. And we know that these efforts are being replicated across the country. So, Madam Chairman, I hope that all will join in supporting the GIVE Act and vote in favor of this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Chairman, may I inquire how much time we have on both sides. The CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman from New York has 19\1/2\ minutes remaining. The gentleman from Pennsylvania has 22\1/2\ minutes remaining. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hare), a member of the Education and Labor Committee. Mr. HARE. Madam Chairman, H.R. 2857, the GIVE Act, reauthorizes our national service programs for the first time in 15 years. This legislation strengthens programs like AmeriCorps, Vista, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America so they can continue their invaluable services and expand into underserved communities. The people of my congressional district are no strangers to community service. We have four effective Retired Senior Volunteer Programs, known as RSVPs, located in my district: West Central Illinois RSVP, Adams County RSVP, RSVP of the Quad Cities, and RSVP of Springfield, Illinois. Together, these programs engage 3,464 volunteers in 577,226 hours of services in 13 counties. I had the opportunity to visit several of these last October and was impressed by their organization, their large number of volunteers, and the variety of services that they offer. Illinois RSVP volunteers serve the young and old, the healthy and the infirm. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, with the Red Cross, police department, and assist with home delivery meal programs. These dedicated volunteers touch the lives of hundreds of people and have a profound impact on the communities in which they serve. I want to thank Chairman Miller, Ranking Member McKeon, and their staffs for their work on this legislation and their efforts to address these concerns. Mr. PLATTS. Madam Chairman, I yield as much time as he consumes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra). Mr. HOEKSTRA. Madam Chairman, you know it's a good day today where we have the opportunity to go back and reauthorize the Corporation for National and Community Service. This is a program that 15 years ago is a program that I supported, and I'm glad that this Congress is going to take the steps to move this program forward and continue the efforts in this area. However, if we're really going to protect the Corporation for National and Community Service, if we are really going to protect the individuals that are working in these types of programs, what we should have been doing today and what we should do is we should extend the terrorist surveillance program. We should pass FISA modernization. You know, 3 weeks ago the majority said that this bill would come to the floor. They needed a 3-week extension to get the bill done. That expires this week. We're going to have a long day today. We'll be here till 2 or 3 o'clock, which I think will be the third week in a row where we will go home early and we will not take care of this vital national security issue. We've had a 6-month extension, we had a 2-week extension. The program now has lapsed for 3 weeks. Each and every day our capabilities erode just a little bit more. And each and every day we remove these capabilities to track foreign terrorists by our Intelligence Community, each and every day America becomes a little bit more vulnerable. Americans living at home, people in this program, our men and women in uniform in Afghanistan and in Iraq, they're a little bit more vulnerable. Our embassy personnel around the world are a little bit more vulnerable. Earlier this week the statement was made, well, you know, we'd maybe like to do FISA this week but the schedule is just too full. We're not going to have the opportunity to get to it. We're not going to have the opportunity to get to it. We're going to be done working some time in the middle of the afternoon and we're going to leave a national security issue laying on the table for the third week in a row? Will the majority deal with this issue next week? Will they deal with it before we go on recess? Or will they allow it to lapse for 6 weeks? How vulnerable does America need to become before the majority decides to act on FISA? I just wonder if the majority's even looking at what's going on around the world, taking a look at the attacks that are taking place in Pakistan, taking a look at the attacks that are happening in Afghanistan, listening to the rhetoric that's coming out of Iran, listening to the rhetoric that's coming out from al Qaeda in Iraq, listening to the rhetoric that's coming out of Hezbollah in Syria and in Lebanon. There are threats against our allies. There are threats against Western Europe. There are threats against our friends in Northern Africa. There are [[Page 3357]] threats against Western Europe, and yes, there are threats against the United States of America. They're not listening to what al Qaeda and radical jihadists and other terrorists are saying. They're not reading what these individuals are saying, because if you were listening to what they were saying, if you were reading what they were writing, and if you were watching what they were doing, you would understand that the threat is real and that it is a grave mistake to allow this intelligence tool and to allow other intelligence tools to erode continually. Yes, America's more vulnerable today than it was 3 weeks ago. America is more vulnerable today than it was 14 months ago because, on national security issue after national security issue, the other side refuses to give our intelligence community the tools that they need to keep America safe. These tools have developed. They've evolved. They've been working very, very well in protecting America. But for the last 14 months, the majority has not only let these tools evolve and deteriorate, in many cases they've been under direct attack from the majority. Today our intelligence community is paying a price because they do not have the tools necessary to keep America safe. Hopefully, America will not pay a price because the intelligence community hasn't been given the tools by the majority to keep America safe. It's time to bring the Senate bill to the floor. This is a bill that has widespread support, passed by 68 votes in the Senate, supported by a majority of the Republicans and the Democrats in the Senate. Bring that bill to the House. Bring it up right after the GIVE Act. Make sure that we've got the tools in place to keep America safe and to keep the people working in this program and other programs safe. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to my colleague on the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes). Mr. SARBANES. Madam Chairman, I rise today to commend Chairman Miller, Chairwoman McCarthy, Ranking Member McKeon, and others for putting together a very strong reauthorization of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. {time} 1145 It supports the Nation's priorities in a number of important areas. In particular, I'd like to thank the committee's leadership for recognizing the critical role that veterans and older Americans can play in solving problems and strengthening communities, by recommending several new provisions. Our veterans are simply the best of what this country has to offer, both with respect to their exemplary character and the technical, professional, and administrative expertise which they acquire during their years of service. They are an invaluable and untapped resource to underserved communities. America should embrace the opportunity to establish a well-defined veterans-centered and -integrated community support system based on national and community service. The GIVE Act begins a national conversation on how to make this happen. Every day nearly 8,000 of the Nation's 78 million baby boomers turn 60. We know from research that the vast majority plan to work or stay engaged in their community well past traditional retirement age. This is a wonderful opportunity, given their stated interest in helping others and the ever-worsening labor shortage in education, health care, government, and nonprofit work. I'm a strong supporter of the idea that those who have finished their mid-life careers can be a force for social good in the 21st century. By turning the aging of America into a positive story, we can tap into this energy. It is going to take creativity, experimentation, bold action, and looking to the future more than the past. Congress has a critical responsibility, along with the States and the private sector, to ensure baby boomers will have the opportunity to serve. We talk about this wave of returning veterans, and we talk about the demographic wave of aging Americans. How you respond to a wave depends on how you position yourself. That wave can either come crashing down on us, or it can be a wave that lifts us up and moves us forward. I look forward to continuing to work with the committee and this Congress to explore additional proposals to capture the energy, idealism, and talent of our veterans and millions of older Americans who want to make a major contribution to the public good. Mr. PLATTS. Madam Chairman, I certainly am pleased to be part of moving this legislation, the GIVE Act; but I do want to associate myself with the gentleman from Michigan, the ranking member of the House Select Committee on Intelligence, on the importance of us moving the reauthorization of FISA; and, hopefully, we will get to that as quickly as possible and restore the tools to our intelligence community they need to protect our Nation and our citizens. With that, I'd like to yield as much time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays). Mr. SHAYS. Madam Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Frankly, I don't think there is a more important bill than this; and yet to hear some of the critics, it's like we're just paying people to be volunteers. The thing I love about Ronald Reagan was Ronald Reagan believed in the future of America, the youth of America, and that the best was yet to come. And he gave us a sense of hope, as did President Kennedy. When President Kennedy talked about the Peace Corps, I was in eighth grade. My parents bought a TV set to listen to the debate between Nixon and President Kennedy, and I was just enthralled by a President who asked me, a young person, to do something for the world, and that was to become a Peace Corps volunteer. And from that point on, that was one of my dreams. It was something I wanted to do . . . become a Peace Corps Volunteer. Guess what? Peace Corps volunteers are paid. We earn a salary and are given a stipend because we have to eat. We are given a certain sum of money at the end, not for education, but to frankly be able to come back and just buy some clothes. When you clean your underwear on rocks for 2 years, you don't want to continue to wear them when you get home. So what did President Clinton want to do? He said we have the Peace Corps for those who volunteer overseas. And we have Vista for those who want to be of service in these United States. But we can make Vista better. We're going to have expanded national service here at home, and by the way, while this was happening we in Congress were getting rid of summer jobs for kids. The President said and I want this expanded national service program to be a bipartisan proposal. I want to work with Republicans. Let's make this something all of us can get behind. I got excited with his call to us. Let's work together, and we did. Because instead of a national program where one-size-fits-all, he said it's going to be a competitive process, something Republican should like. And by the way, I'll just say parenthetically, Ms. Matsui has an amendment that I am a chief cosponsor of that says let's have more of the dollars be competed for by State and local communities. It's an amendment that should pass. So what we did is have a national program called AmeriCorps, but we had two-thirds of it going to the States. Now, the problem with that is you're going to have some bad programs that might get funded. The good thing about it is you're going to have some great programs that are going to be funded. And so former President Clinton took a risk. He said instead of having a one-size-fits-all, which would mean we'll have vanilla, and, no one can criticize it, we had some great programs and some bad programs. So the critics of AmeriCorps then took the [[Page 3358]] bad programs and started to criticize as if this was all of AmeriCorps, as if this was the President's national service bill. Well, the bottom line is we have some great programs. Thank God we had these programs for people impacted by Katrina and other natural disasters. In my part of the country, we have young people who are giving to their neighbors, and if you think they're paid, they're paid a minimum wage and they have a stipend they can use towards their education. It gets them to think about their future and get an education. But we have people here who will say, well, let's give out Pell Grants, we're going to give out Pell Grants for nothing; and yet we have an opportunity to give out grants that someone actually earned. I can't speak more strongly for this legislation. I congratulate President Clinton for bringing it forward, for working with Republicans, at least those who were willing to work with him, and for having a program that has energized young people to be of service. There are six former Peace Corps volunteers in this House, three Republicans, three Democrats. If you asked any one of us what was the most significant time in our lives, it was serving in the Peace Corps. It was helping others. But we came back more enriched than probably we gave. And I'm absolutely certain of this, the folks that are doing national service, they don't get much monetarily, but they give a lot; and in return they get a lot in terms of their personal development. They grow as individuals. They have more confidence in themselves. I think they're better Americans. I hope whoever's the next President, and we have three good candidates to choose from, I have a preference obviously, but I think that they are going to inspire Americans to be of greater service, and they could use this legislation to help them. I hope we pass it, and I thank our sponsors for bringing this bill out. I particularly want to thank our colleagues from New York and from Pennsylvania for their effort here today. God bless this country and God bless this program. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Chairman, I'd like to yield 1 minute to the gentlelady from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter), a member of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee. Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Madam Chairman, as a former social worker and administrator and a cosponsor of the GIVE Act, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 2857. I was able to see firsthand the hard work and self-sacrifice and dedication of our AmeriCorps volunteers during the Katrina recovery effort. As a relief volunteer myself, I worked side by side with the AmeriCorps volunteers. You can't say enough about these young people who gave of themselves and worked tirelessly for many, many hours to give comfort to their fellow Americans. This convinced me how essential AmeriCorps and other national service programs really are to this Nation. My experiences as a social worker and as an administrator and relief volunteer have made the reauthorization of this program a high priority for me, and I'm proud that it's a high priority for this Congress as well. I'm also grateful that the committee passed my amendment to increase the minimum amount of the State formula grants. This increase acknowledges that these volunteer programs are equally important in smaller States such as New Hampshire. These programs and the participants who are in them work miracles for very low money, and we need to thank them. Mr. PLATTS. Madam Chairman, I'd like to reserve the balance of my time at this point. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind), a former member of the Education Committee. Mr. KIND. Madam Chairman, I want to thank and commend my good friend Mrs. McCarthy from New York for the wonderful leadership that she has shown in the reauthorization of this important legislation. I agree with my good friend and colleague from Connecticut that this is one of the more important pieces of legislation that we will be dealing with in this session of Congress, and I commend the efforts of everyone on the committee for the bipartisan support that's been shown on behalf of this bill. Madam Chairman, this legislation will provide a vital increase in funding for a variety of domestic volunteer service programs, including AmeriCorps, Volunteers in Service to America, and Learn and Serve America. Expanding these important community-based programs is essential so that residents in the neediest places receive the assistance that they need and deserve. I'm very proud that my home State of Wisconsin has more than 35 AmeriCorps programs. Jump Start for Young Children is just one of several programs that help prepare young children from low-income families to succeed and go on in school. Just this past year, this program benefited from the service of 3,500 corps members and volunteers from over 70 colleges. Together, these individuals were able to assist more than 13,000 preschoolers in over 20 of our States in this country. I'd like to applaud the hard work and selfless efforts of these individuals who have not only rebuilt houses in communities but also lives. I'm especially proud that three of my congressional staff members are former AmeriCorps volunteers: Karrie Jackelen, Brad Smith, and David De Gennaro. The contributions of these participants is truly admirable given the enormous difference they've made in so many lives. Mr. Chairman, there is a yearning for community involvement and community service across this country, and it's especially acute with the youth, the children of our Nation. It was unfortunate that the current President sent this Nation to war without asking for any type of contribution or significant sacrifice from the average American. Except for our troops and their families who have borne the brunt of this sacrifice and burden, there's very little asked of the American people. This legislation, which was the vision of President Clinton and his administration, tries to correct that deficiency. It's a good, bipartisan bill. I encourage my colleagues to pass the GIVE Act today. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I will continue to reserve my time. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Klein). Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, otherwise known as the GIVE Act. This legislation speaks to what makes our country great, Americans volunteering to give back to their communities. Volunteerism is so important to helping the less fortunate, working to better one's community, and instilling a sense of patriotism and love for one's country. Volunteers are critical to pulling our country through hard times. Following the hurricanes that plagued my home State of Florida, I witnessed firsthand the overwhelming response from volunteers who came out to respond to the needs of hurricane victims. Volunteers came together to provide these victims with clothing, food, shelter, and other items that displaced residents and families needed to get their lives back on track. The GIVE Act will continue this strong tradition of volunteerism in America by increasing community service opportunities and providing new incentives for volunteering. {time} 1200 Furthermore, I am proud to support legislation that puts a premium on disaster preparedness and emergency response. I would like to commend Representative McCarthy for her work on this bill and urge my colleagues to support this bill for the betterment of all our communities and our country as a whole. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining. [[Page 3359]] The Acting CHAIRMAN (Mr. Holden). Each side has 11 minutes remaining. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, with that, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, as we have been working through this bill, through our hearings and everything else, and listening to the volunteers that work in AmeriCorps and other aspects of volunteering, and also listening to our young people from communities that are underserved on how they want to serve and be part of it, before my colleague from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) talked about how we've done away with summer jobs. We see in our communities today more and more of our young people joining gangs and getting into trouble. We see that our juvenile justice system and our prisons are being overflowed, unfortunately, with young people. This is a program that can help them. You know, I look at our country and I marvel at how people volunteer and give their time to help other people that are in need. With the programs that we're putting forth and through the work of the subcommittee and through the work of my colleague Mr. Platts from Pennsylvania, we have put together a great bill. This is a bill that can help people to the future. This is a bill that incorporates our elderly and our young. So, it's something that I think we should all be proud of. And certainly I'm hoping that we're not going to have any controversies further down the line. And may I just say one thing: A number of speakers have gotten up and talked about the FISA bill. Let me say this to the American people: With the continuation that we have, this country is being protected. And we are trying to work it out with our colleagues from the other side and the administration. But let me make one thing very clear, the country is being protected. The intelligence committees can do what they need to do, and our intelligence community is getting information at that. With that, Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I want to again just thank my subcommittee chairman, Chairwoman McCarthy, for her leadership on this important legislation, as well as the full committee Chair, Mr. Miller, and the ranking member, Mr. McKeon. As a number of speakers have talked about their own experience and the gentleman from Connecticut, through his work in the Peace Corps, these opportunities to participate in the programs that are funded and authorized under the National Community and Service Act impact not just those who receive the benefit of the work done, but those who actually participate. And with a family member who has participated in AmeriCorps, I have seen that impact on that individual and how they were a stronger person and better prepared for the rest of their adult years because of having been part of AmeriCorps. So, again, I urge a ``yes'' vote for this legislation and look forward to it moving forward through the House and working with the Senate to get it to the President's desk. Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2857, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education or ``GIVE'' Act. This legislation reauthorizes and strengthens our national service programs. I would like to thank my good friend Carolyn McCarthy, chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee and Congressman Todd Platts, the ranking member, for their excellent, bipartisan work on this legislation. The spirit of service runs strong in America. Many Americans--young and old, rich and poor--look for ways to give back to their communities and the Nation. Our national service programs nurture this spirit and ensure that all American have opportunities to serve. The GIVE Act will increase the number of Americorps volunteers to 100,000. In my congressional district Americorps volunteers are promoting community development, improving education, and enhancing the quality of life for many of our residents. They bring a great deal of energy and contribute to a strong sense of community in our area. The GIVE Act fosters an ethic of civic engagement in young people through a summer of service program that will enable students in middle and high school to volunteer and earn an education award for college. The GIVE Act promotes service in areas of national need for global competitiveness, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The GIVE Act will ensure that we can effectively and efficiently mobilize volunteers in times of national disaster. The GIVE Act strengthens opportunities for our seniors by providing flexibility to the senior corps programs. In my congressional district, we have very strong programs that engage our seniors in service and provide them companionship and support. Our seniors continue to make tremendous contributions to our communities. We cannot afford to let their talent or energy go to waste. My home State of Texas is a big believer in national service. We have 48,000 senior corps members. Since 1994, 24,000 Texans have earned education awards by serving as Americorps volunteers; 48,000 students have participated in Learn and Serve America, linking service with academic achievement. The GIVE act will make this great tradition of service even stronger. I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the GIVE Act and I thank my colleague Mrs. Maloney for her leadership on this issue. Volunteers in our National Service Corps are doing the hard work of building what I like to call the Beloved Community--a community at peace with itself based on justice and human dignity. We all live in one house, the American house, and people are suffering. We need so many more Americans to volunteer, to share their talents, their time and their love. That is how we form the Beloved Community. So many Americans are giving of themselves through Americorps/VISTA, Summer of Service, and our Senior Volunteer Corps. Many more want to give and volunteer, but they can't find the time. They are stuck at work trying to make ends meet. They sit in traffic. They are helping their kids with homework. Businesses and governments need to encourage and allow people to volunteer. Young people have been behind all of the great social movements in this Nation. We must tap into the idealism and the talents of our young people, and the young at heart, who can build bridges and ease suffering. Something is happening in America. In Atlanta, we are embracing the merger between the Points of Light Foundation and the ``Hands On'' Network. I want to mention their good work and their leadership in recruiting and training volunteers. I look forward to working with my colleagues to find more ways, like competitive grants for nonprofits, to expand our volunteer infrastructure, to push our national service agenda forward. The GIVE Act is a good bill. It has my support. I thank my colleagues. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chairman, throughout our history, American citizens have never hesitated to heed the call to service. They have answered in times of peace and prosperity, in times of war and recession. They have donated time and money and sweat--as much as they could, whenever it was needed. When our Nation faced the Great Depression, President Roosevelt formed the Civilian Conservation Corps and put citizens to work for the national interest. When we faced political uncertainty in the world, President Kennedy challenged our young people to serve and dispatched the Peace Corps on missions of international aid and public diplomacy. And when neighbors have challenges, when communities struggle, or when the Nation sees tragedy, our citizens rally and lend a hand. In recent years, we have seen some of the largest increases in volunteerism in history. This new trend is led by our young people, who are serving in record numbers. The number of college students who volunteer increased by 20 percent between 2002 and 2005. And the programs we consider today are a key part of that service. Today's legislation will increase enrollment in AmeriCorps and establish ways to deploy AmeriCorps alumni in times of national need. It will establish an Office of Outreach and Recruitment to match new volunteers with service opportunities. It will create a new program, a Summer of Service, to encourage more young people to help their communities. It will strengthen our emergency preparedness and disaster response with improvements to the National Civilian Community Corps. And it will challenge our scientists, mathematicians, and engineers to meet our Nation's technical needs with creativity and innovation. Mr. Chairman, Americans have made tremendous investments through national service. Let us, in turn, pass this legislation today [[Page 3360]] to assist their efforts and continue their commitment to our Nation's future. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. The GIVE Act will expand the Corporation for National and Community Service which has been instrumental in helping connect Americans to high quality, meaningful service and service-learning opportunities. The GIVE Act will increase the benefits of service available to more participants and more communities, improve program quality, ensure participant diversity, increase the value of the AmeriCorps education award, and reduce the age eligibility for Senior Corps to 55. In the last 14 years more than 500,000 individuals have served through AmeriCorps and have earned education awards worth more than $1.5 billion. Senior Corps members have generated more than 1 billion volunteer service hours, and more than 15 million young people have participated in service-learning initiatives funded by Learn and Serve America. In addition, the national service programs have provided opportunities for growing numbers of Americans to serve our Nation. Since AmeriCorps was created in 1994, Texas has benefited from over 22,000 young people serving for at least 1 year in our communities. Through programs such as the ``National Civilian Community Corps'' and ``City Year,'' AmeriCorps volunteers address critical Texas needs in the areas of education, public safety, disaster response and recovery, and environment preservation. These programs serve the important role of providing an outlet for service to the country in a manner previously not afforded. Mr. Chairman, the AmeriCorps program has done great things for Texas and this Nation as a whole, as is reflected in the AmeriCorps members pledge to ``get things done.'' I am indeed honored to support this wonderful program which represents the very best of the United States of America. Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the Committee on Education and Labor for all of their work in bringing this bill to the floor today. National service is one of the most productive, cost efficient investments the Federal Government can make. My wife Betsi and I were Peace Corps volunteers and we call ourselves volunteers because we gave 2 years of our lives in service to others. Americorps is a similar program to Peace Corps. It takes 18, 19, 20- year-old kids and gives them an opportunity to work in a program mentored by various nonprofit organizations. The passion of participants in Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and other national service programs is undeniable. As they give back to their country they also learn something about themselves, each other, and the world around them. I am pleased H.R. 2857 expands the AmeriCorps program and increases the education award, which participants in the program receive upon completion of service. As the cost of a college education increases, students often have to choose between public service careers and other jobs to pay back student loans. I am also pleased we are making amendments in order under this rule because I believe they will strengthen this underlying reauthorization. Congresswoman Matsui and I have offered an amendment to streamline funding for State and national AmeriCorps programs, which will encourage coordination, efficiency, and high quality programs. Furthermore, this amendment will improve the collaboration between State and national entities to better serve local needs. Congressman McDermott, Congressman Farr and I have offered an amendment to establish a Congressional Commission on Civic service that will investigate ways to increase and encourage service opportunities throughout the country. The Commission will consider and promote ideas to inspire community service initiatives around the Nation. There is no substitute for the passion of our Nation's volunteers, who can be found mentoring students, building houses, assisting senior citizens or beautifying our national parks. As a co-sponsor of this legislation, I am proud to support national service initiatives and encourage my colleagues to support this important reauthorization today. Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I would like to take a minute to recognize an enduring legacy of John F. Kennedy--the Peace Corps--in recognition of its 47th anniversary this year. It is an honor to serve with the likes of my colleague and friend Chris Shays and others in this body and the others who serves our country in the enhancement of citizen diplomacy. I hope all Americans will join us in supporting and expanding this enduring commitment to convey our values as a Nation. As Fareed Zakaria wrote: ``We must begin to think about life after Bush--a cheering prospect for his foes, a dismaying one for his fans (however few there may be at the moment). In 11 months he will be a private citizen, giving speeches to insurance executives. America, however, will have to move on and restore its place in the world. To do this we must first tackle the consequences of our foreign policy of fear. Having spooked ourselves into believing that we have no option but to act fast, alone, unilaterally and pre-emptively, we have managed in six years to destroy decades of international good will, alienate allies, embolden enemies and yet solve few of the major international problems we face.'' The London Financial Times last December reported that the U.S. has suffered a significant loss of power and prestige around the world in the years since the beginning of this century, limiting our ability to influence international crises, according to an annual survey from a well regarded British security think-tank. The 2007 Strategic Survey of the non-partisan International Institute for Strategic Studies' picked the decline of U.S. authority as one of the most important security developments of the past year--but suggested the fading of American prestige began earlier, largely due to its failings in Iraq. One of our most special and effective citizen agencies of public diplomacy is the Peace Corps. Think of this--more than 187,000 volunteers have served this venerable legacy of former President Kennedy, serving in 139 countries--where they bring our values to other peoples, and bring understanding and appreciation of other cultures back home. The greatest gift of the Peace Corps and other civilian programs is not just that ordinary Americans share their values and our culture with other peoples, but also that when volunteers return, they bring greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures. Foreign policy is not just what we do, but also who we are. America as a place has often been the great antidote to U.S. foreign policy-- and it should be again. Mr. Zakaria writes that ``When American actions across the world have seemed harsh, misguided or unfair, America itself has always been open, welcoming and tolerant. . .'' At the end of the day, our openness is our greatest foreign policy. We have succeeded not because of the ingenuity of our government, but rather because of efforts like this unique program to keep ourselves open to the world--to sending our people out across the countries of the world to share our unique culture, our goods and services, our ideas and inventions, our people and cultures. This openness, this civilian diplomacy, has allowed us to make friends across boundaries. It will be central to our place as a nation in the future. This week, as we celebrate National Peace Corps Week, we honor the more than 190,000 volunteers who have served in 139 developing countries since President Kennedy's call to service in 1961--and I honor 44 of my constituents currently serving our country in places as diverse as China, Mali, Azerbaijan, Macedonia, El Salvador, and Namibia. This can be lonely and demanding service, but service that can create enduring friendships and values that transcend boundaries and cultures. Today, more than 8,000 Peace Corps volunteers around the world are currently providing training and education in 74 countries. These volunteers each donate their time and skills for over 2 years, in order to make a difference in the world and to promote understanding between cultures. By offering their valuable skills and showing a passion for helping others, they show the world that Americans value learning and cross-cultural exchange. Volunteers work in areas of education, health and HIV/AIDS, business development, environment, agriculture and youth, and must often be creative and flexible when living and working in new cultures and learning new languages. The resulting experience is rewarding for all involved, and it highlights the importance of cooperation and involvement between cultures around the globe. When volunteers return home and share their overseas experiences with their communities, the Peace Corps helps Americans as much as the people in developing countries. From recent college graduates to doctors with decades of experience, volunteers choose to use their valuable skills and education to help people all over the world, but their work affects their lives long after returning home. This week we remember the dedication and passion of Peace Corps volunteers, young and old, current and returned. We thank them for their service, and encourage more Americans to volunteer with the Peace Corps. [[Page 3361]] Sworn-in Volunteers In the District of VA-08 Volunteer Name, Country of Service, Start of SVC Date, Projected COS Date Adriance, Joel E, ECUADOR, 31-Aug-2005, 30-Sep-2008. Armitage, Emily M, BULGARIA, 19-Oct-2006, 10-Oct-2008. Arnaoudova, Ina M, AZERBAIJAN, 13-Sep-2006, 12-Sep-2008. Ballenger, Charles J, EL SALVADOR, 30-Nov-2006, 28-Nov- 2008. Banks, Cecilia M, ECUADOR, 31-Aug-2005, 30-Sep-2008. Bergin, Sarah M, SURINAME, 03-Aug-2006, 03-Aug-2008. Braslavsky, Gelena, BULGARIA, 29-Jun-2007, 30-Jun-2009. Cabrera, Luis J, NICARAGUA, 20-Jul-2007, 17-Jul-2009. Calnan, Shannon M, ROMANIA, 27-Jul-2007, 26-Jul-2009. Chadbourn Iv, Charles C, COSTA RICA, 14-Sep-2006, 19-Sep- 2008. Cohen, Matthew B, GHANA, 21-Aug-2007, 20-Aug-2009. Davies, Meghan E, HONDURAS, 20-Apr-2006, 14-Mar-2008. Doherty, Jennifer J, JAMAICA, 25-Aug-2006, 25-Aug-2008. Ferrara, Erin J, FIJI, 03-Aug-2006, 03-Aug-2008. Ficke, Melanie K, HONDURAS, 07-Sep-2006, 06-Sep-2008. GarciaLahiguera, Andres J, ROMANIA, 27-Jul-2007, 26-Jul- 2009. Geurtsen, Christopher P, VANUATU, 21-Jun-2007, 19-Jun-2009. Glock, Porter O, FIJI, 03-Aug-2006, 03-Aug-2008. Guachamin, Marcela A, COSTA RICA, 18-May-2007, 15-May-2009. Gustafson, Kevin L, GUYANA, 26-Jul-2007, 25-Jul-2009. Houk, Kathryn G, BOLIVIA, 28-Jul-2006, 01-Aug-2008. Huckstep, Melanie L, CHINA, 07-Sep-2007, 08-Sep-2009. Hurley, Emelia M, BOLIVIA, 13-Apr-2006, 11-Apr-2008. Infantino, Ann Marie C, HONDURAS, 27-Sep-2007, 25-Sep-2009. Johnston, Elizabeth A, PARAGUAY, 21-Apr-2006, 18-Apr-2008. Landrigan, Gregory J, PANAMA, 28-Jul-2005, 04-Sep-2008. Luckett, Christina C, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, 26-May-2006, 05- May-2008. Mandt, Kehl R, CHINA, 09-Jun-2005, 16-Aug-2009. Milanowski, Elissa N, NAMIBIA, 06-Jan-2006, 30-Mar-2008. Morris, Katherine M, ALBANIA, 13-Jun-2007, 13-Jun-2009. Morrow, Katherine J, CHINA, 07-Sep-2007, 08-Sep-2009. Neidorf, Katherine A, MACEDONIA, 15-Dec-2006, 14-Dec-2008. Norko, Sara M, PHILIPPINES, 03-Aug-2007, 03-Aug-2009. Papernick, Rachel J, HONDURAS, 27-Sep-2007, 25-Sep-2009. Pasley, Virginia B, UKRAINE, 21-Dec-2006, 18-Dec-2008. Rooney, Kieran E, MOLDOVA, 16-Aug-2007, 14-Aug-2009. Schiller, Malaika L, BENIN, 22-Sep-2006, 22-Sep-2008. Shah, Rekha, PHILIPPINES, 03-Aug-2007, 03-Aug-2009. Shanahan, Kara A, EL SALVADOR, 16-Aug-2007, 13-Aug-2009. Slotnick, Jennifer A, GUATEMALA, 27-Jul-2006, 26-Jul-2008. Soto, Jocelyn D, UKRAINE, 21-Dec-2006, 18-Dec-2008. Vance, Jessica H. EL SALVADOR, 19-Apr-2007, 24-Apr-2009. Wagner, Ariel E, MALI, 25-Nov-2005, 25-May-2008. Zehner, Amanda L, GAMBIA, 13-Apr-2007, 15-Apr-2009. Mr. ALTMIRE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, the GIVE Act, H.R. 2857. I congratulate Chairman Miller and Chairwoman McCarthy and Ranking Members McKeon and Platts on their work toward this day and moving us closer to finally reauthorizing the Corportation for National and Community Service. There are many noteworthy programs in the GIVE Act, including Senior Corps and AmeriCorps, which give countless Americans the opportunity to volunteer. Today, I would like to bring attention to a new and very promising program that I have worked to include in the GIVE Act. This new part of the law will provide grants to non-profit organizations to encourage increased volunteer, community, workforce, and educational participation in older adults. Recent research shows that Americans in the second half of life-- regardless of income, educational level, or race--want to explore options for the next stage of life, including service opportunities, obtaining new training, retooling existing skills, pursuing educational interests, and exploring flexible work. This initiative is a timely and necessary way to help the large U.S. `boomer' generation make the transition to a new productive life phase by providing support and community connections for ongoing learning, development, and contribution to society. Similar programs currently function as an initiative of Civic Ventures and are a proven success. I am hopeful that we will be able to bring a program to my district to assist those that are in a transition period, whether they have lost a job, are looking for a career change, or would like to move into a volunteer role in the community. Mr. Chairman, again I thank the leadership of the Education and Labor Committee and its excellent staff for assisting in securing this program authorization and in moving the GIVE Act forward. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2857, the ``Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act'' or the ``GIVE Act.'' I would like to thank my colleague Congresswoman McCarthy for introducing this important legislation, as well as the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, Congressman George Miller, for his leadership in bringing the bill to the floor today. Mr. Chairman, this legislation will make vital strides toward expanding and improving key community service programs, including AmeriCorps, VISTA, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America. The GIVE Act works to ensure that volunteers, and the organizations that support them, will receive the resources that they need to continue their vital work in our communities. Today's legislation embodies the altruistic spirit that has made our Nation great. Great numbers of Americans donate their time and their unique skills and gifts to our cities and communities, without any expectation of compensation or material reward. According to a 2005 study, 29 percent of the American public, or about 65.4 million people, had volunteered in the past year. This legislation engages our youth and fosters a sense of civic duty. At many of our Historically Black Colleges and Universities the idea of continual service to community is embedded into the very walls of the institution. Right in this city, Howard University has symbolically and yet openly stated its belief in service. Veritas and Utilitas, Truth and Service is on the very seal of the University. Institutions such as Texas Southern University and Texas A&M University continue to provide our young people with leadership skills that are grounded in service and compassion for their fellow man. That is why I was so pleased to see Section 1202 of this legislation, giving special consideration to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities. I want to thank Chairman Miller for allowing me to add to this great bill. By adding predominately minority community colleges to the list of those to receive special consideration, we help so many more students who have a commitment to service. Our community colleges are growing as many of our returning veterans, single parents, and seniors desire to make a change in their life circumstances and simply cannot afford traditional higher education. A sense of civic engagement is not fostered only among students at Harvard and Berkeley; it is also found among students at community colleges like Houston Community College and North Harris College. I thank the Chairman for recognizing this needed addition and incorporating it into the Manager's Amendment. The GIVE Act would: (1) increase the number of AmeriCorps volunteers from 75,000 to 100,000 by 2012; (2) increase stipends for AmeriCorps volunteers from $4,725 to $5,225 by 2012; (3) initiate a ``Summer of Service'' program for young people from middle school through high school to give them the opportunity to spend a summer in service to their community, for which they would receive a $500 stipend for college or for college preparation; and (4) create an AmeriCorps Alumni Reserves Network aimed at tapping into the skills and experience of alumni volunteers, with a particular focus on assisting during emergencies or natural disasters. I am proud to cosponsor legislation that will add service before self to our leaders of tomorrow. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act. I would like to thank Chairman George Miller, Ranking Member McKeon, Chairwoman McCarthy, and Ranking Member Platts for their work on this bill. H.R. 2857 reauthorizes the national service programs for the first time in over 10 years and contains many positive changes and updates for these programs. During committee consideration of the bill, I added language to [[Page 3362]] make many of these programs more accessible for court-involved youth and adults, including individuals who have previously been incarcerated. I believe that getting these individuals involved in service could be a positive first step to reintegrating these individuals into their communities and giving them an avenue to begin positively participating in society. Although I support this bill, I remained concerned about one provision, which requires the recompetition of grants under the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, RSVP. During committee consideration of this bill, Congressman Hare and I submitted an amendment that would have given existing RSVP grantees in good standing priority consideration for future grants. Since that time, we have worked with the committee to improve the provision that is in the bill, including giving existing programs technical assistance and additional time to prepare for recompetition. I appreciate this work towards a more fair system. However, I believe that existing programs in good standing should be given a stronger priority in the recompetition process, whether that is by only recompeting under-performing programs such as in the Head Start program or by utilizing a prior experience point system such as in the TRIO programs. Through serving their communities for many years and in some cases decades, these existing programs have established strong ties in their communities on which many seniors rely and from which many others benefit. I remain concerned that the language in the base bill will create a recompetition process that will essentially become a grant-writing competition without consideration for current RSVP programs' experience and effectiveness. Although I remain concerned about the recompetition process for RSVP programs, I intend to support the bill and urge my colleagues to support it as well. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2857, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN. All time for general debate has expired. Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the 5-minute rule and shall be considered read. The text of the committee amendment is as follows: H.R. 2857 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act'' or the ``GIVE Act''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ACT OF 1990 Sec. 1001. References. Subtitle A--Amendments to Subtitle A (General Provisions) Sec. 1101. Purposes; sense of Congress. Sec. 1102. Definitions. Subtitle B--Amendments to Subtitle B (Service-Learning) Sec. 1201. School-based allotments. Sec. 1202. Higher education provisions. Sec. 1203. Innovative programs and research. Subtitle C--Amendments to Subtitle C (National Service Trust Program) Sec. 1301. Prohibition on grants to Federal agencies; limits on Corporation costs. Sec. 1302. E-Corps and technical amendments to types of programs. Sec. 1303. Types of positions. Sec. 1304. Conforming repeal relating to training and technical assistance. Sec. 1305. Assistance to State Commissions; challenge grants. Sec. 1306. Allocation of assistance to States and other eligible entities. Sec. 1307. Additional authority. Sec. 1308. State selection of programs. Sec. 1309. Consideration of applications. Sec. 1310. Description of participants. Sec. 1311. Selection of national service participants. Sec. 1312. Terms of service. Sec. 1313. Adjustments to living allowance. Subtitle D--Amendments to Subtitle D (National Service Trust and Provision of National Service Educational Awards) Sec. 1401. Availability of funds in the National Service Trust. Sec. 1402. Individuals eligible to receive a national service educational award from the Trust. Sec. 1403. Determination of the amount of national service educational awards. Sec. 1404. Disbursement of educational awards. Sec. 1405. Process of approval of national service positions. Subtitle E--Amendments to Subtitle E (National Civilian Community Corps) Sec. 1501. Purpose. Sec. 1502. Program components. Sec. 1503. Eligible participants. Sec. 1504. Summer national service program. Sec. 1505. Team leaders. Sec. 1506. Training. Sec. 1507. Consultation with State Commissions. Sec. 1508. Authorized benefits for Corps members. Sec. 1509. Permanent cadre. Sec. 1510. Contract and grant authority. Sec. 1511. Other departments. Sec. 1512. Advisory Board. Sec. 1513. Annual evaluation. Sec. 1514. Repeal of funding limitation. Sec. 1515. Definitions. Sec. 1516. Terminology. Subtitle F--Amendments to Subtitle F (Administrative Provisions) Sec. 1601. Family and medical leave. Sec. 1602. Additional prohibitions on use of funds. Sec. 1603. Notice, hearing, and grievance procedures. Sec. 1604. Resolution of displacement complaints. Sec. 1605. State Commissions on National and Community Service. Sec. 1606. Evaluation and accountability. Sec. 1607. Technical amendment. Sec. 1608. Partnerships with schools. Sec. 1609. Rights of access, examination, and copying. Sec. 1610. Additional administrative provisions. Subtitle G--Amendments to Subtitle G (Corporation for National and Community Service) Sec. 1701. Terms of office. Sec. 1702. Board of Directors authorities and duties. Sec. 1703. Authorities and duties of the Chief Executive Officer. Sec. 1704. Nonvoting members; personal services contracts. Sec. 1705. Donated services. Sec. 1706. Office of Outreach and Recruitment. Sec. 1707. Study to examine and increase service programs for veterans and veterans participation in Service Corps and Community Service and to develop pilot program. Subtitle H--Amendments to Subtitle H Sec. 1801. Technical amendments to subtitle H. Sec. 1802. Repeals. Sec. 1803. Innovative and model program support. Sec. 1804. Clearinghouses. Subtitle I--American Conservation and Youth Service Corps Sec. 1811. State application. Subtitle J--Training and Technical Assistance Sec. 1821. Training and technical assistance. Subtitle K--Repeal of Title III (Points of Light Foundation) Sec. 1831. Repeal. Subtitle L--Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations) Sec. 1841. Authorization of appropriations. TITLE II--AMENDMENTS TO THE DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE ACT OF 1973 Sec. 2001. References. Subtitle A--Amendments to Title I (National Volunteer Antipoverty Programs) Sec. 2101. Purpose. Sec. 2102. Purpose of the VISTA program. Sec. 2103. Applications. Sec. 2104. VISTA programs of national significance. Sec. 2105. Terms and periods of service. Sec. 2106. Support Service. Sec. 2107. Sections repealed. Sec. 2108. Conforming amendment. Sec. 2109. Financial assistance. Subtitle B--Amendments to Title II (National Senior Volunteer Corps) Sec. 2201. Change in name. Sec. 2202. Purpose. Sec. 2203. Grants and contracts for volunteer service projects. Sec. 2204. Foster Grandparent Program grants. Sec. 2205. Senior Companion Program grants. Sec. 2206. Promotion of National Senior Service Corps. Sec. 2207. Technical amendments. Sec. 2208. Programs of national significance. Sec. 2209. Additional provisions. Sec. 2210. Authority of Director. Subtitle C--Amendments to Title IV (Administration and Coordination) Sec. 2301. Nondisplacement. Sec. 2302. Notice and hearing procedures. Sec. 2303. Definitions. Sec. 2304. Protection against improper use. Subtitle D--Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations) Sec. 2401. Authorization of appropriations for VISTA and other purposes. Sec. 2402. Authorization of appropriations for National Senior Service Corps. Sec. 2403. Administration and coordination. TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS Sec. 3101. Inspector General Act of 1978. TITLE IV--TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO TABLES OF CONTENTS Sec. 4101. Table of contents for the National and Community Service Act of 1990. Sec. 4102. Table of contents for the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. TITLE V--EFFECTIVE DATE Sec. 5101. Effective date. [[Page 3363]] Sec. 5102. Service assignments and agreements. TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ACT OF 1990 SEC. 1001. REFERENCES. Except as otherwise specifically provided, whenever in this title an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a provision of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12501 et seq.). Subtitle A--Amendments to Subtitle A (General Provisions) SEC. 1101. PURPOSES; SENSE OF CONGRESS. (a) Purposes.--Section 2(b) (42 U.S.C. 12501(b)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``community throughout'' and inserting ``community and service throughout the varied and diverse communities of''; (2) in paragraph (4), by inserting after ``income,'' the following: ``geographic location,''; (3) in paragraph (6), by inserting after ``existing'' the following: ``national''; (4) in paragraph (7)-- (A) by striking ``programs and agencies'' and inserting ``programs, agencies, and communities''; and (B) by striking ``and'' at the end; (5) in paragraph (8), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (6) by adding at the end the following: ``(9) expand and strengthen service-learning programs through year-round opportunities, including during the summer months, to improve the education of children and youth and to maximize the benefits of national and community service, in order to renew the ethic of civic responsibility and the spirit of community to children and youth throughout the United States; ``(10) assist in coordinating and strengthening Federal and other citizen service opportunities, including opportunities for participation in emergency and disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery; ``(11) increase service opportunities for our Nation's retiring professionals, including such opportunities for those retiring from the science, technical, engineering, and mathematics professions to improve the education of our Nation's youth and keep America competitive in the global knowledge economy, and to further utilize the experience, knowledge, and skills of older Americans; ``(12) encourage the continued service of the alumni of the national service programs, including service in times of national need; and ``(13) encourage members of the Baby Boom generation to partake in service opportunities.''. (b) Sense of Congress.--The Act is amended by inserting after section 2 the following: ``SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS. ``It is the sense of Congress that the number of participants in the AmeriCorps programs, including the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) and the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), should grow to reach 100,000 participants by 2012.''. SEC. 1102. DEFINITIONS. Section 101 (42 U.S.C. 12511) is amended-- (1) by redesignating-- (A) paragraphs (21) through (29) as paragraphs (28) through (36), respectively; (B) paragraphs (9) through (20) as paragraphs (15) through (26), respectively; and (C) paragraphs (7) and (8) as paragraphs (10) and (11), respectively; and (D) paragraphs (3) through (6) as paragraphs (5) through (8), respectively; (2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: ``(3) Approved summer of service position.--The term `approved summer of service position' means a position in a program described under section 111(a)(5) for which the Corporation has approved the provision of a summer of service educational award as one of the benefits to be provided for successful service in the position. ``(4) Baby boom generation.--The term `Baby Boom generation' means the generation that consists of individuals born during the period beginning with 1946 and ending with 1964.''; (3) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking ``described in section 122''; (4) in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated), by striking ``church or other''; (5) by inserting after paragraph (8) (as so redesignated) the following: ``(9) Disadvantaged youth.--The term `disadvantaged youth' includes those youth who are economically disadvantaged and one or more of the following: ``(A) Who are out-of-school youth, including out-of-school youth who are unemployed. ``(B) Who are in or aging out of foster care. ``(C) Who have limited English proficiency. ``(D) Who are homeless or who have run away from home. ``(E) Who are at-risk to leave school without a diploma. ``(F) Who are former juvenile offenders or at risk of delinquency.''; (6) by inserting after paragraph (11) (as so redesignated) the following: ``(12) Grantmaking entity.--The term `grantmaking entity' means a public or private nonprofit organization that-- ``(A) has experience with service-learning or with meeting unmet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs; ``(B) was in existence at least one year before the date on which the organization submitted an application under the national service laws; and ``(C) meets other such criteria as the Chief Executive Officer may establish. ``(13) Hispanic-serving institution.--The term `Hispanic- serving institution' has the meaning given the term in section 502(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)). ``(14) Historically black college or university.--The term `historically black college or university' means a part B institution, as defined in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)).''; (7) in paragraph (19) (as so redesignated), by striking ``section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965'' and inserting ``sections 101(a) and 102(a)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965''; (8) in paragraph (23)(B) (as so redesignated), by striking ``program in which the participant is enrolled'' and inserting ``organization receiving assistance under the national service laws through which the participant is enrolled in an approved national service position''; (9) by inserting after paragraph (26) (as so redesignated) the following: ``(27) Qualified organization.--The term `qualified organization' means a public or private nonprofit organization with experience working with school-age youth that meets such criteria as the Chief Executive Officer may establish.''; and (10) by adding at the end the following: ``(37) Tribally controlled college or university.--The term `tribally controlled college or university' has the meaning given in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801).''. Subtitle B--Amendments to Subtitle B (Service-Learning) SEC. 1201. SCHOOL-BASED ALLOTMENTS. Part I of subtitle B of title I (42 U.S.C. 12521 et seq.) is amended to read as follows: ``PART I--PROGRAMS FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS ``SEC. 111. ASSISTANCE TO STATES, TERRITORIES, AND INDIAN TRIBES. ``(a) Allotments to States, Territories, and Indian Tribes.--The Corporation, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, may make allotments to State educational agencies, Territories, and Indian tribes to pay for the Federal share of-- ``(1) planning and building the capacity within the State, Territory, or Indian tribe to implement service-learning programs that are based principally in elementary and secondary schools, including-- ``(A) providing training for teachers, supervisors, personnel from community-based agencies (particularly with regard to the recruitment, utilization, and management of participants), and trainers, to be conducted by qualified individuals or organizations that have experience with service-learning; ``(B) developing service-learning curricula, consistent with State or local academic content standards, to be integrated into academic programs, including an age- appropriate learning component that provides participants an opportunity to analyze and apply their service experiences; ``(C) forming local partnerships described in paragraph (2) or (4) to develop school-based service-learning programs in accordance with this part; ``(D) devising appropriate methods for research and evaluation of the educational value of service-learning and the effect of service-learning activities on communities; ``(E) establishing effective outreach and dissemination of information to ensure the broadest possible involvement of community-based agencies with demonstrated effectiveness in working with school-age youth in their communities; and ``(F) establishing effective outreach and dissemination of information to ensure the broadest possible participation of schools throughout the State, with particular attention to schools identified for school improvement under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.); ``(2) implementing, operating, or expanding school-based service-learning programs, which may include paying for the cost of the recruitment, training, supervision, placement, salaries, and benefits of service-learning coordinators, through distribution of Federal funds by State educational agencies, Territories, and Indian tribes made available under this part to projects operated by local partnerships among-- ``(A) local educational agencies; and ``(B) 1 or more community partners that-- ``(i) shall include a public or private nonprofit organization that-- ``(I) has a demonstrated expertise in the provision of services to meet unmet human, education, environmental, or public safety needs; ``(II) will make projects available for participants, who shall be students; and ``(III) was in existence at least 1 year before the date on which the organization submitted an application under section 113; and ``(ii) may include a private for-profit business, private elementary or secondary school, or Indian tribe (except that an Indian tribe distributing funds to a project under this paragraph is not eligible to be part of the partnership operating that project); ``(3) planning of school-based service-learning programs, through distribution by State educational agencies, Territories, and Indian tribes of Federal funds made available under this part to local educational agencies and Indian tribes, which planning may include paying for the cost of-- ``(A) the salaries and benefits of service-learning coordinators; or [[Page 3364]] ``(B) the recruitment, training, supervision, and placement of service-learning coordinators who may be participants in a program under subtitle C or receive a national service educational award under subtitle D, who may be participants in a project under section 201 of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5001), or who may participate in a Youthbuild program under section 173A of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918a), who will identify the community partners described in paragraph (2)(B) and assist in the design and implementation of a program described in paragraph (2); ``(4) implementing, operating, or expanding school-based service-learning programs to utilize adult volunteers in service-learning to improve the education of students, through distribution by State educational agencies, Territories, and Indian tribes of Federal funds made available under this part to-- ``(A) local educational agencies; ``(B) Indian tribes (except that an Indian tribe distributing funds under this paragraph is not eligible to be a recipient of those funds); ``(C) public or private nonprofit organizations; or ``(D) partnerships or combinations of local educational agencies and entities described in subparagraph (B) or (C); and ``(5) establishing or implementing summer of service programs during the summer months, including the cost of recruitment, training, and placement of service-learning coordinators-- ``(A) for youth who will be enrolled in any grade from grade 6 through grade 12 at the end of the summer concerned; ``(B) for community-based service-learning projects that-- ``(i) shall-- ``(I) meet unmet human, educational, environmental (including energy conservation and stewardship), emergency and disaster preparedness, and public service needs; and ``(II) be intensive, structured, supervised, and designed to produce identifiable improvements to the community; and ``(ii) may include the extension of academic year service- learning programs into the summer months; ``(C) through the distribution of Federal funds made available under this part to projects operated by local partnerships that consist of local educational agencies and-- ``(i) public or private elementary schools or secondary schools; ``(ii) institutions of higher education; ``(iii) public or private non-profit organizations that-- ``(I) have a demonstrated expertise in providing services to meet unmet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs; and ``(II) have been in existence for at least 1 year before the date on which the organization submitted an application under section 113; ``(iv) for-profit businesses; or ``(v) a consortia of such entities; ``(D) under which any student who completes 100 hours of service in an approved summer of service position, as certified through a process determined by the Corporation through regulations consistent with section 139(f), shall be eligible for a summer of service educational award of not more than $500 (or, at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, not more than $1,000 in the case of a participant who is economically disadvantaged) from funds deposited in the National Service Trust and distributed by the Corporation as described in section 148; and ``(E) subject to the limitation that a student may not receive more than 2 summer of service educational awards from funds deposited in the National Service Trust. ``(b) Programs To Encourage Civic Engagement in Service Learning.-- ``(1) In general.--From funds appropriated under section 501(a)(1), and without regard to section 112(b), the Corporation shall reserve up to 3 percent for competitive grants to partnerships described in subsection (a)(2) for the development of service-learning programs that promote greater civic engagement among elementary and secondary school students. ``(2) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, a partnership shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Corporation may require. ``(3) Activities.--Partnerships receiving grants under this subsection shall use funds to develop service-learning curricula that-- ``(A) promote a better understanding of the principles of the Constitution of the United States, the heroes of American history (including military heroes), and the meaning of the Oath of Allegiance; ``(B) promote a better understanding of how the Nation's government functions; and ``(C) promote a better understanding of the importance of service in the Nation's character. ``(c) Duties of Service-Learning Coordinator.--A service- learning coordinator referred to in paragraph (2), (3), or (5) of subsection (a) shall provide services that may include-- ``(1) providing technical assistance and information to, and facilitating the training of, teachers and assisting in the planning, development, execution, and evaluation of service-learning in their classrooms; ``(2) assisting local partnerships described in subsection (a) in the planning, development, and execution of service- learning projects, including summer of service programs; and ``(3) carrying out such other duties as the recipient of assistance under this part may determine to be appropriate. ``(d) Related Expenses.--An entity that receives financial assistance under this part may, in carrying out the activities described in subsection (a), use such assistance to pay for the Federal share of reasonable costs related to the supervision of participants, program administration, transportation, insurance, and evaluations and for other reasonable expenses related to the activities. ``SEC. 112. ALLOTMENTS. ``(a) Indian Tribes and Territories.--Of the amounts appropriated to carry out this part for any fiscal year, the Corporation shall reserve an amount of not less than 2 percent and not more than 3 percent for payments to Indian tribes, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, to be allotted in accordance with their respective needs. ``(b) Allotments Through States.--After reserving the amount under subsection (a), the Corporation shall use the remainder of the funds appropriated to carry out this part for any fiscal year as follows: ``(1) Allotments.-- ``(A) School-age youth.--From 50 percent of such remainder, the Corporation shall allot to each State an amount that bears the same ratio to 50 percent of such remainder as the number of school-age youth in the State bears to the total number of school-age youth of all States. ``(B) Allocation under elementary and secondary education act of 1965.--From 50 percent of such remainder, the Corporation shall allot to each State an amount that bears the same ratio to 50 percent of such remainder as the allocation to the State for the previous fiscal year under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) or its successor authority bears to such allocations to all States. ``(2) Definition.--Notwithstanding section 101, for purposes of this subsection, the term `State' means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. ``(c) Reallotment.--If the Corporation determines that the allotment of a State, Territory, or Indian tribe under this section will not be required for a fiscal year because the State, Territory, or Indian tribe did not submit and receive approval of an application for the allotment under section 113, the Corporation shall make the allotment for such State, Territory, or Indian tribe available for grants to grantmaking entities to carry out service-learning programs as described in section 111(a) in such State, Territory, or Indian tribe. After grantmaking entities apply for the allotment with an application at such time and in such manner as the Corporation requires and receive approval, the remainder of such allotment shall be available for reallotment to such other States, Territories, or Indian tribes with approved applications submitted under section 113 as the Corporation may determine to be appropriate. ``SEC. 113. APPLICATIONS. ``(a) In General.--To be eligible to receive an allotment under section 112 or an allotment of approved summer of service positions under section 111(a)(5)(D), a State, acting through the State educational agency, Territory, or Indian tribe shall prepare, submit to the Corporation, and obtain approval of, an application at such time and in such manner as the Chief Executive Officer may reasonably require. ``(b) Contents.--An application for an allotment under this part shall include-- ``(1) a proposal for a 3-year plan promoting service- learning, which shall contain such information as the Chief Executive Officer may reasonably require, including how the applicant will integrate service opportunities into the academic program of the participants; ``(2) information about the applicant's efforts to-- ``(A) ensure that students of different ages, races, sexes, ethnic groups, disabilities, and economic backgrounds have opportunities to serve together; ``(B) include any opportunities for students enrolled in schools or other programs of education providing elementary or secondary education to participate in service-learning programs and ensure that such service-learning programs include opportunities for such students to serve together; ``(C) involve participants in the design and operation of the program; ``(D) promote service-learning in areas of greatest need, including low-income or rural areas; and ``(E) otherwise integrate service opportunities into the academic program of the participants; and ``(3) assurances that the applicant will comply with the nonduplication and nondisplacement requirements of section 177 and the grievance procedures required by section 176. ``(c) Application to State, Territory, or Indian Tribe To Receive Assistance To Carry Out School-Based Service-Learning Programs.-- ``(1) In general.--Any-- ``(A) qualified organization, Indian tribe, Territory, local educational agency, for-profit business, private elementary, middle, or secondary school, or institution of higher education that desires to receive financial assistance under this subpart from a State, Territory, or Indian tribe for an activity described in section 111(a)(1); ``(B) partnership described in section 111(a)(2) that desires to receive such assistance from a State, Territory, or Indian tribe or grantmaking entity described in section 111(a)(2); [[Page 3365]] ``(C) entity described in section 111(a)(3) that desires to receive such assistance from a State, Territory, or Indian tribe for an activity described in such section; ``(D) partnership described in section 111(a)(4) that desires to receive such assistance from a State, Territory, or Indian tribe for an activity described in such section; ``(E) agency or partnership described in section 111(a)(5) that desires to receive such assistance, or approved summer of service positions, from a State, Territory, or Indian tribe for an activity described in such section to be carried out through a service-learning program described in section 111, shall prepare, submit to the State educational agency, Territory, grantmaking entity, or Indian tribe, and obtain approval of, an application for the program. ``(2) Submission.--Such application shall be submitted at such time and in such manner, and shall contain such information, as the agency, Territory, Indian tribe, or entity may reasonably require. ``(d) Exception.--Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of section 112, if less than $20,000,000 is appropriated for any fiscal year to carry out this part, the Corporation shall award grants to States, Territories, and Indian tribes from the amount so appropriated, on a competitive basis to pay for the Federal share of the activities described in section 111. ``SEC. 114. CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS. ``(a) Priority.--In considering competitive applications under this part, the Corporation shall give priority to innovation, sustainability, capacity building, involvement of disadvantaged youth, and quality of programs, as well as other criteria approved by the Chief Executive Officer. ``(b) Rejection of Applications.--If the Corporation rejects an application submitted by a State under section 113 for an allotment, the Corporation shall promptly notify the State of the reasons for the rejection of the application. The Corporation shall provide the State with a reasonable opportunity to revise and resubmit the application and shall provide technical assistance, if needed, to the State as part of the resubmission process. The Corporation shall promptly reconsider such resubmitted application. ``SEC. 115. PARTICIPATION OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS FROM PRIVATE SCHOOLS. ``(a) In General.--To the extent consistent with the number of students in the State, Territory, or Indian tribe or in the school district of the local educational agency involved who are enrolled in private nonprofit elementary and secondary schools, such State, Territory, Indian tribe, or agency shall (after consultation with appropriate private school representatives) make provision-- ``(1) for the inclusion of services and arrangements for the benefit of such students so as to allow for the equitable participation of such students in the programs implemented to carry out the objectives and provide the benefits described in this part; and ``(2) for the training of the teachers of such students so as to allow for the equitable participation of such teachers in the programs implemented to carry out the objectives and provide the benefits described in this part. ``(b) Waiver.--If a State, Territory, Indian tribe, or local educational agency is prohibited by law from providing for the participation of students or teachers from private nonprofit schools as required by subsection (a), or if the Corporation determines that a State, Territory, Indian tribe, or local educational agency substantially fails or is unwilling to provide for such participation on an equitable basis, the Chief Executive Officer shall waive such requirements and shall arrange for the provision of services to such students and teachers. Such waivers shall be subject to the requirements of sections 9503 and 9504 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7883 and 7884). ``SEC. 116. FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL CONTRIBUTIONS. ``(a) Federal Share.-- ``(1) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of carrying out a program for which assistance is provided under this part may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the program. ``(2) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program, each recipient of assistance under this part-- ``(A) shall provide for such share through a payment in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, equipment, or services; and ``(B) may provide for such share through State sources or local sources, including private funds or donated services. ``(b) Waiver.--The Chief Executive Officer may waive the requirements of subsection (a) in whole or in part with respect to any such program for any fiscal year if the Corporation determines that such a waiver would be equitable due to a lack of available financial resources at the local level. ``SEC. 116A. LIMITATIONS ON USES OF FUNDS. ``Not more than 6 percent of the amount of assistance received by an applicant in a fiscal year may be used to pay, in accordance with such standards as the Corporation may issue, for administrative costs, incurred by-- ``(1) the original recipient; or ``(2) the entity carrying out the service-learning program supported with the assistance.''. SEC. 1202. HIGHER EDUCATION PROVISIONS. Section 119 (42 U.S.C. 12561) is redesignated as section 117 and amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by inserting after ``community service programs'' the following: ``through service- learning''; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``combination'' and inserting ``consortia''; (B) in paragraph (1)-- (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by adding ``and'' at the end; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) may coordinate with service-learning curricula being offered in the academic curricula at the institution of higher education or at one or more members of the consortia;''; (3) in subsection (b)(3)-- (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``teachers at the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels'' and inserting ``institutions of higher education and their faculty''; (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``education of the institution; and'' and inserting ``curricula of the institution to strengthen the instructional capacity of service-learning at the elementary and secondary levels;''; (C) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (E); and (D) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: ``(B) including service-learning as a key component of the health professionals curricula, including nursing, pre- medicine, medicine, and dentistry curricula of the institution; ``(C) including service-learning as a key component of the criminal justice professionals curricula of the institution; ``(D) including service-learning as a key component of the public policy and public administration curricula of the institution; and''; (4) by striking subsections (c), (d), (e), and (g); (5) by redesignating subsection (f) as (i); and (6) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: ``(c) Special Consideration.--To the extent practicable, the Corporation shall give special consideration to applications submitted by predominantly Black institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic- serving institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities. ``(d) Federal, State, and Local Contributions.-- ``(1) Federal share.-- ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of carrying out a program for which a grant is made under this part may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the program. ``(B) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program, each recipient of a grant under this part-- ``(i) shall provide for such share through a payment in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, equipment, or services; and ``(ii) may provide for such share through State sources or local sources, including private funds or donated services. ``(2) Waiver.--The Chief Executive Officer may waive the requirements of paragraph (1) in whole or in part with respect to any such program for any fiscal year if the Corporation determines that such a waiver would be equitable due to a lack of available financial resources at the local level. ``(e) Application for Grant.-- ``(1) Submission.--To receive a grant or enter into a contract under this part, an applicant shall prepare, submit to the Corporation, and obtain approval of, an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as the Corporation may reasonably require. In requesting applications for assistance under this part, the Corporation shall specify such required information and assurances. ``(2) Contents.--An application submitted under paragraph (1) shall contain, at a minimum-- ``(A) assurances that-- ``(i) prior to the placement of a participant, the applicant will consult with the appropriate local labor organization, if any, representing employees in the area who are engaged in the same or similar work as that proposed to be carried out by such program, to prevent the displacement and protect the rights of such employees; and ``(ii) the applicant will comply with the nonduplication and nondisplacement provisions of section 177 and the grievance procedures required by section 176; and ``(B) such other assurances as the Chief Executive Officer may reasonably require. ``(f) Priority.--In making grants and entering into contracts under subsection (b), the Corporation shall give priority to applicants or institutions that submit applications containing proposals that-- ``(1) demonstrate the commitment of the institution of higher education, other than by demonstrating the commitment of the students, to supporting the community service projects carried out under the program; ``(2) specify the manner in which the institution will promote faculty, administration, and staff participation in the community service projects; ``(3) specify the manner in which the institution will provide service to the community through organized programs, including, where appropriate, clinical programs for students in professional schools and colleges; ``(4) describe any partnership that will participate in the community service projects, such as a partnership comprised of-- [[Page 3366]] ``(A) the institution; ``(B)(i) a community-based agency; ``(ii) a local government agency; or ``(iii) a non-profit entity that serves or involves school- age youth, older adults, or low-income communities; and ``(C)(i) a student organization; ``(ii) a department of the institution; or ``(iii) a group of faculty comprised of different departments, schools, or colleges at the institution; ``(5) demonstrate community involvement in the development of the proposal; ``(6) describe research on effective strategies and methods to improve service utilized in the design of the project; ``(7) specify that the institution will use such assistance to strengthen the service infrastructure in institutions of higher education; or ``(8) with respect to projects involving delivery of services, specify projects that involve leadership development of school aged youth. ``(g) Definition.--Notwithstanding section 101, as used in this part, the term `student' means an individual who is enrolled in an institution of higher education on a full- or part-time basis. ``(h) Federal Work-Study.--To be eligible for assistance under this part, an institution of higher education must demonstrate that it meets the minimum requirements under section 443(b)(2)(B) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 2753(b)(2)(B)) relating to the participation of Federal Work-Study students in community service activities, or has received a waiver of those requirements from the Secretary of Education.''. SEC. 1203. INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS AND RESEARCH. Subtitle B of title I (42 U.S.C. 12521 et seq.) is further amended by adding after part II the following new part: ``PART III--INNOVATIVE SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMS AND RESEARCH ``SEC. 118. INNOVATIVE DEMONSTRATION SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMS AND RESEARCH. ``(a) In General.--From the amounts appropriated to carry out this part for a fiscal year, the Corporation may make grants and fixed amount grants under subsection (f) with eligible entities for activities described in subsection (c). ``(b) Eligible Entities Defined.--For purposes of this part, the term `eligible entity' means a State education agency, a State commission, a Territory, an Indian tribe, an institution of higher education, a public or private nonprofit organization, or a consortia of such entities, where a consortia of two or more such entities may also include a for-profit organization. ``(c) Authorized Activities.--Funds under this part may be used to-- ``(1) integrate service-learning programs into the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curricula at the elementary, secondary, or post-secondary and post- baccalaureate levels in coordination with practicing or retired STEM professionals; ``(2) involve students in service-learning programs focusing on energy conservation in their community, including conducting educational outreach on energy conservation and working to improve energy efficiency in low income housing and in public spaces; ``(3) involve students in service-learning projects in emergency and disaster preparedness; ``(4) involve students in service-learning projects aimed at improving access to and obtaining the benefits from computers and other emerging technologies, including in low income or rural communities, senior centers and communities, schools, libraries, and other public spaces; ``(5) involve high school age youth in the mentoring of middle school youth while involving all participants in service-learning to seek to meet unmet human, educational, environmental, public safety, or emergency disaster preparedness needs in their community; ``(6) conduct research and evaluations on service-learning, including service-learning in middle schools, and disseminate such research and evaluations widely; ``(7) conduct innovative and creative activities as described in section 111(a); and ``(8) carry out any other innovative service-learning programs or research that the Corporation considers appropriate. ``(d) Priority.--Priority shall be given to programs that-- ``(1) involve students and community stakeholders in the design and implementation of the service-learning program; ``(2) implement service-learning programs in low-income or rural communities; and ``(3) utilize adult volunteers, including tapping the resource of retired and retiring adults, in the planning and implementation of the service-learning programs. ``(e) Requirements.-- ``(1) Three-year term.--Each program funded under this part shall be carried out over a period of three years, including one planning year and two additional grant years, with a 1- year extension possible, if the program meets performance measures developed in accordance with section 179(a) and any other criteria determined by the Corporation. ``(2) Encouragement.--Each program funded under this part is encouraged to collaborate with other Learn and Serve programs, AmeriCorps, VISTA, and the National Senior Service Corps. ``(3) Evaluation.--Upon completion of the program, the Corporation shall conduct an independent evaluation of the program and widely disseminate the results to the service community through multiple channels, including the Corporation's Resource Center or a clearinghouse of effective strategies and recommendations for improvement. ``(f) Fixed Amount Grants.-- ``(1) General.--For purposes of subsection (a), and subject to the limitations in this subsection, the Corporation may, upon making a determination described in paragraph (2), approve a fixed amount grant that is not subject to the Office of Management and Budget cost principles and related financial recordkeeping requirements. ``(2) Determination.--Before approving a fixed amount grant, the Corporation must determine that-- ``(A) the reasonable and necessary costs of carrying out the terms of the grant significantly exceed the amount of assistance provided by the Corporation; or ``(B) based on the nature or design of the grant, any assistance provided by the Corporation can be reasonably presumed to be expended on reasonable and necessary costs. ``(3) Matching funds.-- ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of carrying out a program for which a grant is made under this part may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the program. ``(B) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program, each recipient of a grant under this part-- ``(i) shall provide for such share through a payment in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, equipment, or services; and ``(ii) may provide for such share through State sources or local sources, including private funds or donated services. ``(g) Applications.--To be eligible to carry out a program under this part, an entity shall prepare, submit to the Corporation, and obtain approval of, an application at such time and in such manner as the Chief Executive Officer may reasonably require.''. Subtitle C--Amendments to Subtitle C (National Service Trust Program) SEC. 1301. PROHIBITION ON GRANTS TO FEDERAL AGENCIES; LIMITS ON CORPORATION COSTS. Section 121 (42 U.S.C. 12571) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting after ``subdivisions of States,'' the following: ``Territories,''; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in the heading, by striking ``Agreements With Federal Agencies'' and inserting ``Restrictions on Agreements With Federal Agencies''; (B) in paragraph (1)-- (i) in the first sentence by striking ``by the agency.'' and inserting ``by the agency, including programs under the Public Lands Corps and Urban Youth Corps as described in section 122(a)(2).''; and (ii) by striking the second sentence; (C) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: ``(2) Prohibition on grants.--The Corporation may not provide a grant under this section to a Federal agency.''; and (D) in paragraph (3)-- (i) by striking ``receiving assistance under this subsection'' and inserting ``operating a national service program''; and (ii) by striking ``using such assistance''; (3) in subsection (c)(2)(B), by striking ``to be provided'' and inserting ``to be provided or otherwise approved''; (4) in subsection (d)-- (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Five'' and inserting ``Six''; and (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``5 percent'' and inserting ``6 percent''; and (5) in subsection (e)-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) by striking ``section 140'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)''; (ii) by striking ``Federal share'' and inserting ``Corporation share''; (iii) by inserting after ``cost'' the following: ``, including member living allowances, employment-related taxes, health care coverage, and worker's compensation,'' (iv) by striking ``may not exceed 75 percent of such cost.'' and inserting ``may not exceed--''; and (v) by adding at the end the following: ``(A) for the first three years in which the recipient receives such assistance, 76 percent of such cost; ``(B) for the fourth through ninth years in which the recipient receives such assistance, a decreasing share of such cost between 76 percent and 50 percent, as established by the Corporation in regulation; and ``(C) for the tenth year (and each year thereafter) in which the recipient receives such assistance, 50 percent of such cost.''; (B) by striking paragraph (3); (C) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: ``(2) Alternative corporation share for programs in rural or severely economically distressed communities.--Upon approval by the Corporation, the Corporation share of the cost, including member living allowances, employment-related taxes, health care coverage, and worker's compensation, of carrying out a national service program that receives assistance under subsection (a) and that is located in a rural or severely economically distressed community may not exceed-- [[Page 3367]] ``(A) for the first six years in which the recipient receives such assistance, 76 percent of such cost; ``(B) for the seventh through ninth years in which the recipient receives such assistance, a decreasing share of such cost between 76 and 65 percent as established by the Corporation in regulation; and ``(C) for the tenth year (and each year thereafter) in which the recipient receives such assistance, 65 percent of such cost.''; (E) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), in subparagraph (B), by inserting after ``other Federal sources'' the following: ``including funds authorized under Youthbuild (section 173A of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918a))''; and (F) by adding at the end the following: ``(5) Other federal funds.-- ``(A) Recipient report.--A recipient of assistance under section 121 shall report to the Corporation the amount and source of any Federal funds used to carry out the program other than those provided by the Corporation. ``(B) Corporation report.--The Corporation shall report to the Congress on an annual basis information regarding each recipient that uses Federal funds other than those provided by the Corporation to carry out the program, including amounts and sources of other Federal funds.''. SEC. 1302. E-CORPS AND TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO TYPES OF PROGRAMS. Section 122 (42 U.S.C. 12572) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``subsection (b)(1)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)(1)''; (B) in paragraph (2)-- (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``including'' and all that follows through the semicolon at the end and inserting ``including projects involving urban renewal, sustaining natural resources, or improving human services;''; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``including'' and inserting ``and at least 50 percent of whom are''; and (iii) in subparagraph (C)(i), by inserting ``, including mentoring'' before the semicolon; (C) in paragraph (6)-- (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a semicolon; (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and inserting ``; or''; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``(D) students participating in service-learning programs at an institution of higher education.''; (D) in paragraph (7)(A), by inserting ``, including elementary and secondary education, and other professions such as those in health care, criminal justice, environmental stewardship and conservation, or public safety'' before the semicolon; (E) in paragraph (8)(C), by striking ``nonprofit''; (F) in paragraph (9), by striking ``between the ages of 16 and 24'' and inserting ``between the ages of 16 and 25''; (G) in paragraph (10), by striking ``gifted young adults'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``school-age youth and young adults of all backgrounds, including gifted youth, along with established successful entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and professions from the community in which the program exists to-- ``(A) train the participants in utilizing problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and communication skills to design solutions to community problems; and ``(B) collaborate with stakeholders in the communities to implement the solutions devised by the participants in subparagraph (A).''; (H) in paragraph (12)(A), by striking ``learning and recreation'' and inserting ``learning, recreation, and mentoring''; (I) in paragraph (13), by striking ``and to combat rural poverty, including'' and inserting ``, including the issues of rural poverty,''; (J) by redesignating paragraph (15) as paragraph (19); and (K) by inserting after paragraph (14) the following: ``(15) An E-Corps program that involves participants who provide services in a community by developing and assisting in carrying out technology programs which seek to increase access to technology and the benefits thereof in such community. ``(16) A program that engages citizens in public safety, public health, and emergency and disaster preparedness, and may include the recruitment and placing of qualified participants in positions to be trainees as law enforcement officers, firefighters, search and rescue personnel, and emergency medical service workers, and may engage Federal, State, and local stakeholders in collaboration to organize more effective responses to issues of public safety and public health, emergencies, and disasters. ``(17) A program, initiative, or partnership that seeks to expand the number of mentors for youths (including by recruiting high-school and college-aged individuals to enter into mentoring relationships), including mentors for disadvantaged youths, either through provision of direct mentoring services through the creative utilization of current and emerging technologies to connect youth with mentors. ``(18) A program that has the primary purpose of re- engaging court-involved youth and adults with the goal of reducing recidivism.''; (2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as (c) and (d), respectively; (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following: ``(b) Innovative Programs To Meet the Needs of Veterans.-- ``(1) In general.--From funds appropriated under section 501(a)(2), the Corporation shall reserve up to 3 percent for competitive grants to eligible recipients under subsection (a) for the development, either directly or through subgrants to other entities, of innovative initiatives to address the unique needs of veterans. ``(2) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an entity described in paragraph (1) shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Corporation may require. ``(3) Activities.--Entities receiving grants under this subsection shall use funds to develop initiatives that-- ``(A) recruit veterans, particularly returning veterans, into service opportunities; ``(B) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs of military families while a member of the family is deployed; and ``(C) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs of military families when a member of the family returns from a deployment.''; (4) in subsection (c) (as so redesignated), in paragraph (4), by inserting after ``out-of-school youths,'' the following: ``disadvantaged youths,''; (5) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated), in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``subsection (b) or (d) of''; and (6) by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Requirements for Tutors.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Corporation shall require that each recipient of assistance under the national service laws that operates a tutoring program involving elementary or secondary school students certifies that individuals serving in approved national service positions as tutors in such program have-- ``(A) either-- ``(i) obtained their high school diploma; or ``(ii) passed a proficiency test demonstrating that such individuals have the skills necessary to achieve program goals; and ``(B) have successfully completed pre- and in-service training for tutors. ``(2) Exception.--The requirements in paragraph (1) do not apply to an individual serving in an approved national service position who is enrolled in an elementary or secondary school and is providing tutoring services through a structured, school-managed cross-grade tutoring program. ``(f) Requirements for Tutoring Programs.--Each tutoring program that receives assistance under the national service laws shall-- ``(1) offer a curriculum that is high quality, research- based, and consistent with the State academic content standards required by section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311) and the instructional program of the local educational agency; and ``(2) offer high quality, research-based pre- and in- service training for tutors. ``(g) Citizenship Training.--The Corporation shall establish requirements for recipients of assistance under the national service laws relating to the promotion of citizenship and civic engagement, that are consistent with the principles on which citizenship programs administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services are based, among individuals enrolled in approved national service positions and approved summer of service positions.''. SEC. 1303. TYPES OF POSITIONS. Section 123 (42 U.S.C. 12573) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2)(A) by inserting after ``subdivision of a State,'' the following: ``a Territory,''; and (2) in paragraph (5) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''. SEC. 1304. CONFORMING REPEAL RELATING TO TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. Section 125 (42 U.S.C. 1257) is repealed. SEC. 1305. ASSISTANCE TO STATE COMMISSIONS; CHALLENGE GRANTS. Section 126 (42 U.S.C. 12576) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$125,000 and $750,000'' and inserting ``$200,000 and $825,000''; and (B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: ``(2) Matching requirement.--In making grants to a State under this subsection, the Corporation shall require the State to provide matching funds in the following amounts: ``(A) First $100,000.--For the first $100,000 of grant amounts provided by the Corporation, a State shall not be required to provide matching funds. ``(B) Amounts greater than $100,000.--For grant amounts of more than $100,000 and not exceeding $200,000 provided by the Corporation, a State shall provide $1 from non-Federal sources for every $2 provided by the Corporation. ``(C) Amounts greater than $200,000.--For grant amounts of more than $200,000 provided by the Corporation, a State shall provide $1 from non-Federal sources for every $1 provided by the Corporation.''; and (2) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``to national service programs that receive assistance under section 121'' and inserting ``to programs supported under the national service laws''; and (B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: ``(3) Amount of assistance.--A challenge grant under this subsection may provide, for an initial 3-year grant period, not more than $1 of [[Page 3368]] assistance under this subsection for each $1 in cash raised from private sources by the program supported under the national service laws in excess of amounts required to be provided by the program to satisfy matching funds requirements. After an initial 3-year grant period, grants under this subsection may provide not more than $1 of assistance for each $2 in cash raised from private sources by the program in excess of amounts required to be provided by the program to satisfy matching funds requirements. The Corporation may permit the use of local or State funds as matching funds if the Corporation determines that such use would be equitable due to a lack of available private funds at the local level. The Corporation shall establish a ceiling on the amount of assistance that may be provided to a national service program under this subsection.''. SEC. 1306. ALLOCATION OF ASSISTANCE TO STATES AND OTHER ELIGIBLE ENTITIES. Section 129 (42 U.S.C. 12581) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 129. PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE AND APPROVED NATIONAL SERVICE POSITIONS. ``(a) 1-Percent Allotment for Certain Territories.--Of the funds allocated by the Corporation for provision of assistance under section 121(a) for a fiscal year, the Corporation shall reserve 1 percent for grants to the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands upon approval by the Corporation of an application submitted under section 130. The amount allotted as a grant to each such Territory under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be equal to the amount that bears the same ratio to 1 percent of the allocated funds for that fiscal year as the population of the Territory bears to the total population of such Territories. ``(b) Allotment for Indian Tribes.--Of the funds allocated by the Corporation for provision of assistance under section 121(a) for a fiscal year, the Corporation shall reserve at least 1 percent for grants to Indian tribes, to be allotted by the Corporation on a competitive basis. ``(c) Allotment for National Grants.--Of the funds allocated by the Corporation for provision of assistance under section 121(a) for a fiscal year, the Corporation shall reserve 23 percent for grants to nonprofit organizations to operate a program in 2 or more States. ``(d) Allotment for State Competitive Grants.--Of the funds allocated by the Corporation for provision of assistance under subsection (a) of section 121 for a fiscal year, the Corporation shall reserve 37.5 percent for innovative grants to States on a competitive basis. ``(e) Allotment to Certain States on Formula Basis.-- ``(1) Grants.--Of the funds allocated by the Corporation for provision of assistance under subsection (a) of section 121 for a fiscal year, the Corporation shall make a grant to each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that submits an application under section 130 that is approved by the Corporation. ``(2) Allotments.--The amount allotted as a grant to each such State under this subsection for a fiscal year shall be equal to the amount that bears the same ratio to 37.5 percent of the allocated funds for that fiscal year as the population of the State bears to the total population of the several States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, in compliance with paragraph (3). ``(3) Minimum amount.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the minimum grant made available to each State approved by the Corporation under paragraph (1) for each fiscal year must be at least $600,000. ``(f) Effect of Failure To Apply.--If a State or Territory fails to apply for, or fails to give notice to the Corporation of its intent to apply for an allotment under this section, or the Corporation does not approve the application consistent with section 133, the Corporation may use the amount that would have been allotted under this section to the State or Territory to-- ``(1) make grants (and provide approved national service positions in connection with such grants) to other grantmaking entities under section 121 that propose to carry out national service programs in such State or Territory; and ``(2) make a reallotment to other States or Territories with approved applications submitted under section 130, to the extent grant-making entities do not apply as described in paragraph (1). ``(g) Application Required.--The allotment of assistance and approved national service positions to a recipient under this section shall be made by the Corporation only pursuant to an application submitted by a State or other applicant under section 130. ``(h) Approval of Positions Subject to Available Funds.-- The Corporation may not approve positions as approved national service positions under this subtitle for a fiscal year in excess of the number of such positions for which the Corporation has sufficient available funds in the National Service Trust for that fiscal year, taking into consideration funding needs for national service educational awards under subtitle D based on completed service. If appropriations are insufficient to provide the maximum allowable national service educational awards under subtitle D for all eligible participants, the Corporation is authorized to make necessary and reasonable adjustments to program rules. ``(i) Sponsorship of Approved National Service Positions.-- ``(1) Sponsorship authorized.--The Corporation may enter into agreements with persons or entities who offer to sponsor national service positions for which the person or entity will be responsible for supplying the funds necessary to provide a national service educational award. The distribution of these approved national service positions shall be made pursuant to the agreement, and the creation of these positions shall not be taken into consideration in determining the number of approved national service positions to be available for distribution under this section. ``(2) Deposit of contribution.--Funds provided pursuant to an agreement under paragraph (1) shall be deposited in the National Service Trust established in section 145 until such time as the funds are needed. ``(j) Reservation of Funds for Special Assistance.--From amounts appropriated for a fiscal year pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 501(a)(2) and subject to the limitation in such section, the Corporation may reserve such amount as the Corporation considers to be appropriate for the purpose of making assistance available under section 126. ``(k) Reservation of Funds To Increase the Participation of Individuals With Disabilities.--From amounts appropriated for a fiscal year pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 501(a)(2) and subject to the limitation in such section, the Chief Executive Officer shall reserve an amount that is not less than 1 percent of such amount (except that the amount reserved may not exceed $10,000,000), in order to make grants to public or private nonprofit organizations to increase the participation of individuals with disabilities in national service and for demonstration activities in furtherance of this purpose.''. SEC. 1307. ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY. Part II of subtitle C of title I is amended by inserting after section 129 (42 U.S.C. 12581) the following: ``SEC. 129A. EDUCATION AWARDS ONLY PROGRAM. ``(a) In General.--From amounts appropriated for a fiscal year to provide financial assistance under this subtitle and consistent with the restriction in subsection (b), the Corporation may, through fixed amount grants under subsection (d), provide operational assistance to programs that receive approved national service positions but do not receive funds under section 121(a). ``(b) Limit on Corporation Grant Funds.--Operational support under this section may not exceed $600 per individual enrolled in an approved national service position and may reach $800 per individual if the program supports at least 50 percent disadvantaged youth. ``(c) Inapplicable Provisions.--The following provisions shall not apply to programs funded under this section: ``(1) The limitation on administrative costs under section 121(d). ``(2) The matching funds requirements under section 121(e). ``(3) The living allowance and other benefits under sections 131(e) and section 140 (other than individualized support services for disabled members under section 140(f)). ``(d) Fixed Amount Grants.-- ``(1) General.--For purposes of subsection (a), and subject to the limitations in this subsection, the Corporation may, upon making a determination described in paragraph (2), approve a fixed amount grant that is not subject to the Office of Management and Budget cost principles and related financial recordkeeping requirements. ``(2) Determination.--Before approving a fixed amount grant, the Corporation must determine that-- ``(A) the reasonable and necessary costs of carrying out the terms of the grant significantly exceed the amount of assistance provided by the Corporation; or ``(B) based on the nature or design of the grant, any assistance provided by the Corporation can be reasonably presumed to be expended on reasonable and necessary costs.''. SEC. 1308. STATE SELECTION OF PROGRAMS. Section 130 (42 U.S.C. 12582) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by inserting after ``State,'' the following: ``Territory,''; and (B) by striking ``institution of higher education, or Federal agency'' and inserting ``or institution of higher education''; (2) in subsection (b)(9) by striking ``section 122(c)'' and inserting ``section 122(d)''; (3) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) by striking ``jobs or positions'' and inserting ``proposed positions''; and (ii) by striking ``, including'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting a period; and (B) in paragraph (2) by inserting ``proposed'' before ``minimum''; (4) in subsection (e)(2) by striking ``were selected'' and inserting ``were or will be selected''; (5) in subsection (f)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``a program applicant'' and inserting ``an applicant''; and (B) in paragraph (2)-- (i) in the heading, by striking ``Program applicant'' and inserting ``Applicant''; (ii) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``program applicant'' and inserting ``applicant''; (iii) in subparagraph (A)-- (I) by inserting after ``subdivision of a State,'' the following: ``Territory,''; and [[Page 3369]] (II) by striking ``institution of higher education, or Federal agency'' and inserting ``or institution of higher education''; and (iv) in subparagraph (B)-- (I) by inserting after ``subdivision of a State,'' the following: ``Territory,''; and (II) by striking ``institution of higher education, or Federal agency'' and inserting ``or institution of higher education''; and (6) in subsection (g), by striking the period and inserting ``or is already receiving financial assistance from the Corporation.''. SEC. 1309. CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS. Section 133 (42 U.S.C. 12585) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking ``jobs or''; (2) in subsection (c), by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (9) and inserting after paragraph (7) the following: ``(8) The extent to which the program generates the involvement of volunteers.''; and (3) in subsection (d)(2)-- (A) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (G), and redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (F) as subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively; (B) in subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by striking ``section 122(c)'' and inserting ``section 122(d)''; (C) in subparagraph (D) (as so redesignated), by adding ``and'' at the end; and (D) in subparagraph (E) (as so redesignated), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a period. SEC. 1310. DESCRIPTION OF PARTICIPANTS. Section 137 (42 U.S.C. 12591) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking paragraph (3); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), respectively; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (4)'' and inserting ``paragraph (3)''; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``between the ages of 16 and 25'' and inserting ``a 16-year-old out of school youth or an individual between the ages of 17 and 25''; and (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``(a)(5)'' and inserting ``(a)(4)''. SEC. 1311. SELECTION OF NATIONAL SERVICE PARTICIPANTS. Section 138 (42 U.S.C. 12592) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a) by striking ``conducted by the State'' and all that follows through ``or other entity'' and inserting ``conducted by the entity''; and (2) in subsection (e)(2)(C) by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: ``, particularly those who were considered at the time of their service disadvantaged youth''. SEC. 1312. TERMS OF SERVICE. Section 139 (42 U.S.C. 12593) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``not less than 9 months and''; (2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``during a period of--'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``during a period of not more than 2 years.''; and (3) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``as demonstrated by the participant'' and inserting ``as determined by the organization responsible for granting a release, if the participant has otherwise performed satisfactorily and has completed at least 15 percent of the original term of service''; (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``provide to the participant that portion of the national service educational award'' and inserting ``certify the participant's eligibility for that portion of the national service educational award''; and (C) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``to allow return to the program with which the individual was serving in order''. SEC. 1313. ADJUSTMENTS TO LIVING ALLOWANCE. Section 140 (42 U.S.C. 12594) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (3)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2) and (3)''; (B) by striking paragraph (2); (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as (2); (D) by inserting after paragraph (2) (as so redesignated) the following: ``(3) Federal work-study students.--The living allowance that may be provided to an individual whose term of service includes hours for which the individual receives Federal work study wages shall be reduced by the amount of the individual's Federal work study award.''; (E) in paragraph (4), by striking ``a reduced term of service under section 139(b)(3)'' and inserting ``a term of service that is less than 12 months''; (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``shall include an amount sufficient to cover 85 percent of such taxes'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``may be used to pay such taxes.''; (3) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1) by adding ``and'' at the end; (B) by striking paragraph (2); and (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as (2); (4) in subsection (d)(1), by striking the second sentence; and (5) by striking subsections (g) and (h). Subtitle D--Amendments to Subtitle D (National Service Trust and Provision of National Service Educational Awards) SEC. 1401. AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS IN THE NATIONAL SERVICE TRUST. Section 145 (42 U.S.C. 12601) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``section 148(e)'' and inserting ``section 148(f)''; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``pursuant to section 196(a)(2)'' and inserting ``pursuant to section 196(a)(2), if the terms of such donations direct that they be deposited in the National Service Trust''; and (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``for payments of national service educational awards in accordance with section 148.'' and inserting ``for-- ``(1) payments of summer of service educational awards and national service educational awards in accordance with section 148; and ``(2) payments of interest in accordance with section 148(f).''. SEC. 1402. INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A NATIONAL SERVICE EDUCATIONAL AWARD FROM THE TRUST. Section 146 (42 U.S.C. 12602) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``if the individual'' and inserting ``if the organization responsible for an individual's supervision certifies that the individual''; (B) by striking paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) and inserting the following: ``(1) met the applicable eligibility requirements for the position; and ``(2)(A) successfully completed the required term of service described in subsection (b) in an approved national service position; or ``(B)(i) satisfactorily performed prior to being granted a release for compelling personal circumstances under section 139(c); and ``(ii) served at least 15 percent of the required term of service described in subsection (b); and''; and (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3); (2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: ``(c) Limitation on Receipt of National Service Educational Awards.--An individual may not receive, in national service educational awards, more than an amount equal to the aggregate value of 2 such awards for full-time service. The aggregate value of summer of service educational awards that an individual receives shall have no effect on the aggregate value of national service educational awards the individual may receive.''; (3) in subsection (d)-- (A) in paragraph (1) by inserting after ``national service educational award'' the following: ``or a summer of service educational award''; and (B) in paragraph (2)-- (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), and in subparagraph (A), by inserting after ``national service educational award'' the following: ``or a summer of service educational award''; (ii) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``or'' at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; (iv) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) in the case of a summer of service educational award, is enrolled at an eligible institution of higher education under section 148(c) or an educational institution described under section 148(a)(4) and failed to expend the full amount of that award during the original 7-year period.''; and (4) in subsection (e)(1)-- (A) by inserting after ``qualifying under this section'' the following: ``or under section 111(a)(5)''; and (B) by inserting after ``to receive a national service educational award'' the following: ``or a summer of service educational award''. SEC. 1403. DETERMINATION OF THE AMOUNT OF NATIONAL SERVICE EDUCATIONAL AWARDS. Section 147(a) (42 U.S.C. 12603(a)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``a value, for each of not more than 2 of such terms of service, equal to 90 percent of--'' and inserting ``a value of--''; and (2) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following: ``(1) $4,825, for fiscal year 2008; ``(2) $4,925, for fiscal year 2009; ``(3) $5,025, for fiscal year 2010; ``(4) $5,125, for fiscal year 2011; and ``(5) $5,225, for fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year thereafter.''. SEC. 1404. DISBURSEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL AWARDS. Section 148 (42 U.S.C. 12604) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``cost of attendance'' and inserting ``cost of attendance or other educational expenses''; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and''; (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6); (D) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: ``(4) to pay expenses incurred in enrolling in an educational institution or training establishment that meets the requirements of chapter 36 of title 38, United States Code (38 U.S.C. 3451 et seq.); ``(5) for a recipient of a summer of service educational award under section 111(a)(5)(D), to pay expenses incurred in enrolling in a college preparatory program in accordance with subsection (e); and''; and (E) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated) by striking ``subsection (e)'' and inserting ``subsection (f)''; (2) in subsection (b)(1) by inserting after ``the national service educational award of the individual'' the following: ``, or an eligible individual under section 111(a)(5) who received a summer of service educational award for a project that began after the individual completed grade 10 and desires to apply that summer of service educational award,''; [[Page 3370]] (3) in subsection (b)(2) by inserting after ``the national service educational award'' the following: ``or the summer of service educational award, as applicable,''; (4) in subsection (b)(5) by inserting after ``the national service educational award'' the following: ``or the summer of service educational award, as applicable''; (5) in subsection (b)(7)-- (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``, other than a loan to a parent of a student pursuant to section 428B of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1078-2); and'' and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) any loan (other than a loan described in subparagraph (A) or (B)) determined by an institution of higher education to be necessary to cover a student's educational expenses and made, insured, or guaranteed by-- ``(i) an eligible lender, as defined in section 435 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1085); ``(ii) the direct student loan program under part D of title IV of such Act; ``(iii) a State agency; or ``(iv) a lender otherwise determined by the Corporation to be eligible to receive disbursements from the National Service Trust.''; (6) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting after ``national service educational award'' the following: ``, or an eligible individual under section 111(a)(5) who desires to apply the individual's summer of service educational award,''; (7) in subsection (c)(2)(A), by inserting after ``national service educational award'' the following: ``or summer of service educational award, as applicable,''; (8) in subsection (c)(2)(C)(iii), by inserting after ``national service educational awards received under this subtitle'' the following: ``or summer of service educational awards received under section 111(a)(5)''; (9) in subsection (c)(3), by inserting after ``national service educational awards'' the following: ``and summer of service educational awards''; (10) in subsection (c)(5)-- (A) by inserting after ``national service educational award'' the following: ``, or summer of service educational award, as applicable,''; and (B) by inserting after ``additional'' the following: ``summer of service educational awards and additional''; (11) in subsection (c)(6), by inserting after ``national service educational award'' the following: ``and summer of service educational award''; (12) in subsection (d), by inserting after ``national service educational awards'' the following: ``and summer of service educational awards''; (13) by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) as (f), (g), and (h), respectively; (14) by inserting after subsection (d) the following: ``(e) Use of Summer of Service Educational Award To Pay College Preparatory Expenses.-- ``(1) Application of eligible individuals.--An eligible individual under section 111(a)(5), or the parents or legal guardian of such an individual, who desires to apply the summer of service educational award of the individual to the payment of expenses incurred in enrolling in a college preparatory program shall, on a form prescribed by the Corporation, submit an application to the college preparatory program in which the individual will be enrolled that contains such information as the Corporation may require to verify the individual's eligibility. ``(2) Submission of requests for payment by program.--A college preparatory program that receives one or more applications under paragraph (1) shall submit to the Corporation a statement, in a manner prescribed by the Corporation, that-- ``(A) identifies each eligible individual filing an application under paragraph (1) for a disbursement of the individual's summer of service educational award under this subsection; ``(B) specifies the amounts for which such eligible individuals are qualified for disbursement; and ``(C) certifies that-- ``(i) the college preparatory program is operated by a for- profit or non-profit organization with a track record of success in implementing college preparatory programs that collaborate with local educational agencies and adequately prepare secondary school students for admission to an institution of higher education without need for remediation; ``(ii) the college preparatory program has been in existence for at least one year prior to an eligible individual's submission of the application under paragraph (1); and ``(iii) individuals using summer of service educational awards received under section 111(a)(5) to pay the cost of enrolling in the college preparatory program do not comprise more than 15 percent of the total number of individuals enrolled in the program; and ``(D) contains such provisions concerning financial compliance and program quality as the Corporation may require. ``(3) Disbursement of payments.--Upon receipt of a statement from a college preparatory program that complies with paragraph (2), the Corporation shall, subject to paragraph (4), disburse the total amount of the summer of service educational awards for which eligible individuals who have submitted applications to that program under paragraph (1) are scheduled to receive. Such disbursement shall be made by check or other means that is payable to the program and requires the endorsement or other certification by the eligible individual. ``(4) Multiple disbursements.--The total amount required to be disbursed to a college preparatory program under paragraph (3) for any period of enrollment may be disbursed by the Corporation in two or more installments consistent with appropriate divisions of such period of enrollment. ``(5) Refund rules.--The Corporation shall, by regulation, provide for the refund to the Corporation (and the crediting to the summer of service educational award of an eligible individual) of amounts disbursed to programs for the benefit of eligible individuals who withdraw or otherwise fail to complete the period of enrollment for which the assistance was provided. Amounts refunded to the Trust pursuant to this paragraph may be used by the Corporation to fund additional approved summer of service positions under section 111(a)(5). ``(6) Maximum award.--The portion of an eligible individual's total available summer of service educational award that may be disbursed under this subsection for any period of enrollment shall not exceed the cost of attendance.''; (15) in subsection (f) (as so redesignated), by striking ``subsection (b)(6)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)(7)''; and (16) in subsection (g) (as so redesignated), by striking ``Director'' and inserting ``Chief Executive Officer''. SEC. 1405. PROCESS OF APPROVAL OF NATIONAL SERVICE POSITIONS. (a) In General.--Subtitle D of title I (42 U.S.C. 12601 et seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 149. PROCESS OF APPROVAL OF NATIONAL SERVICE POSITIONS. ``(a) Timing and Recording Requirements.-- ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subtitles C and D, and any other provision of law, in approving a position as an approved national service position, the Corporation-- ``(A) shall approve the position at the time the Corporation-- ``(i) enters into an enforceable agreement with an individual participant to serve in a program carried out under subtitle E of title I of this Act or under title I of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4951 et seq.), or a summer of service educational award; or ``(ii) except as provided in clause (i), awards a grant to (or enters into a contract or cooperative agreement with) an entity to carry out a program for which such a position is approved under section 123; and ``(B) shall record as an obligation an estimate of the net present value of the national service educational award associated with the position, based on a formula that takes into consideration historical rates of enrollment in such a program, and of earning and using national service educational awards for such a program and remain available. ``(2) Formula.--In determining the formula described in paragraph (1)(B), the Corporation shall consult with the Director of the Congressional Budget Office. ``(3) Certification report.--The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation shall annually prepare and submit to Congress a report that contains a certification that the Corporation is in compliance with the requirements of paragraph (1). ``(4) Approval.--The requirements of this subsection shall apply to each approved national service position that the Corporation approves-- ``(A) during fiscal year 2008; and ``(B) during any subsequent fiscal year. ``(b) Reserve Account.-- ``(1) Establishment and contents.-- ``(A) Establishment.--Notwithstanding subtitles C and D, and any other provision of law, within the National Service Trust established under section 145, the Corporation shall establish a reserve account. ``(B) Contents.--To ensure the availability of adequate funds to support the awards of approved national service positions for each fiscal year, the Corporation shall place in the account-- ``(i) during fiscal year 2008, a portion of the funds that were appropriated for fiscal year 2008 or a previous fiscal year under section 501(a)(2), were made available to carry out subtitle C, D, or E of this title, subtitle A of title I of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, or summer of service under section 111(a)(5), and remain available; and ``(ii) during fiscal year 2009 or a subsequent fiscal year, a portion of the funds that were appropriated for that fiscal year under section 501(a)(2) and were made available to carry out subtitle C, D, or E of this title, subtitle A of title I of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, or summer of service under section 111(a)(5), and remain available. ``(2) Obligation.--The Corporation shall not obligate the funds in the reserve account until the Corporation-- ``(A) determines that the funds will not be needed for the payment of national service educational awards associated with previously approved national service positions and summer of service educational awards; or ``(B) obligates the funds for the payment of national service educational awards for such previously approved national service positions or summer of service educational awards, as applicable. ``(c) Audits.--The accounts of the Corporation relating to the appropriated funds for approved national service positions, and the records demonstrating the manner in which the [[Page 3371]] Corporation has recorded estimates described in subsection (a)(1)(B) as obligations, shall be audited annually by independent certified public accountants or independent licensed public accountants certified or licensed by a regulatory authority of a State or other political subdivision of the United States in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. A report containing the results of each such independent audit shall be included in the annual report required by subsection (a)(3). ``(d) Availability of Amounts.--Except as provided in subsection (b), all amounts included in the National Service Trust under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 145(a) shall be available for payments of national service educational awards or summer of service educational awards under section 148.''. (b) Conforming Repeal.--Section 2 of the Strengthen AmeriCorps Program Act (Public Law 108-145; 117 Stat. 844; 42 U.S.C. 12605) is repealed. Subtitle E--Amendments to Subtitle E (National Civilian Community Corps) SEC. 1501. PURPOSE. Section 151 (42 U.S.C. 12611) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 151. PURPOSE. ``It is the purpose of this subtitle to authorize the operation of, and support for, residential and other service programs that combine the best practices of civilian service with the best aspects of military service, including leadership and team building, to meet national and community needs. Such needs to be met under such programs include those related to-- ``(1) natural and other disasters; ``(2) infrastructure improvement; ``(3) environmental stewardship and conservation; ``(4) energy conservation; and ``(5) urban and rural development.''. SEC. 1502. PROGRAM COMPONENTS. Section 152 (42 U.S.C. 12612) is amended-- (1) by amending the section heading to read as follows: ``SEC. 152. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL CIVILIAN COMMUNITY CORPS PROGRAM.''. (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps Program''; (3) in subsection (b)-- (A) by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps Program''; and (B) by striking ``a Civilian Community Corps'' and inserting ``a National Civilian Community Corps''; (4) in the heading of subsection (c), by striking ``Programs'' and inserting ``Components''; and (5) in subsection (c), by striking ``program components are residential programs'' and all that follows and inserting ``programs referred to in subsection (b) may include a residential component.''. SEC. 1503. ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS. Section 153 (42 U.S.C. 12613) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps Program''; and (B) by striking ``on Civilian Community Corps'' and inserting ``on National Civilian Community Corps''; (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``if the person'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``if the person will be at least 18 years of age on or before December 31 in the calendar year in which the individual enrolls in the program.''; (3) in subsection (c)-- (A) by striking ``Backrounds'' and inserting ``Backgrounds''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``The Director shall ensure that at least 50 percent of the participants in the program are disadvantaged youth by year 2010. The Director shall report to the Committee on Education and Labor in the United States House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in the United States Senate annually on progress towards this goal.''; and (4) by striking subsection (e). SEC. 1504. SUMMER NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM. Section 154 (42 U.S.C. 12614) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program''; and (B) by striking ``on Civilian Community Corps'' and inserting ``on National Civilian Community Corps''; (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``shall be'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``shall be from economically and ethnically diverse backgrounds, including youth who are in foster care.''. SEC. 1505. TEAM LEADERS. Section 155 (42 U.S.C. 12615) is amended-- (1) by amending the section heading to read as follows: ``SEC. 155. NATIONAL CIVILIAN COMMUNITY CORPS.''; (2) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program''; and (B) by striking ``the Civilian Community Corps shall'' and inserting ``the National Civilian Community Corps shall''; (3) in subsection (b)-- (A) by amending the subsection heading to read as follows: ``(b) Membership in National Civilian Community Corps.--''; (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''; (C) in paragraph (3)-- (i) by striking ``superintendent'' and inserting ``campus director''; and (ii) by striking ``camp'' and inserting ``campus''; and (D) by adding at the end the following: ``(4) Team leaders.--The Director may select from Corps members individuals with prior supervisory or service experience to be team leaders within units in the National Civilian Community Corps to perform service that includes leading and supervising teams of Corps members. Team leaders shall-- ``(A) be selected without regard to the age limitation under section 153(b); ``(B) be members of the National Civilian Community Corps; and ``(C) be provided the rights and benefits applicable to Corps members, except that the limitation on the amount of living allowance shall not exceed 10 percent more than the amount established under section 158(b).''; (4) in subsection (d)-- (A) by amending the subsection heading to read as follows: ``(d) Campuses.--''; (B) in paragraph (1)-- (i) by amending the paragraph heading to read as follows: ``(1) Units to be assigned to campuses.--''; (ii) by striking ``in camps'' and inserting ``in campuses''; (iii) by striking ``camp'' and inserting ``campus''; and (iv) by striking ``in the camps'' and inserting ``in the campuses''; (C) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: ``(2) Campus director.--There shall be a campus director for each campus. The campus director is the head of the campus.''; (D) in paragraph (3)-- (i) by amending the paragraph heading to read as follows: ``(3) Eligible site for campus.--''; (ii) by striking ``A camp may be located'' and inserting ``A campus must be cost-effective and may, upon the completion of a feasibility study, be located''; (5) in subsection (e)-- (A) by amending the paragraph heading to read as follows: ``(e) Distribution of Units and Campuses.--''; (B) by striking ``camps are distributed'' and inserting ``campuses are cost-effective and are distributed''; and (C) by striking ``rural areas'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``rural areas such that each Corps unit in a region can be easily deployed for disaster and emergency response to such region.''; and (6) in subsection (f)-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) by striking by striking ``superintendent'' and inserting ``campus director''; and (ii) by striking ``camp'' both places such term appears and inserting ``campus''; (B) in paragraph (2)-- (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``superintendent of a camp'' and inserting ``campus director of a campus''; (ii) in subparagraph (A)-- (I) by striking ``superintendent'' and inserting ``campus director''; (II) by striking ``superintendent's'' and inserting ``campus director's''; and (III) by striking ``camp'' each place such term appears and inserting ``campus''; and (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``superintendent'' and inserting ``campus director''; and (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``camp superintendent'' and inserting ``campus director''. SEC. 1506. TRAINING. Section 156 (42 U.S.C. 12616) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``The Director shall ensure that to the extent practicable, each member of the Corps is trained in CPR, first aid, and other skills related to disaster preparedness and response.''; (2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``, including a focus on energy conservation, environmental stewardship or conservation, infrastructure improvement, urban and rural development, or disaster preparedness needs''; and (3) in subsection (c)(2), by adding at the end the following: ``The Corporation may provide such training through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements with organizations who have established expertise in working with disadvantaged youth in similar programs.''. SEC. 1507. CONSULTATION WITH STATE COMMISSIONS. Section 157 (42 U.S.C. 12617) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''; (B) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the semicolon the following: ``with specific emphasis on projects in support of infrastructure improvement, disaster relief and recovery, the environment, energy conservation and urban and rural development''; and (C) in paragraph (2) by striking ``service learning'' and inserting ``service-learning''; [[Page 3372]] (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development'' and inserting ``the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Chief of the United States Forest Service''; (B) in paragraph (1)(B)-- (i) by inserting ``community-based organizations and'' before ``representatives of local communities''; and (ii) by striking ``camp'' both places such term appears and inserting ``campus''; (C) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``State Commissions,'' before ``and persons involved in other youth service programs.''; and (3) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) by striking ``superintendent'' both places such term appears and inserting ``campus director''; and (ii) by striking ``camp'' both places such term appears and inserting ``campus''; (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``camp superintendents'' and inserting ``campus directors''. SEC. 1508. AUTHORIZED BENEFITS FOR CORPS MEMBERS. Section 158 (42 U.S.C. 12618) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''; and (2) in subsection (c)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)-- (i) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''; and (ii) by inserting before the colon the following: ``, as the Director determines appropriate''; (B) in paragraph (6), by striking ``Clothing'' and inserting ``Uniforms''; (C) in paragraph (7), by striking ``Recreational services and supplies'' and inserting ``Supplies''. SEC. 1509. PERMANENT CADRE. Section 159 (42 U.S.C. 12619) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps Program''; and (B) in paragraph (1)-- (i) by inserting ``including those'' before ``recommended''; and (ii) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''; (2) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''; (3) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1)(B)(i), by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''; and (B) in paragraph (2)-- (i) in subparagraph (A)-- (I) by striking ``The Director shall establish a permanent cadre of'' and inserting ``The Chief Executive Officer shall establish a permanent cadre that includes the Director and other appointed''; and (II) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``The Director shall appoint the members'' and inserting ``The Chief Executive Officer shall consider the recommendations of the Director in appointing the other members''; (iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``the Director'' and inserting ``the Chief Executive Officer''; and (iv) in subparagraph (E)-- (I) by inserting after ``techniques'' the following: ``, including techniques for working with and enhancing the development of disadvantaged youth,''; and (II) by striking ``service learning'' and inserting ``service-learning''; and (C) in the first sentence of paragraph (3), by striking ``the members'' and inserting ``other members''. SEC. 1510. CONTRACT AND GRANT AUTHORITY. Section 161 (42 U.S.C. 12621) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``perform any program function under this subtitle'' and inserting ``carry out the National Civilian Community Corps program''; and (2) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''. SEC. 1511. OTHER DEPARTMENTS. Section 162 (42 U.S.C. 12622) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''; (ii) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``the registry established by'' and all that follows through the semicolon and inserting ``the registry established by section 1143a of title 10, United States Code;''; (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``to be recommended for appointment'' and inserting ``from which individuals may be selected for appointment by the Director''; and (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''; and (2) by striking subsection (b). SEC. 1512. ADVISORY BOARD. Section 163 (42 U.S.C. 12623) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``Upon the establishment of the Program, there shall also be'' and inserting ``There shall be''; (B) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps Advisory Board''; and (C) by striking ``to assist'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``to assist the Corps in responding rapidly and efficiently in times of natural and other disasters. Consistent with the needs outlined in section 151, the Advisory Board members shall help coordinate activities with the Corps as appropriate, including the mobilization of volunteers and coordination of volunteer centers to help local communities recover from the effects of natural and other disasters.''; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as paragraphs (13) and (14), respectively; (B) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following: ``(8) The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. ``(9) The Secretary of Transportation. ``(10) The Chief of the United States Forest Service. ``(11) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. ``(12) The Secretary of Energy.''; and (C) in paragraph (13), as so redesignated, by striking ``industry,'' and inserting ``public and private organizations,''. SEC. 1513. ANNUAL EVALUATION. Section 164 (42 U.S.C. 12624) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``Upon completing each such evaluation, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives a report on the evaluation.''. SEC. 1514. REPEAL OF FUNDING LIMITATION. Section 165 (42 U.S.C. 12625) is repealed. SEC. 1515. DEFINITIONS. Section 166 (42 U.S.C. 12626) is amended-- (1) by striking paragraphs (2), (3), and (9); (2) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (8) as paragraphs (5) through (9), respectively; (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: ``(2) Campus director.--The term `campus director', with respect to a Corps campus, means the head of the campus under section 155(d). ``(3) Corps.--The term `Corps' means the National Civilian Community Corps required under section 155 as part of the Civilian Community Corps Program. ``(4) Corps campus.--The term `Corps campus' means the facility or central location established as the operational headquarters and boarding place for particular Corps units.''; (4) in paragraph (5) (as so redesignated), by striking ``Civilian Community Corps Demonstration Program'' and inserting ``National Civilian Community Corps Program''; (5) in paragraph (6) (as so redesignated), by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''; (6) in paragraph (8) (as so redesignated), by striking ``The terms'' and all that follows through ``Demonstration Program'' and inserting ``The term `Program' means the National Civilian Community Corps Program''; and (7) in paragraph (9) (as so redesignated)-- (A) in the heading by striking ``Service learning'' and inserting ``Service-learning''; and (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking ``service learning'' and inserting ``service-learning''. SEC. 1516. TERMINOLOGY. Subtitle E of title I (42 U.S.C. 12611 et seq.) is amended-- (1) by striking the subtitle heading and inserting the following: ``Subtitle E--National Civilian Community Corps''; and (2) in section 160(a) (42 U.S.C. 12620(a)) by inserting ``National'' before ``Civilian Community Corps''. Subtitle F--Amendments to Subtitle F (Administrative Provisions) SEC. 1601. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE. Section 171(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 12631(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``with respect to a project'' and inserting ``with respect to a project authorized under the national service laws''. SEC. 1602. ADDITIONAL PROHIBITIONS ON USE OF FUNDS. Section 174 (42 U.S.C. 12634) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(d) Referrals for Federal Assistance.--A program may not receive assistance under the national service laws for the sole purpose of referring individuals to Federal assistance programs or State assistance programs funded in part by the Federal government.''. SEC. 1603. NOTICE, HEARING, AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES. Section 176 (42 U.S.C. 12636) is amended-- (1) by striking ``this title'' each place it appears and inserting ``the national service laws''; (2) in subsection (a)(2)(A), by striking ``30 days'' and inserting ``1 or more periods of 30 days not to exceed 90 days in total''; and (3) in subsection (f)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``A State or local applicant'' and inserting ``An entity''; and (B) in paragraph (6)-- (i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and''; (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: ``(D) in a grievance filed by an individual applicant or participant-- ``(i) the applicant's selection or the participant's reinstatement, as the case may be; and ``(ii) other changes in the terms and conditions of service; and''. SEC. 1604. RESOLUTION OF DISPLACEMENT COMPLAINTS. Section 177 (42 U.S.C. 12637) is amended-- [[Page 3373]] (1) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``under this title'' each place it appears and inserting ``under the national service laws''; (2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``employee or position'' and inserting ``employee, position, or volunteer (other than a participant under the national service laws)''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(f) Parental Involvement.-- ``(1) In general.--Programs that receive assistance under the national service laws shall consult with the parents or legal guardians of children in developing and operating programs that include and serve children. ``(2) Parental permission.--Programs that receive assistance under the national service laws shall, consistent with State law, before transporting minor children, provide the reason for and obtain written permission of the children's parents.''. SEC. 1605. STATE COMMISSIONS ON NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE. Section 178 (42 U.S.C. 12638) is amended-- (1) in subsection (c)(1), by adding at the end the following: ``(J) A representative of the volunteer sector.''; (2) in subsection (c)(3), by striking ``, unless the State permits the representative to serve as a voting member of the State Commission or alternative administrative entity''; (3) by striking subsection (e)(1) and inserting the following: ``(1) Preparation of a national service plan for the State that-- ``(A) is developed through an open and public process (such as through regional forums, hearings, and other means) that provides for maximum participation and input from companies, organizations, and public agencies using service and volunteerism as a strategy to meet critical community needs, including programs funded under the national service laws; ``(B) covers a 3-year period, the beginning of which may be set by the State; ``(C) is subject to approval by the chief executive officer of the State; ``(D) includes measurable goals and outcomes for the State consistent with those for national service programs as described in section 179(a)(1)(A); ``(E) ensures outreach to diverse community-based agencies that serve underrepresented populations, by-- ``(i) using established networks and registries at the State level, or establishing such networks and registries; and ``(ii) coordinating with the Corporation's Office of Outreach and Recruitment; ``(F) provides for effective coordination of funding applications submitted by the State and others within the State under the national service laws; ``(G) is updated annually, reflecting changes in practices and policies that will improve the coordination and effectiveness of Federal, State, and local resources for service and volunteerism within the State; and ``(H) contains such information as the State Commission considers to be appropriate or as the Corporation may require.''; (4) by redesignating subsections (f) through (j) as subsections (g) through (k), respectively; (5) by inserting after subsection (e) the following: ``(f) Relief From Administrative Requirements.--Upon approval of a State plan submitted under subsection (e)(1), the Chief Executive Officer may waive, or specify alternatives to, administrative requirements (other than statutory provisions) otherwise applicable to grants made to States under the national service laws, including those requirements identified by a State as impeding the coordination and effectiveness of Federal, State, and local resources for service and volunteerism within a State.''; (6) in subsection (j)(1) (as redesignated by this section), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, consistent with section 174(d).''; and (7) by adding at the end the following: ``(l) State Plan for Baby Boomer and Older Adult Volunteer and Paid Service.-- ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, to be eligible to receive a grant or allotment under subtitle B or C or to receive a distribution of approved national service positions under subtitle C, a State must work with appropriate State agencies and private entities to develop a comprehensive State plan for volunteer and paid service by members of the Baby Boom generation and older adults. ``(2) Matters included.--The State plan shall include-- ``(A) recommendations for public policy initiatives, including how to best tap the population of members the Baby Boom generation and older adults as sources of social capital and as ways to address community needs; ``(B) recommendations to the State unit on aging on-- ``(i) a marketing outreach plan to businesses; ``(ii) outreach to non-profit-organizations; ``(iii) the State's Department of Education; and ``(iv) other State agencies; and ``(C) recommendations for civic engagement and multigenerational activities, such as-- ``(i) early childhood education, family literacy, and after school programs; ``(ii) respite services for older adults and caregivers; and ``(iii) transitions for members of the Baby Boom generation and older adults to purposeful work in their post career lives. ``(3) Knowledge incorporated.--The State plan shall incorporate the current knowledge base regarding-- ``(A) the economic impact of older workers' roles in the economy; ``(B) the social impact of older workers' roles in the community; and ``(C) the health and social benefits of active engagement for members of the Baby Boom generation and older adults. ``(4) Publication.--The State plan must be made public and be transmitted to the Chief Executive Officer.''. SEC. 1606. EVALUATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY. Section 179 (42 U.S.C. 12639) is amended-- (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: ``(a) In General.--The Corporation shall provide, directly or through grants or contracts, for the continuing evaluation of programs that receive assistance under the national service laws, including evaluations that measure the impact of such programs, to determine-- ``(1) the effectiveness of various programs receiving assistance under the national service laws in achieving stated goals and the costs associated with such, including-- ``(A) an evaluation of performance measures, as established by the Corporation in consultation with grantees receiving assistance under the national service laws, which may include-- ``(i) number of participants enrolled and completing terms of service compared to the stated goals of the program; ``(ii) number of volunteers recruited from the community in which the program was implemented; ``(iii) if applicable based on the program design, the number of individuals receiving or benefitting from the service conducted; ``(iv) number of disadvantaged and underrepresented youth participants; ``(v) sustainability of project or program, including measures to ascertain the level of community support for the project or program; ``(vi) measures to ascertain the change in attitude toward civic engagement among the participants and the beneficiaries of the service; and ``(vii) other quantitative and qualitative measures as determined to be appropriate by the recipient of assistance; and ``(B) review of the implementation plan for reaching such measures described in subparagraph (A); and ``(2) the effectiveness of the structure and mechanisms for delivery of services, such as the effective utilization of the participants' time, the management of the participants, and the ease to which recipients were able to receive services to maximize the cost-effectiveness of the program and its impact, for such programs.''; (2) in subsection (g)-- (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``National Senior Volunteer Corps'' and inserting ``National Senior Service Corps''; and (B) in paragraph (9), by striking ``to public service'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``to engage in service that benefits the community.''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(j) Reserved Program Funds for Accountability.--In addition to amounts appropriated to carry out this section, the Corporation may reserve up to 1 percent of total program funds appropriated for a fiscal year under the national service laws to support program accountability activities. ``(k) Corrective Plans.-- ``(1) In general.--A grantee that fails to reach the performance measures in subsection (a)(1)(A) as determined by the Corporation, shall reach an agreement with the Corporation on a corrective action plan to achieve the agreed upon performance measures. ``(2) Assistance.-- ``(A) New program.--For a program that has received assistance for less than 3 years and is failing to achieve the performance measures agreed upon under subsection (a)(1)(A), the Corporation shall-- ``(i) provide technical assistance to the grantee to address targeted performance problems relating to the performance measures in subsection (a)(1)(A); and ``(ii) require quarterly reports from the grantee on the program's progress toward achieving the performance measures in subsection (a)(1)(A) to the appropriate State, Territory, or Indian tribe and the Corporation. ``(B) Established programs.--For a program that has received assistance for 3 years or more and is failing to achieve the performance measures agreed upon under subsection (a)(1)(A), the Corporation shall require quarterly reports from the grantee on the program's progress towards achieving performance measures in subsection (a)(1)(A) to the appropriate State, Territory, or Indian tribe and the Corporation. ``(l) Failure To Meet Performance Levels.--If, after a period for correction as approved by the Corporation, a grantee or subgrantee fails to achieve the established levels of performance, the Corporation shall-- ``(1) reduce the annual amount of the grant award attributable to the underperforming grantee or subgrantee by at least 25 percent; or ``(2) terminate assistance to the underperforming grantee or subgrantee, consistent with section 176(a). ``(m) Reports.--The Corporation shall submit to Congress not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this subsection, and annually thereafter, a report containing information on the number of-- ``(1) grantees implementing corrective action plans; ``(2) grantees for which the Corporation offers technical assistance under subsection (k); [[Page 3374]] ``(3) grantees for which the Corporation terminates assistance for a program under subsection (l); and ``(4) grantees meeting or exceeding their performance measures in subsection (a).''. SEC. 1607. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT. Section 181 (42 U.S.C. 12641) is amended by striking ``Section 414'' and inserting ``Section 422''. SEC. 1608. PARTNERSHIPS WITH SCHOOLS. Section 182(b) (42 U.S.C. 12642(b)) is amended to read as follows: ``(b) Annual Report.--On an annual basis, the head of each Federal agency and department shall prepare and submit, to Congress and the committees of jurisdiction, a report concerning the implementation of this section, including an evaluation of the performance goals and benchmarks of the partnership programs.''. SEC. 1609. RIGHTS OF ACCESS, EXAMINATION, AND COPYING. Section 183 (42 U.S.C. 12643) is amended-- (1) in each of subsections (a)(1) and (b)(1) by inserting after ``local government,'' the following: ``Territory,''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Inspector General.--The Inspector General of the Corporation shall have access to, and the right to examine and copy, any books, documents, papers, records, and other recorded information in any form-- ``(1) within the possession or control of the Corporation or any State or local government, Territory, Indian tribe, or public or private nonprofit organization receiving assistance directly or indirectly under this Act; and ``(2) that relates to the duties of the Inspector General under the Inspector General Act of 1978.''. SEC. 1610. ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. Subtitle F of title I (42 U.S.C. 12631 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 185. CONSOLIDATED APPLICATION AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. ``(a) In General.--To promote efficiency and eliminate duplicative requirements, the Corporation shall consolidate or modify application procedures and reporting requirements for programs and activities funded under the national service laws. ``(b) Reports to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Corporation shall submit to Congress a report containing information on the actions taken to modify the application procedures and reporting requirements for programs and activities funded under the national service laws, including a description of the consultation procedures with grantees, entities that expressed interest in applying for assistance under a national service law but did not apply, those entities whose application was rejected, and applications whose assistance was terminated due to failure to meet performance measures for the year covered by the report. ``SEC. 186. SUSTAINABILITY. ``(a) Goals.--To ensure that recipients of assistance under the national service laws are carrying out sustainable projects or programs, the Corporation, after collaboration with State Commissions and consultation with recipients of assistance under the national service laws, may set sustainability goals supported by policies and procedures to-- ``(1) build the capacity of the projects that receive assistance under the national service laws to meet community needs and to work to lessen the dependence on Federal dollars to do so; ``(2) provide technical assistance to assist the recipients of assistance under the national service laws in acquiring non-Federal funds for the projects that could replace assistance received under the national service laws; and ``(3) implement measures to ascertain whether the projects are generating sufficient community support. ``(b) Enforcement.--If a recipient does not meet the sustainability goals in subsection (a) for a project, the Corporation may take action as described in sections 176 and 179. ``SEC. 187. USE OF RECOVERED FUNDS. ``(a) Factors Considered in Approving Repayment.--After the date of enactment of this section, whenever the Corporation recovers funds paid to a recipient under a grant or cooperative agreement made under the national service laws because the recipient made an expenditure of funds that was not allowable, or otherwise failed to discharge its responsibility to account properly for funds, the Corporation may consider those funds to be additional funds available and may arrange to repay to the recipient affected by that action an amount not to exceed 75 percent of the recovered funds if the Corporation determines that-- ``(1) the practices or procedures of the recipient that resulted in the recovery of funds have been corrected, and that the recipient is in all other respects in compliance with the requirements of the grant or cooperative agreement, if the recipient was notified of any noncompliance with such requirements and given a reasonable period of time to remedy such noncompliance; ``(2) the recipient has submitted to the Corporation a plan for the use of those funds consistent with the national service laws and, to the extent possible, for the benefit of the community affected by the recovery of funds; and ``(3) the use of those funds in accordance with that plan would serve to achieve the objectives of the grant or cooperative agreement under which the funds were originally paid. ``(b) Terms and Conditions of Repayment.--Any payments by the Corporation under this section shall be subject to other terms and conditions as the Corporation considers necessary to accomplish the purposes of the grant or cooperative agreement, including-- ``(1) the submission of periodic reports on the use of funds provided under this section; and ``(2) consultation by the recipient with members of the community that will benefit from the payments. ``(c) Availability of Funds.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the funds made available under this section shall remain available for expenditure for a period of time considered reasonable by the Corporation, but in no case to exceed more than 3 fiscal years following the later of-- ``(1) the fiscal year in which final agency action regarding the disallowance of funds is taken; or ``(2) if such recipient files a petition for judicial review regarding the disallowance of funds, the fiscal year in which final judicial action is taken on such a petition. ``(d) Publication in Federal Register.--At least 60 days prior to entering into an arrangement under this section, the Corporation shall publish in the Federal Register a notice of intent to enter into such an arrangement and the terms and conditions under which payments will be made. Interested persons shall have an opportunity for at least 30 days to submit comments to the Corporation regarding the proposed arrangement. ``SEC. 188. EXPENSES OF ATTENDING MEETINGS. ``Notwithstanding section 1345 of title 31, United States Code, funds authorized under the national service laws shall be available for expenses of attendance of meetings that are concerned with the functions or activities for which the funds are appropriated or which will contribute to improved conduct, supervision, or management of those functions or activities. ``SEC. 189. GRANT PERIODS. ``Unless otherwise specifically provided, the Corporation has authority to make a grant under the national service laws for a period of 3 years. ``SEC. 189A. GENERATION OF VOLUNTEERS. ``In making decisions on applications for assistance or approved national service positions under the national service laws, the Corporation shall take into consideration the extent to which the applicant's proposal will increase the involvement of volunteers in meeting community needs. ``SEC. 189B. LIMITATION ON PROGRAM GRANT COSTS. ``(a) Limitation on Grant Amounts.--Except as otherwise provided by this section, the amount of funds approved by the Corporation in a grant to operate a program authorized under the national service laws supporting individuals serving in approved national service positions may not exceed $16,000 per full-time equivalent position. ``(b) Costs Subject to Limitation.--The limitation in subsection (a) applies to the Corporation's share of member support costs, staff costs, and other costs borne by the grantee or subgrantee to operate a program. ``(c) Costs Not Subject to Limitation.--The limitation in subsection (a) and (e)(1) shall not apply to expenses that are not included in the program operating grant award. ``(d) Adjustments for Inflation.--The amount specified in subsections (a) and (e)(1) shall be adjusted each year after 2008 for inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Secretary of Labor. ``(e) Waiver Authority and Reporting Requirement.-- ``(1) Waiver.--The Chief Executive Officer may waive the requirements of this section, up to a maximum of $18,000, if necessary to meet the compelling needs of a particular program, such as exceptional training needs for a program serving disadvantaged youth, increased costs relating to the participation of individuals with disabilities, and start-up costs associated with a first-time grantee. ``(2) Reports.--The Chief Executive Officer shall report to Congress annually on all waivers granted under this section, with an explanation of the compelling needs justifying such waivers. ``SEC. 189C. AUDITS AND REPORTS. ``The Corporation shall comply with applicable audit and reporting requirements as provided in the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 (31 U.S.C. 501 et seq.) and the Government Corporation Control Act of 1945 (31 U.S.C. 9101 et seq.). The Corporation shall report to the Congress any failure to comply with the requirements of such audits.''. Subtitle G--Amendments to Subtitle G (Corporation for National and Community Service) SEC. 1701. TERMS OF OFFICE. Section 192 (42 U.S.C. 12651a) is amended-- (1) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: ``(c) Terms.--Subject to subsection (e), each appointed member shall serve for a term of 5 years.''; (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Service Until Appointment of Successor.--A voting member of the Board whose term has expired may continue to serve for one year beyond expiration of the term if no successor is appointed or until the date on which a successor has taken office.''. SEC. 1702. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES. Section 192A(g) (42 U.S.C. 12651b(g)) is amended-- [[Page 3375]] (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking ``shall--'' and inserting ``shall have responsibility for setting overall policy for the Corporation and shall--''; (2) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: ``, and review the budget proposal in advance of submission to the Office of Management and Budget and to Congress''; (3) in paragraph (5)-- (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``and'' at the end; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) review the performance of the Chief Executive Officer annually and forward a report on that review to the President;''; (4) in paragraph (9), by inserting ``and'' after ``Corporation;''; (5) in paragraph (10), by striking ``program; and'' and inserting ``program under a cost share agreement, as determined by the Corporation, in which the funds advanced or received as reimbursement shall be credited directly to a current appropriation; and''; and (6) in paragraph (11), by striking ``September 30, 1995'' and inserting ``January 1, 2011''. SEC. 1703. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER. Section 193A (42 U.S.C. 12651d) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting after ``a strategic plan'' the following: ``, including a plan for achieving 50 percent full-time approved national service positions by 2010,''; (B) by redesignating paragraphs (7) through (11) as paragraphs (8) through (12), respectively; (C) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following: ``(7) prepare and submit to the Committee on Education and Labor in the United States House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in the United States Senate, and the Board an annual report on actions taken to achieve the goal of 50 percent full-time approved national service positions as described in paragraph (1), including an assessment of the progress made toward achieving that goal and the actions to be taken in the coming year toward achieving that goal;''; and (D) in paragraph (11) (as so redesignated)-- (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``June 30, 1995,'' and inserting ``June 30 of each even- numbered year,''; and (ii) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``section 122(c)(1)'' and inserting ``section 122(d)(1)''; and (2) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (11); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following: ``(10) obtain the opinions of peer reviewers in evaluating applications to the Corporation for assistance under this title; and''. SEC. 1704. NONVOTING MEMBERS; PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS. Section 195 (42 U.S.C. 12651f) is amended-- (1) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting after ``subdivision of a State,'' the following: ``Territory,''; and (B) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in the heading, by striking ``Member'' and inserting ``Non-voting member''; and (ii) by inserting ``non-voting'' before ``member''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Personal Services Contracts.--The Corporation may enter into personal services contracts to carry out research, evaluation, and public awareness related to the national service laws.''. SEC. 1705. DONATED SERVICES. Section 196(a) (42 U.S.C. 12651g(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following: ``(A) Organizations and individuals.--Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Corporation may solicit and accept the services of organizations and individuals (other than participants) to assist the Corporation in carrying out the duties of the Corporation under the national service laws, and may provide to such individuals the travel expenses described in section 192A(d).''; (B) in subparagraph (B)-- (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``Such a volunteer'' and inserting ``A person who is a member of an organization or is an individual covered by subparagraph (A)''; (ii) in clause (i), by striking ``a volunteer'' and inserting ``such a person''; (iii) in clause (ii), by striking ``volunteers'' and inserting ``such a person''; and (iv) in clause (iii), by striking ``such a volunteer'' and inserting ``such a person''; and (C) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``Such a volunteer'' and inserting ``Such a person''; and (2) by striking paragraph (3). SEC. 1706. OFFICE OF OUTREACH AND RECRUITMENT. Subtitle G of title I is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 196B. OFFICE OF OUTREACH AND RECRUITMENT. ``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Corporation an office to be known as the Office of Outreach and Recruitment (in this section referred to as the `Office'), headed by a Director. ``(b) Duties.--The duties of the Office, carried out directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, shall be-- ``(1) to increase the public awareness of the wide range of service opportunities for citizens of all ages, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location, through a variety of methods, including-- ``(A) print media; ``(B) the Internet and related emerging technologies; ``(C) television; ``(D) radio; ``(E) presentations at public or private forums; ``(F) other innovative methods of communication; and ``(G) outreach to offices of economic development, State employment security agencies, labor unions and trade associations, local education agencies, agencies and organizations serving veterans and people with disabilities, and other institutions or organizations from which participants for programs receiving assistance from the national service laws can be recruited; ``(2) to identify and implement methods of recruitment to increase the diversity of participants in the programs receiving assistance under the national service laws; ``(3) to identify and implement recruitment strategies and training programs for bilingual volunteers in the National Senior Service Corps under title II of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973; ``(4) to identify and implement methods of recruitment to increase the diversity of service sponsors of programs desiring to receive assistance under the national service laws; ``(5) to collaborate with organizations which have established volunteer recruitment programs, including those on the Internet, to increase the recruitment capacity of the Corporation; ``(6) where practicable, to provide application materials in languages other than English for those with limited English proficiency who wish to participate in a national service program; ``(7) to coordinate with organizations of former participants of national service programs for service opportunities that may include capacity building, outreach, and recruitment for programs receiving assistance under the national service laws; ``(8) to collaborate with the training and technical assistance programs described in subtitle J and in appropriate paragraphs of section 198E(b); ``(9) to coordinate the clearinghouses described in section 198E; and ``(10) to coordinate with entities receiving funds under section 198E(b)(11) in establishing the Reserve Corps for alumni of the national service programs to serve in emergencies, disasters, and other times of national need. ``(c) Collaboration.--The duties described in subsection (b) shall be carried out in collaboration with the State Commissions. ``(d) Authority To Contract With a Business.--The Corporation may, through contracts or cooperative agreements, carry out the marketing duties described in subsection (b)(1), with priority given to those entities who have established expertise in the recruitment of disadvantaged youth, members of Indian tribes, and members of the Baby Boom generation. ``(e) Campaign To Solicit Funds.--The Corporation, through the Director of the Office, may conduct a campaign to solicit funds for itself to conduct outreach and recruitment campaigns to recruit a diverse population of service sponsors of and participants in programs and projects receiving assistance under the national service laws. ``(f) Reporting.--The Director of the Office shall complete a report annually to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors on its activities and results.''. SEC. 1707. STUDY TO EXAMINE AND INCREASE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR VETERANS AND VETERANS PARTICIPATION IN SERVICE CORPS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AND TO DEVELOP PILOT PROGRAM. (a) Planning Study.--The Corporation for National and Community Service shall conduct a study to identify-- (1) specific areas of need for veterans; (2) how existing programs and activities carried out under the national service laws could better serve veterans and veterans service organizations; (3) gaps in service to veterans; (4) prospects for better coordination of services; (5) prospects for better utilization of veterans as resources and volunteers; and (6) methods for ensuring the efficient financial organization of services directed towards veterans. (b) Consultation.--The study shall be carried out in consultation with veterans' service organizations, the Department of Veterans Affairs, State veterans agencies, the Department of Defense, and other individuals and entities the Corporation considers appropriate. (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Corporation shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the planning study required by subsection (a), together with a plan for implementation of a pilot program using promising strategies and approaches for better targeting and serving veterans. (d) Pilot Program.--From amounts made available to carry out this subsection, the Corporation shall develop and carry out a pilot program based on the findings in the report submitted under subsection (c). [[Page 3376]] (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012. Subtitle H--Amendments to Subtitle H SEC. 1801. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE H. (a) Additional Corporation Activities To Support National Service.--Subtitle H is amended by inserting after the subtitle heading and before section 198 the following: ``PART I--ADDITIONAL CORPORATION ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT NATIONAL SERVICE''. (b) Technical Amendments.--Section 198 (42 U.S.C. 12653) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsection (r)'' and inserting ``subsection (g)''; (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``national service programs, including service-learning programs, and to support innovative and model programs, including'' and inserting ``service-learning programs and national service programs, including''; (3) by striking subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f); (4) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (c); (5) by striking subsections (h), (i), and (j); (6) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (d); (7) by striking subsections (l) and (m); (8) by redesignating subsections (n) and (o) as subsections (e) and (f), respectively; (9) by striking subsections (p) and (q); (10) by redesignating subsection (r) as subsection (g); and (11) by redesignating subsection (s) as subsection (h). SEC. 1802. REPEALS. The following provisions are repealed: (1) Clearinghouses.--Section 198A (42 U.S.C. 12653a). (2) Military installation conversion demonstration programs.--Section 198C (42 U.S.C. 12653c). (3) Special demonstration project.--Section 198D (42 U.S.C. 12653d). SEC. 1803. INNOVATIVE AND MODEL PROGRAM SUPPORT. Subtitle H is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``PART II--INNOVATIVE AND MODEL PROGRAM SUPPORT ``SEC. 198D. INNOVATIVE AND MODEL PROGRAM SUPPORT. ``(a) Methods of Conducting Activities.--The Corporation may, through grants and fixed amount grants under subsection (c), carry out the following programs: ``(1) Programs for disadvantaged youth.--A program selected from among those listed in 122(a) where no less than 75 percent of the participants are disadvantaged youth. ``(A) Components of programs.--Such programs may include life skills training, employment training, educational counseling, program to complete a high-school diploma or GED, counseling, or a mentoring relationship with an adult volunteer. ``(B) Priority.--Priority shall be given to programs that engage retirees to serve as mentors. ``(2) Programs focused on learning and thinking skills.-- Service programs to solve community problems while engaging or developing 21st century learning and thinking skills (critical-thinking and problem solving, communication skills, creativity and innovation skills, collaboration skills, contextual learning skills, information and media literacy skills, and information and communications literacy) and life skills (leadership, ethics, accountability, adaptability, personal productivity, personal responsibility, people skills, self-direction, and social responsibility) for school-age youth and low income adults. This may be a summer of service program or a year-round service program. Priority shall be given to programs that collaborate with the RSVP program, the AmeriCorps programs, or the Learn and Serve programs. ``(3) Programs that engage youth under the age of 17.-- Programs that engage youth under the age of 17 in service to the community to meet unmet human, educational, environmental, emergency and disaster preparedness, or public safety needs and may be a summer program or a year-round program. Priority shall be given to programs that collaborate with the RSVP Program and the AmeriCorps programs. ``(4) Programs that focus on health and wellness.--Service programs that focus on the health and wellness of the members of a low-income or rural community. Priority shall be given to service programs that work to-- ``(A) involve the community in service to those who are at- risk to not receive or pursue health care through such activities as health and wellness education, prevention, and care; ``(B) include in the service program employment training, where applicable, for participants in the program and may extend this opportunity to members of the community; and ``(C) collaborate with local institutions of higher education to include, as a portion of the pre-professional training of health care professionals including nurses, doctors, physician assistants, dentists, and emergency medical technicians, a service component to meet unmet healthcare and wellness needs in the community in which the service program is being carried out. ``(5) Programs that reduce recidivism.--Programs that re- engage court-involved youth and adults with the goal of reducing recidivism. Priority shall be given to such programs that create support systems beginning in corrections facilities, and programs that have life skills training, employment training, an education program, including a program to complete a high-school diploma or GED, educational and career counseling, post program placement, and support services, which could begin in corrections facilities. The program may include health and wellness programs, including but not limited to drug and alcohol treatment, mental health counseling, and smoking cessation. ``(6) Programs that recruit certain individuals.-- Demonstration projects for programs that have as one of their primary purposes the recruitment and acceptance of court- involved youth and adults as participants, volunteers, or members. Such a program may serve any purpose otherwise permitted under this Act. ``(7) Other innovative and model programs.--Any other innovative and model programs that the Corporation considers appropriate. ``(b) Requirements.-- ``(1) Three-year term.--Each program funded under this part shall be carried out over a period of three years, including one planning year and two additional grant years, with a 1- year extension possible, if the program meets performance measures developed in accordance with section 179(a) and any other criteria determined by the Corporation. ``(2) Encouragement.--Each program funded under this part is encouraged to collaborate with Learn and Serve, AmeriCorps, VISTA, and the National Senior Service Corps. ``(3) Evaluation.--Upon completion of the program, the Corporation shall conduct an independent evaluation of the program and widely disseminate the results to the service community through multiple channels, including the Corporation's Resource Center or a clearinghouse of effective strategies and recommendations for improvement. ``(c) Fixed Amount Grants.-- ``(1) General.--For purposes of subsection (a), and subject to the limitations in this subsection, the Corporation may, upon making a determination described in paragraph (2), approve a fixed amount grant that is not subject to the Office of Management and Budget cost principles and related financial recordkeeping requirements. ``(2) Determination.--Before approving a fixed amount grant, the Corporation must determine that-- ``(A) the reasonable and necessary costs of carrying out the terms of the grant significantly exceed the amount of assistance provided by the Corporation; or ``(B) based on the nature or design of the grant, any assistance provided by the Corporation can be reasonably presumed to be expended on reasonable and necessary costs. ``(3) Matching funds.-- ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of carrying out a program for which a grant is made under this part may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the program. ``(B) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program, each recipient of a grant under this part-- ``(i) shall provide for such share through a payment in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, equipment, or services; and ``(ii) may provide for such share through State sources or local sources, including private funds or donated services. ``(d) Applications.--To be eligible to carry out a program under this part, an entity shall prepare, submit to the Corporation, and obtain approval of, an application at such time and in such manner as the Corporation requires, and in such manner as the Chief Executive Officer may reasonably require.''. SEC. 1804. CLEARINGHOUSES. Subtitle H is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``PART III--NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS CLEARINGHOUSE ``SEC. 198E. NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS CLEARINGHOUSE. ``(a) In General.--The Corporation shall provide assistance, either by grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, to entities with expertise in the dissemination of information through clearinghouses to establish one or more clearinghouses for the national service laws. ``(b) Function of Clearinghouse.--Such a clearinghouse may-- ``(1) assist entities carrying out State or local service- learning and national service programs with needs assessments and planning; ``(2) conduct research and evaluations concerning service- learning or programs receiving assistance under the national service laws unless the recipient is receiving funds for such purpose under part III of subtitle B and under subtitle H; ``(3)(A) provide leadership development and training to State and local service-learning program administrators, supervisors, service sponsors, and participants; and ``(B) provide training to persons who can provide the leadership development and training described in subparagraph (A); ``(4) facilitate communication among entities carrying out service-learning programs and programs offered under the national service laws and participants in such programs; ``(5) provide and disseminate information and curriculum materials relating to planning and operating service-learning programs and programs offered under the national service laws, to States, Territories, Indian tribes, and local entities eligible to receive financial assistance under the national service laws; [[Page 3377]] ``(6) provide and disseminate information regarding methods to make service-learning programs and programs offered under the national service laws accessible to individuals with disabilities; ``(7) disseminate applications in languages other than English; ``(8)(A) gather and disseminate information on successful service-learning programs and programs offered under the national service laws, components of such successful programs, innovative curricula related to service-learning, and service-learning projects; and ``(B) coordinate the activities of the Clearinghouse with appropriate entities to avoid duplication of effort; ``(9) make recommendations to State and local entities on quality controls to improve the quality of service-learning programs and programs offered under the national service laws; ``(10) assist organizations in recruiting, screening, and placing a diverse population of service-learning coordinators and program sponsors; ``(11) collaborate with the Office of Outreach and Recruitment on an alumni network for those former participants in an approved national service position, to facilitate communication and collaboration between alumni and to leverage their skills, knowledge, and experiences to improve service across our Nation and also serve in a Reserve Corps, who are ready to serve in times of national need; ``(12) disseminate effective strategies for working with disadvantaged youth in national service programs as determined by organizations with an established expertise working with such youth; and ``(13) carry out such other activities as the Chief Executive Officer determines to be appropriate.''. Subtitle I--American Conservation and Youth Service Corps SEC. 1811. STATE APPLICATION. Section 199C(a) (42 U.S.C. 12655b(a)) is amended by inserting after ``a State'' the following: ``, Territory,''. Subtitle J--Training and Technical Assistance SEC. 1821. TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. Title I is further amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle: ``Subtitle J--Training and Technical Assistance ``SEC. 199N. TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. ``(a) In General.--The Corporation shall conduct, either directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, including through State Commissions on National and Community Service, appropriate training and technical assistance to-- ``(1) programs receiving assistance under the national service laws; and ``(2) entities (particularly those in rural areas and underserved communities)-- ``(A) that desire to carry out or establish national service programs; ``(B) that desire to apply for assistance under the national service laws; or ``(C) that desire to apply for a subgrant under the national service laws. ``(b) Activities Included.--Such training and technical assistance activities may include-- ``(1) providing technical assistance to those applying to carry out national service programs or those carrying out national service programs; ``(2) promoting leadership development in national service programs; ``(3) improving the instructional and programmatic quality of national service programs; ``(4) developing the management and budgetary skills of those operating or overseeing national service programs, including to increase the cost effectiveness of the programs under the national service laws; ``(5) providing for or improving the training provided to the participants in programs under the national service laws; ``(6) facilitating the education of national service programs in risk management procedures, including the training of participants in appropriate risk management practices; ``(7) training of those operating or overseeing national service programs in volunteer recruitment, management, and retention to improve the abilities of such individuals to use participants and other volunteers in an effective manner which results in high quality service and the desire of participants or volunteers to continue to serve in other capacities after the program is completed; ``(8) training of those operating or overseeing national service programs in program evaluation and performance measures to inform practices to augment the capacity and sustainability of the program; ``(9) training of those operating or overseeing national service programs to effectively accommodate people with disabilities to increase the participation of people with disabilities in national service programs; ``(10) establishing networks and collaboration among employers, educators, and other key stakeholders in the community to further leverage resources to increase local participation and to coordinate community-wide planning and service; ``(11) providing training and technical assistance for the National Senior Service Corps; and ``(12) carrying out such other activities as the Chief Executive Officer determines to be appropriate. ``(c) Priority.--The Corporation shall give priority to programs under the national service laws and those entities wishing to establish programs under the national service laws seeking training or technical assistance that-- ``(1) seek to carry out (as defined in section 101) high quality programs where the services are needed most; ``(2) seek to carry out (as defined in section 101) high quality programs where national service programs do not currently exist or where the programs are too limited to meet community needs; ``(3) seek to carry out (as defined in section 101) high quality programs that focus on and provide service opportunities for underserved rural and urban areas and populations; and ``(4) assist programs in developing a service component that combines students, out-of-school youths, and older adults as participants to provide needed community services.''. Subtitle K--Repeal of Title III (Points of Light Foundation) SEC. 1831. REPEAL. Title III (42 U.S.C. 12661 et seq.) is repealed. Subtitle L--Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations) SEC. 1841. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Section 501 (42 U.S.C. 12681) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 501. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ``(a) Title I.-- ``(1) Subtitle b.-- ``(A) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to provide financial assistance under subtitle B of title I-- ``(i) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, of which $10,000,000 shall be for summer of service grants and $10,000,000 shall be deposited in the National Service Trust to support summer of service educational awards; and ``(ii) such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012. ``(B) Programs.--Of the amount appropriated under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year-- ``(i) not more than 63.75 percent shall be available to provide financial assistance under part I of subtitle B of title I; ``(ii) not more than 25 percent shall be available to provide financial assistance under part II of such subtitle; and ``(iii) not less than 11.25 percent shall be available to provide financial assistance under part III of such subtitle. ``(2) Subtitles c, d, and h.-- ``(A) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to provide financial assistance under subtitles C and H of title I, to administer the National Service Trust and disburse national service educational awards and scholarships under subtitle D of title I, and to carry out such audits and evaluations as the Chief Executive Officer or the Inspector General of the Corporation may determine to be necessary, $485,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012. ``(B) Programs.--Of the amount appropriated under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year, up to 15 percent shall be made available to provide financial assistance under subsections (b) and (c) of section 126, and under subtitle H of title I. ``(C) Subtitle c.--Of the amount appropriated under subparagraph (A), the following amounts shall be made available to provide financial assistance under section 121 of subtitle C of title I: ``(i) For fiscal year 2008, not more than $324,000,000. ``(ii) For fiscal year 2009, not more than $357,000,000. ``(iii) For fiscal year 2010, not more than $397,000,000. ``(iv) For each of fiscal years 2011 through 2012, such sums as may be necessary. ``(3) Subtitle e.--There are authorized to be appropriated to operate the National Civilian Community Corps and provide financial assistance under subtitle E of title I, $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012. ``(4) Administration.-- ``(A) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated for the administration of this Act, including financial assistance under sections 126(a) and 196B, $51,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012. ``(B) Corporation.--Of the amounts appropriated under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year-- ``(i) up to 69 percent shall be made available to the Corporation for the administration of this Act, including to provide financial assistance under section 196B; and ``(ii) the remainder shall be available to provide financial assistance under section 126(a). ``(5) Training and technical assistance.--Of the amounts appropriated for a fiscal year under subtitles B, C, and H of title I of this Act and under titles I and II of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, the Corporation shall reserve up to 2.5 percent to carry out subtitle J of this Act. Notwithstanding subsection (b), amounts so reserved shall be available only for the fiscal year for which they are reserved. ``(b) Availability of Appropriations.--Funds appropriated under this section shall remain available until expended.''. TITLE II--AMENDMENTS TO THE DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE ACT OF 1973 SEC. 2001. REFERENCES. Except as otherwise specifically provided, whenever in this title an amendment or repeal is [[Page 3378]] expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of a provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a provision of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4950 et seq.). Subtitle A--Amendments to Title I (National Volunteer Antipoverty Programs) SEC. 2101. PURPOSE. Section 2 (42 U.S.C. 4950) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``both young and older citizens'' and inserting ``citizens of all ages and backgrounds''; and (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``local agencies'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``local agencies, expand relationships with, and support for, the efforts of civic, community, and educational organizations, and utilize the energy, innovative spirit, experience, and skills of all Americans.''. SEC. 2102. PURPOSE OF THE VISTA PROGRAM. Section 101 (42 U.S.C. 4951) is amended-- (1) in the second sentence, by striking ``afflicted with'' and inserting ``affected by''; and (2) in the third sentence, by striking ``local level'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``local level, to support efforts by local agencies and organizations to achieve long-term sustainability of projects, consistent with section 186 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990, initiated or expanded under the VISTA program activities, and to strengthen local agencies and community organizations to carry out the purpose of this part.''. SEC. 2103. APPLICATIONS. Section 103 (42 U.S.C. 4953) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,'' after ``American Samoa,''; and (B) in paragraph (2)-- (i) by striking ``handicapped'' and inserting ``disabled''; and (ii) by striking ``handicaps'' and inserting ``disabilities''; (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``jobless, the hungry, and low-income'' and inserting ``unemployed, the hungry, and low-income''; (D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``prevention, education,'' and inserting ``through prevention, education, rehabilitation, and treatment,''; (E) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``, mental illness,'' after ``including''; (F) in paragraph (6), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; (G) in paragraph (7), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (H) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(8) in the re-entry and re-integration of formerly incarcerated youth and adults into society, including life skills training, employment training, counseling, educational training, and educational counseling; ``(9) in developing and carrying out financial literacy, financial planning, budgeting, savings, and reputable credit accessibility programs in low-income communities, including those programs which educate on financing home ownership and higher education; ``(10) in initiating and supporting before-school and after-school programs servicing children in low-income communities that may engage participants in mentoring relationships, tutoring, life skills, or study skills programs, service-learning, physical, nutrition, and health education programs, including programs aimed at fighting childhood obesity, and other activities addressing the needs of the community's children; ``(11) in establishing and supporting community economic development initiatives, including micro-enterprises, with a priority on such programs in rural areas and other areas where such programs are needed most; ``(12) in assisting veterans and their families through establishing or augmenting programs which assist such persons with access to legal assistance, health care (including mental health), employment counseling or training, education counseling or training, affordable housing, and other support services; and ``(13) in addressing the health and wellness of low-income and underserved communities, including programs to increase access to preventive services, insurance, and health care.''; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``recruitment and placement procedures'' and inserting ``recruitment and placement procedures that involve sponsoring organizations and''; (B) in paragraph (2)-- (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``central information system that shall, on request, promptly provide'' and inserting ``database that provides''; and (ii) in subparagraph (C)-- (I) by striking ``timely and effective'' and inserting ``timely and cost-effective''; and (II) by striking ``the recruitment of volunteers'' and inserting ``recruitment and management of volunteers''; and (C) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following: ``The Director shall give priority to-- ``(A) disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990) and low-income adults; and ``(B) retired adults of any profession, but with an emphasis on those professions whose services and training are most needed in a community, such as the health care professions, teaching, counseling, and engineering and other professions requiring a high level of technical and project management skills, to utilize their experience, including professional skills, in the VISTA program.''; (D) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking ``information system'' and inserting ``database''; (3) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``personnel described in subsection (b)(2)(C)'' and inserting ``personnel described in subsection (b)(2)(C), sponsoring organizations, and the Office of Outreach and Recruitment''; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``the Internet and related technologies,'' after ``television,''; (iii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``Internet and related technologies,'' after ``through the''; (iv) in subparagraph (C), by inserting after ``senior citizens organizations,'' the following: ``offices of economic development, State employment security agencies, employment offices,''; (v) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993'' and inserting ``National and Community Service Act of 1990''; and (vi) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``, on request,''; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``this subsection'' and inserting ``this subsection and related public awareness and recruitment activities under the national service laws and through the Office of Outreach and Recruitment''; and (C) in paragraph (4)-- (i) by striking ``Beginning'' and all that follows through ``for the purpose'' and inserting ``For the purpose''; and (ii) by striking ``1.5 percent'' and inserting ``2 percent''; (4) by amending the second sentence of subsection (d) to read as follows: ``Whenever feasible, such efforts shall be coordinated with an appropriate local workforce investment board established under section 117 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.''; (5) in subsection (g) by striking ``and has been submitted to the Governor'' and all that follows and inserting a period; and (6) by adding at the end the following: ``(i) The Director may enter into agreements under which public and private nonprofit organizations, with sufficient financial capacity and size, pay for all or a portion of the costs of supporting the service of volunteers under this title, consistent with the provisions of section 186 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990.''. SEC. 2104. VISTA PROGRAMS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE. Part A of title I is amended by inserting after section 103 (42 U.S.C. 4953) the following: ``SEC. 103A. VISTA PROGRAMS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE. ``(a) In General.--With not less than one-third of the funds made available under subsection (d) in each fiscal year, the Director shall make grants for VISTA positions to support programs of national significance. Each program for which a grant is received under this subsection shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements applicable to that program. ``(b) Activities Supported.--The Director shall make grants under subsection (a) to support one or more of the following programs to address problems that concern low-income and rural communities in the Nation: ``(1) In developing and carrying-out financial literacy, financial planning, budgeting, savings, and reputable credit accessibility programs in low-income communities, including those programs which educate on financing home ownership and higher education. ``(2) In initiating and supporting before-school and after- school programs in low-income communities that may include such activities as establishing mentoring relationships, physical education, tutoring, instruction in 21st century thinking skills, life skills, and study skills, community service, service-learning, nutrition and health education, and other activities aimed at keeping children, safe, educated, and healthy, which serve the children in such community. ``(3) In establishing and supporting community economic development initiatives, including micro-enterprises, with a priority on such programs in rural areas and areas where such programs are needed most. ``(4) In assisting veterans and their families through establishing or augmenting programs which assist such persons with access to legal assistance, health care (including mental health), employment counseling or training, education counseling or training, affordable housing, and other support services. ``(5) In addressing the health and wellness of low-income and underserved communities across our Nation, including programs to fight childhood obesity through nutrition, physical fitness, and other associated life skills education programs and programs to increase access to preventive services, insurance, and health care. ``(c) Requirements.-- ``(1) Eligibility.--In order to receive a grant under subsection (a), an applicant shall submit an application to the Director at such time and in such manner as the Director requires and receive approval of the application. Such application shall, at a minimum, demonstrate to the Director a level of expertise in carrying out such a program. ``(2) Supplement not supplant.--Funds made available under subsection (d) shall be used to supplement and not supplant the number of VISTA volunteers engaged in programs addressing the problem for which such funds are awarded unless such sums are an extension of funds previously provided under this title. [[Page 3379]] ``(d) Funding.-- ``(1) In general.--From the amounts appropriate under section 501 for each fiscal year there shall be available to the Director such sums as may be necessary to make grants under subsection (a). ``(2) Limitation.--No funds shall be made available to the Director to make grants under subsection (a) unless the amounts appropriated under section 501 available for such fiscal year to carry out part A are sufficient to maintain the number of projects and volunteers funded under part A in the preceding fiscal year. ``(e) Information.--The Director shall widely disseminate information on grants that may be made under this section, including through the Office of Outreach and Recruitment and other volunteer recruitment programs being carried out by public or private non-profit organizations.''. SEC. 2105. TERMS AND PERIODS OF SERVICE. Section 104(d) (42 U.S.C. 4954(d)) is amended-- (1) in the first sentence, by striking ``with the terms and conditions of their service.'' and inserting ``with the terms and conditions of their service or any adverse action, such as termination, proposed by the sponsoring organization. The procedure shall provide for an appeal to the Director of any proposed termination.''; and (2) in the third sentence (as amended by this section), by striking ``and the terms and conditions of their service''. SEC. 2106. SUPPORT SERVICE. Section 105(a)(1)(B) (42 U.S.C. 4955(a)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``Such stipend'' and all that follows through ``in the case of persons'' and inserting ``Such stipend shall be set at a minimum of $125 per month and a maximum of $150 per month, subject to the availability of funds to accomplish such a maximum. The Director may provide a stipend of $250 per month in the case of persons''. SEC. 2107. SECTIONS REPEALED. The following provisions are repealed: (1) VISTA literacy corps.--Section 109 (42 U.S.C. 4959). (2) University year for vista.--Part B of title I (42 U.S.C. 4971 et seq.). (3) Literacy challenge grants.--Section 124 (42 U.S.C. 4995). SEC. 2108. CONFORMING AMENDMENT. Section 121 (42 U.S.C. 4991) is amended in the second sentence by striking ``situations'' and inserting ``organizations''. SEC. 2109. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. Section 123 (42 U.S.C. 4993) is amended-- (1) in the section heading by striking ``TECHNICAL AND''; and (2) by striking ``technical and''. Subtitle B--Amendments to Title II (National Senior Volunteer Corps) SEC. 2201. CHANGE IN NAME. Title II (42 U.S.C. 5000 et seq.) is amended in the title heading by striking ``NATIONAL SENIOR VOLUNTEER CORPS'' and inserting ``NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS''. SEC. 2202. PURPOSE. Section 200 (42 U.S.C. 5000) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 200. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. ``It is the purpose of this title to provide-- ``(1) opportunities for senior service to meet unmet local, State, and national needs in the areas of education, public safety, emergency and disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery, health and human needs, and the environment; ``(2) for the National Senior Service Corps, comprised of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, the Foster Grandparent Program, and the Senior Companion Program, and demonstration and other programs to empower people 55 years of age or older to contribute to their communities through service, enhance the lives of those who serve and those whom they serve, and provide communities with valuable services; ``(3) opportunities for people 55 years of age or older, through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, to share their knowledge, experiences, abilities, and skills for the betterment of their communities and themselves; ``(4) opportunities for low-income people 55 years of age or older, through the Foster Grandparents Program, to have a positive impact on the lives of children in need; ``(5) opportunities for low-income people 55 years of age or older, through the Senior Companion Program, to provide critical support services and companionship to adults at risk of institutionalization and who are struggling to maintain a dignified independent life; and ``(6) for research, training, demonstration, and other program activities to increase and improve opportunities for people 55 years of age or older to meet unmet needs, including those related to public safety, public health, and emergency and disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery, in their communities.''. SEC. 2203. GRANTS AND CONTRACTS FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROJECTS. Section 201 (42 U.S.C. 5001) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``avail themselves of opportunities for volunteer service in their community'' and inserting ``share their experiences, abilities, and skills for the betterment of their communities and themselves through service''; (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, and individuals 60 years of age or older will be given priority for enrollment,''; (C) in paragraph (3) by inserting ``either prior to or during the volunteer service'' after ``may be necessary''; and-- (D) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: ``(4) the project is being designed and implemented with the advice of experts in the field of service to be delivered as well as with those who have expertise in the recruitment and management of volunteers, particularly those of the Baby Boom generation.''; (2) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows: ``(c) The Director shall give priority to projects-- ``(1) utilizing retired scientists, technicians, engineers, and mathematicians (the STEM professionals) to improve Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education through activities such as assisting teachers in classroom demonstrations or laboratory experiences, running after-school, weekend, or summer programs designed to engage disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990) or low-income, minority youth in the STEM fields and to improve mastery of the STEM content, providing field trips to businesses, institutions of higher education, museums, and other locations where the STEM professions are practiced or illuminated; ``(2) utilizing retired health care professionals to improve the health and wellness of low income or rural communities; ``(3) utilizing retired criminal justice professionals for programs designed to prevent disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990) from joining gangs or committing crimes; ``(4) utilizing retired military and emergency professionals for programs to improve public safety, emergency and disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery, search and rescue, and homeland security efforts; and ``(5) utilizing retired computer science professionals, technicians of related technologies, business professionals, and others with relevant knowledge to increase, for low income individuals and families, access to and obtaining the benefits from computers and other existing and emerging technologies.''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Competitive Re-Evaluation.-- ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 412, a grant or contract shall not, after fiscal year 2009, be awarded or renewed under this section unless-- ``(A) the program for which the award or renewal is to be made is competitively re-evaluated in comparison to other programs; or ``(B) the program for which the award or renewal is to be made-- ``(i) received an award or renewal in a fiscal year that was both-- ``(I) within the preceding three fiscal years; and ``(II) after fiscal year 2009; and ``(ii) was competitively re-evaluated in connection with that award or renewal in that fiscal year. ``(2) Requirements.--Each competitive re-evaluation required by paragraph (1) shall be carried out through a process that ensures that-- ``(A) the resulting grants (or contracts) support no less than the volunteer service years of the previous grant (or contract) cycle in a given service area; ``(B) the resulting grants (or contracts) maintain a similar program distribution; and ``(C) every effort is made to minimalize the disruption of volunteers. ``(3) Priority consideration.--The competitive re- evaluation shall include some form of priority consideration for existing grantees in good standing.''. SEC. 2204. FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM GRANTS. Section 211 (42 U.S.C. 5011) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``low-income persons aged sixty or over'' and inserting ``low-income and other persons aged 55 or over''; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``shall have the exclusive authority to determine, pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection--'' and inserting ``may determine--''; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and''; (iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and (iv) by adding after subparagraph (B) the following: ``(C) whether it is in the best interests of a child receiving, and of a particular foster grandparent providing, services in such a project, to continue such relationship after the child reaches the age of 21, if such child was receiving such services prior to attaining the age of 21.''; (B) by striking paragraph (2); and (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); (3) in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by this section), by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (2)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)''; (4) by adding after paragraph (2) (as redesignated by this section) the following: ``(3) If an assignment of a foster grandparent is suspended or discontinued, the replacement of that foster grandparent shall be determined through the mutual agreement of all parties involved in the provision of services to the child.''; (5) in subsection (d), in the second sentence, by striking ``Any stipend'' and all that follows through ``inflation,'' and inserting ``Any stipend or allowance provided under this part shall not exceed 75 percent of the minimum wage under section 6 the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206), and the Federal share shall [[Page 3380]] not be less than $2.65 per hour, provided that the Director shall adjust the Federal share once prior to December 31, 2012, to account for inflation,''; (6) in subsection (e)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``125'' and inserting ``200''; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, as so adjusted'' and all that follows through ``local situations''; (7) by striking subsection (f) and inserting: ``(f)(1) Subject to the restrictions in paragraph (3), individuals who are not low-income persons may serve as volunteers under this part. The regulations issued by the Director to carry out this part (other than regulations relating to stipends or allowances to individuals authorized by subsection (d)) shall apply to all volunteers under this part, without regard to whether such volunteers are eligible to receive a stipend or allowance under subsection (d). ``(2) Except as provided under paragraph (1), each recipient of a grant or contract to carry out a project under this part shall give equal treatment to all volunteers who participate in such project, without regard to whether such volunteers are eligible to receive a stipend or allowance under subsection (d). ``(3) An individual who is not a low-income person may not become a volunteer under this part if allowing that individual to become a volunteer under this part would prevent a low-income person from becoming a volunteer under this part or would displace a low-income person from being a volunteer under this part. ``(4) The Office of Outreach and Recruitment shall conduct outreach to ensure the inclusion of low-income persons in programs and activities authorized under this title.''; and (8) by adding at the end the following new subsections: ``(g) The Director may also provide a stipend or allowance in an amount not to exceed 10 percent more than the amount established under subsection (d) to leaders who, on the basis of past experience as volunteers, special skills, and demonstrated leadership abilities, may coordinate activities, including training, and otherwise support the service of volunteers under this part. ``(h) The program may accept up to 15 percent of volunteers serving in a project under this part for a fiscal year who do not meet the definition of `low-income' under subsection (e), upon certification by the recipient of a grant or contract that it is unable to effectively recruit and place low-income volunteers in the number of placements approved for the project.''. SEC. 2205. SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM GRANTS. Section 213 (42 U.S.C. 5013) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``low-income persons aged 60 or over'' and inserting ``low-income and other persons aged 55 or over''; (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``Subsections (d), (e), and (f)'' and inserting ``Subsections (d) through (h)''; and (3) by striking subsection (c)(2)(B) and inserting the following: ``(B) Senior companion volunteer trainers and leaders may receive a stipend or allowance consistent with subsection (g) authorized under subsection (d) of section 211, as approved by the Director.''. SEC. 2206. PROMOTION OF NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS. Section 221 (42 U.S.C. 5021) is amended-- (1) in the section heading, by striking ``volunteer'' and inserting ``service''; and (2) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ``of all ages and backgrounds living in rural, suburban, and urban localities'' after ``greater participation of volunteers''. SEC. 2207. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS. (a) Change in Age Eligibility.--Section 223 (42 U.S.C. 5023) is amended by striking ``sixty years and older from minority groups'' and inserting ``55 years and older from minority and underserved populations''. (b) Name Change.--Section 224 (42 U.S.C. 5024) is amended in the heading by striking ``volunteer'' and inserting ``service''. SEC. 2208. PROGRAMS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE. Section 225 (42 U.S.C. 5025) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: ``(2) Applicants for grants under paragraph (1) shall determine which program under part A, B, or C the program shall be carried out and submit an application as required for programs under part A, B, or C.''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(4) The Director shall ensure that at least 50 percent of the grants made under this section are from applicants currently not receiving assistance from the Corporation and when possible in locations where there are no current programs under part A, B, C in existence.''; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``or Alzheimer's disease, with an intent of allowing those served to age in place''; (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``through education, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation''; (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``, including programs that teach parenting skills, life skills, family management skills, assists in obtaining affordable childcare, offers or assists in locating employment training or placement, and other skills and services needed by teenage parents and their families to establish a healthy environment for their children''; (D) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows: ``(4) Programs that establish and support mentoring programs for disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990), including those mentoring programs that match youth with volunteer mentors leading to apprenticeship programs and employment training.''; (E) in paragraph (5), by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``, including those programs that serve youth and adults with limited English proficiency''; (F) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'' and all that follows through the period and insert ``and for individuals and children with disabilities or chronic illnesses living at home.''; (G) in paragraph (7), by striking ``after-school activities'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``after-school programs serving children in low-income communities that may engage participants in mentoring relationships, tutoring, life skills or study skills programs, service-learning, physical, nutrition, and health education programs, including programs aimed at fighting childhood obesity, and other activities addressing the needs of the community's children, including those of working parents.''; (H) by striking paragraphs (8), (9), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), and (18); (I) by redesignating paragraphs (10) and (11) as paragraphs (8) and (9), respectively; (J) by inserting after paragraph (9) (as so redesignated) the following: ``(10) Programs that engage older adults with children and youth to complete service in energy conservation, environmental stewardship, or other environmental needs of a community. ``(11) Programs that collaborate with criminal justice professionals and organizations in prevention programs aimed at disadvantaged youth (as defined in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990) or youth re- entering society after incarceration and their families, which may include mentoring and counseling, which many include employment counseling.''; (K) by redesignating paragraph (17) as paragraph (12); and (L) by adding at the end the following: ``(13) Programs that strengthen community efforts in support of homeland security.''; (3) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``shall demonstrate to the Director'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``shall demonstrate to the Director a level of expertise in carrying out such a program.''; and (4) in subsection (e)-- (A) by inserting ``widely'' before ``disseminate''; and (B) by striking ``to field personnel'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``, including through the Office of Outreach and Recruitment and other volunteer recruitment programs being carried out by public or private non-profit organizations.''. SEC. 2209. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS. Part D of title II (42 U.S.C. 5000 et seq.) is amended by adding after section 227 the following: ``SEC. 228. CONTINUITY OF SERVICE. ``To ensure the continued service of individuals in communities served by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program prior to enactment of this section, in making grants under this title the Corporation shall take actions it considers necessary to maintain service assignments for such seniors and to ensure continuity of service for communities. ``SEC. 229. ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS. ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), a program receiving assistance under this title may accept donations, including donations in cash or in kind. ``(b) Exception.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a program receiving assistance under this title shall not accept donations from the beneficiaries of the program.''. SEC. 2210. AUTHORITY OF DIRECTOR. Section 231 (42 U.S.C. 5028) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``activities;'' and inserting ``activities described in section 225(b) and carried out through programs described in parts A, B, and C; and''; and (B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following: ``(2) programs that support older Americans in aging in place while augmenting the capacity of members of a community to serve each other through reciprocal service centers, service credit banking, community economic scripts, barter services, timebanking, and other similar programs.''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Priority.--For purposes of subsection (b), priority shall be given to-- ``(1) programs with established experience in carrying out such a program and engaging the entire community in service exchange; ``(2) programs with the capacity to connect to similar programs throughout a city or region to augment the available services to older Americans and for members of the community to serve each other; ``(3) programs seeking to establish in an area where needs of older Americans are left unmet and older Americans are unable to consider aging in place without such service exchange in place; and ``(4) programs that integrate participants in or collaborate with service-learning programs, AmeriCorps State and National programs, the VISTA program, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Foster Grandparents program, [[Page 3381]] and the Senior Companion programs, and programs described in section 411 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3032).''. Subtitle C--Amendments to Title IV (Administration and Coordination) SEC. 2301. NONDISPLACEMENT. Section 404(a) (42 U.S.C. 5044(a)) is amended by striking ``displacement of employed workers'' and inserting ``displacement of employed workers or volunteers (other than participants under the national service laws)''. SEC. 2302. NOTICE AND HEARING PROCEDURES. Section 412(a) (42 U.S.C. 5052(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2)-- (A) by striking ``75'' and inserting ``60''; and (B) by adding ``and'' at the end; (2) by striking paragraph (3); and (3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as (3). SEC. 2303. DEFINITIONS. Section 421 (42 U.S.C. 5061) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,'' after ``American Samoa,''; (2) in paragraph (13), by striking ``National Senior Volunteer Corps'' and inserting ``National Senior Service Corps''; and (3) in paragraph (14)-- (A) by striking ``National Senior Volunteer Corps'' and inserting ``National Senior Service Corps''; and (B) by striking ``parts A, B, C, and E of''; SEC. 2304. PROTECTION AGAINST IMPROPER USE. Section 425 (42 U.S.C. 5065) is amended by striking ``National Senior Volunteer Corps'' and inserting ``National Senior Service Corps''. Subtitle D--Amendments to Title V (Authorization of Appropriations) SEC. 2401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR VISTA AND OTHER PURPOSES. Section 501 (42 U.S.C. 5081) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, excluding section 109'' and all that follows and inserting ``$100,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.''; (B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (4) and redesignating paragraphs (3) and (5) as paragraphs (2) and (3); and (C) in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by this section), by striking ``, excluding section 125'' and all that follows and inserting ``such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.''; and (2) by striking subsection (e). SEC. 2402. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS. Section 502 (42 U.S.C. 5082) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 502. NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS. ``(a) Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part A of title II, $67,500,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012. ``(b) Foster Grandparent Program.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part B of title II, $115,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012. ``(c) Senior Companion Program.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part C of title II, $52,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012. ``(d) Demonstration Programs.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out part E of title II, $500,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.''. SEC. 2403. ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION. Section 504 (42 U.S.C. 5084) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 504. ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION. ``There are authorized to be appropriated for the administration of this Act $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2012.''. TITLE III--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS SEC. 3101. INSPECTOR GENERAL ACT OF 1978. Section 8F(a)(1) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by striking ``National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993'' and inserting ``National and Community Service Act of 1990''. TITLE IV--TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO TABLES OF CONTENTS SEC. 4101. TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ACT OF 1990. Section 1(b) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12501 note) is amended to read as follows: ``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: ``Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents. ``Sec. 2. Findings and purpose. ``Sec. 3. Sense of Congress. ``TITLE I--NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE STATE GRANT PROGRAM ``Subtitle A--General Provisions ``Sec. 101. Definitions. ``Subtitle B--School-Based and Community-Based Service-Learning Programs ``Part I--Programs for Elementary and Secondary Students ``Sec. 111. Assistance to States, Territories, and Indian tribes. ``Sec. 112. Allotments. ``Sec. 113. Applications. ``Sec. 114. Consideration of applications. ``Sec. 115. Participation of students and teachers from private schools. ``Sec. 116. Federal, State, and local contributions. ``Sec. 116A. Limitations on uses of funds. ``Part II--Higher Education Innovative Programs for Community Service ``Sec. 117. Higher education innovative programs for community service. ``Part III--Innovative Service-Learning Programs and Research ``Sec. 118. Innovative demonstration service-learning programs and research. ``Subtitle C--National Service Trust Program ``Part I--Investment in National Service ``Sec. 121. Authority to provide assistance and approved national service positions. ``Sec. 122. Types of national service programs eligible for program assistance. ``Sec. 123. Types of national service positions eligible for approval for national service educational awards. ``Sec. 124. Types of program assistance. ``Sec. 126. Other special assistance. ``Part II--Application and Approval Process ``Sec. 129. Provision of assistance and approved national service positions. ``Sec. 129A. Education awards only research. ``Sec. 130. Application for assistance and approved national service positions. ``Sec. 131. National service program assistance requirements. ``Sec. 132. Ineligible service categories. ``Sec. 133. Consideration of applications. ``Part III--National Service Participants ``Sec. 137. Description of participants. ``Sec. 138. Selection of national service participants. ``Sec. 139. Terms of service. ``Sec. 140. Living allowances for national service participants. ``Sec. 141. National service educational awards. ``Subtitle D--National Service Trust and Provision of National Service Educational Awards ``Sec. 145. Establishment of the National Service Trust. ``Sec. 146. Individuals eligible to receive a national service educational award from the Trust. ``Sec. 147. Determination of the amount of the national service educational award. ``Sec. 148. Disbursement of national service educational awards. ``Sec. 149. Process of approval of national service positions. ``Subtitle E--National Civilian Community Corps ``Sec. 151. Purpose. ``Sec. 152. Establishment of National Civilian Community Corps Program. ``Sec. 153. National service program. ``Sec. 154. Summer national service program. ``Sec. 155. National Civilian Community Corps. ``Sec. 156. Training. ``Sec. 157. Service projects. ``Sec. 158. Authorized benefits for Corps members. ``Sec. 159. Administrative provisions. ``Sec. 160. Status of Corps members and Corps personnel under Federal law. ``Sec. 161. Contract and grant authority. ``Sec. 162. Responsibilities of other departments. ``Sec. 163. Advisory board. ``Sec. 164. Annual evaluation. ``Sec. 166. Definitions. ``Subtitle F--Administrative Provisions ``Sec. 171. Family and medical leave. ``Sec. 172. Reports. ``Sec. 173. Supplementation. ``Sec. 174. Prohibition on use of funds. ``Sec. 175. Nondiscrimination. ``Sec. 176. Notice, hearing, and grievance procedures. ``Sec. 177. Nonduplication and nondisplacement. ``Sec. 178. State Commissions on National and Community Service. ``Sec. 179. Evaluation. ``Sec. 180. Engagement of participants. ``Sec. 181. Contingent extension. ``Sec. 182. Partnerships with schools. ``Sec. 183. Rights of access, examination, and copying. ``Sec. 184. Drug-free workplace requirements. ``Sec. 185. Consolidated application and reporting requirements. ``Sec. 186. Sustainability. ``Sec. 187. Use of recovered funds. ``Sec. 188. Expenses of attending meetings. ``Sec. 189. Grant periods. ``Sec. 189A. Generation of volunteers. ``Sec. 189B. Limitation on program grant costs. ``Sec. 189C. Audits and reports. ``Subtitle G--Corporation for National and Community Service ``Sec. 191. Corporation for National and Community Service. ``Sec. 192. Board of Directors. ``Sec. 192A. Authorities and duties of the Board of Directors. ``Sec. 193. Chief Executive Officer. ``Sec. 193A. Authorities and duties of the Chief Executive Officer. ``Sec. 194. Officers. ``Sec. 195. Employees, consultants, and other personnel. ``Sec. 196. Administration. ``Sec. 196A. Corporation State offices. ``Sec. 196B. Office of Outreach and Recruitment. [[Page 3382]] ``Subtitle H--Investment for Quality and Innovation ``PART I--ADDITIONAL CORPORATION ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT NATIONAL SERVICE ``Sec. 198. Additional corporation activities to support national service. ``Sec. 198B. Presidential awards for service. ``PART II--INNOVATIVE AND MODEL PROGRAM SUPPORT ``Sec. 198D. Innovative and model program support. ``PART III--NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS CLEARINGHOUSE ``Sec. 198E. National service programs clearinghouse. ``Subtitle I--American Conservation and Youth Corps ``Sec. 199. Short title. ``Sec. 199A. General authority. ``Sec. 199B. Limitation on purchase of capital equipment. ``Sec. 199C. State application. ``Sec. 199D. Focus of programs. ``Sec. 199E. Related programs. ``Sec. 199F. Public lands or Indian lands. ``Sec. 199G. Training and education services. ``Sec. 199H. Preference for certain projects. ``Sec. 199I. Age and citizenship criteria for enrollment. ``Sec. 199J. Use of volunteers. ``Sec. 199K. Living allowance. ``Sec. 199L. Joint programs. ``Sec. 199M. Federal and State employee status. ``Subtitle J--Training and Technical Assistance ``Sec. 199N. Training and technical assistance. ``TITLE II--MODIFICATIONS OF EXISTING PROGRAMS ``Subtitle A--Publication ``Sec. 201. Information for students. ``Sec. 202. Exit counseling for borrowers. ``Sec. 203. Department information on deferments and cancellations. ``Sec. 204. Data on deferments and cancellations. ``Subtitle B--Youthbuild Projects ``Sec. 211. Youthbuild projects. ``Subtitle C--Amendments to Student Literacy Corps ``Sec. 221. Amendments to Student Literacy Corps. ``TITLE IV--PROJECTS HONORING VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACKS ``Sec. 401. Projects. ``TITLE V--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS ``Sec. 501. Authorization of appropriations. ``TITLE VI--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS ``Sec. 601. Amtrak waste disposal. ``Sec. 602. Exchange program with countries in transition from totalitarianism to Democracy.''. SEC. 4102. TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE ACT OF 1973. Section 1(b) of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4950 note) is amended to read as follows: ``(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: ``Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. ``Sec. 2. Volunteerism policy. ``TITLE I--NATIONAL VOLUNTEER ANTIPOVERTY PROGRAMS ``Part A--Volunteers in Service to America ``Sec. 101. Statement of purpose. ``Sec. 102. Authority to operate VISTA program. ``Sec. 103. Selection and assignment of volunteers. ``Sec. 103A. VISTA programs of national significance. ``Sec. 104. Terms and periods of service. ``Sec. 105. Support service. ``Sec. 106. Participation of beneficiaries. ``Sec. 107. Participation of younger and older persons. ``Sec. 108. Limitation. ``Sec. 110. Applications for assistance. ``Part C--Special Volunteer Programs ``Sec. 121. Statement of purpose. ``Sec. 122. Authority to establish and operate special volunteer and demonstration programs. ``Sec. 123. Financial assistance. ``TITLE II--NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS ``Sec. 200. Statement of purpose. ``Part A--Retired and Senior Volunteer Program ``Sec. 201. Grants and contracts for volunteer service projects. ``Part B--Foster Grandparent Program ``Sec. 211. Grants and contracts for volunteer service projects. ``Part C--Senior Companion Program ``Sec. 213. Grants and contracts for volunteer service projects. ``Part D--General Provisions ``Sec. 221. Promotion of National Senior Service Corps. ``Sec. 222. Payments. ``Sec. 223. Minority group participation. ``Sec. 224. Use of locally generated contributions in National Senior Service Corps. ``Sec. 225. Programs of national significance. ``Sec. 226. Adjustments to Federal financial assistance. ``Sec. 227. Multiyear grants or contracts. ``Sec. 228. Continuity of service. ``Sec. 229. Acceptance of donations. ``Part E--Demonstration Programs ``Sec. 231. Authority of Director. ``TITLE IV--ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION ``Sec. 403. Political activities. ``Sec. 404. Special limitations. ``Sec. 406. Labor standards. ``Sec. 408. Joint funding. ``Sec. 409. Prohibition of Federal control. ``Sec. 410. Coordination with other programs. ``Sec. 411. Prohibition. ``Sec. 414. Distribution of benefits between rural and urban areas. ``Sec. 415. Application of Federal law. ``Sec. 416. Evaluation. ``Sec. 417. Nondiscrimination provisions. ``Sec. 418. Eligibility for other benefits. ``Sec. 419. Legal expenses. ``Sec. 421. Definitions. ``Sec. 422. Audit. ``Sec. 423. Reduction of paperwork. ``Sec. 424. Review of project renewals. ``Sec. 425. Protection against improper use. ``Sec. 426. Center for Research and Training. ``TITLE V--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS ``Sec. 501. National volunteer antipoverty programs. ``Sec. 502. National Senior Service Corps. ``Sec. 504. Administration and coordination. ``Sec. 505. Availability of appropriations. ``TITLE VI--AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS AND REPEALERS ``Sec. 601. Supersedence of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of July 1, 1971. ``Sec. 602. Creditable service for civil service retirement. ``Sec. 603. Repeal of title VIII of the Economic Opportunity Act. ``Sec. 604. Repeal of title VI of the Older Americans Act.''. TITLE V--EFFECTIVE DATE SEC. 5101. EFFECTIVE DATE. Unless specifically provided otherwise, the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 5102. SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS AND AGREEMENTS. (a) Service Assignments.--Changes pursuant to this Act in the terms and conditions of terms of service and other service assignments under the national service laws (including the amount of the education award) shall apply only to individuals who enroll or otherwise begin service assignments after 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, except when agreed upon by all interested parties. (b) Agreements.--Changes pursuant to this Act in the terms and conditions of grants, contracts, or other agreements under the national service laws shall apply only to such agreements entered into after 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, except when agreed upon by the parties to such agreements. The Acting CHAIRMAN. No amendment to the committee amendment is in order except those printed in House Report 110-539. Each amendment may be offered only in the order printed in the report, by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report, equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent of the amendment, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question. Amendment No. 1 Offered By Mrs. Mc Carthy of New York The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 1 printed in House Report 110-539. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Amendment No. 1 offered by Mrs. McCarthy of New York: Page 8, line 14, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert ``118(c)(8)''. Page 11, line 7, strike ``and''. Page 11, after line 7, insert the following: (10) in paragraph (28)(B) (as so redesignated)-- (A) by striking ``602'' and inserting ``602(3)''; and (B) by striking ``1401'' and inserting ``1401(3)''; and Page 11, line 8, redesignate (10) as (11). Page 15, line 20, add ``and'' at the end. Page 16, line 11, strike ``; and'' and insert a period. Page 16, strike line 12 and all that follows through page 18, line 21. Page 22, after line 22, insert the following: ``(d) Minimum Amount.--For any fiscal year for which amounts appropriated for this part exceed $43,000,000, the minimum allotment to each State (as defined in section 101) under this section shall be $65,000.''. Page 22, line 25, through page 23, line 1, strike ``or an allotment of approved summer of service positions under section 111(a)(5)(D)''. [[Page 3383]] Page 23, after line 14, insert the following: ``(2) information about the criteria the State educational agency, Territory, or Indian tribe will use to evaluate and grant approval to applications submitted under subsection (c), including an assurance that the State educational agency, Territory, or Indian tribe will comply with the requirement in section 114(a);''. Page 23, line 15, redesignate (2) as (3). Page 24, line 11, redesignate (3) as (4). Page 25, line 15, add ``and'' at the end. Page 25, line 17, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert ``118(c)(8)''. Page 26, strike lines 5 through 11. Page 26, on each of lines 20, 22, and 23, strike ``State'' and insert ``State, Territory, or Indian tribe''. Page 27, line 1, strike ``State'' and insert ``State, Territory, or Indian tribe''. Page 28, strike lines 12 through 15 and insert the following: ``(1) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of carrying out a program for which assistance is provided under this part-- ``(A) for new grants, may not exceed 80 percent of the total cost for the first year of the grant, 65 percent for the second year, and 50 percent for each remaining year; and ``(B) for continuing grants, may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the program.''. Page 31, line 19, strike ``and'' the first place such term appears. Page 31, line 20, insert before the period at the end the following: ``, and community colleges serving predominantly minority populations''. Page 31, line 24, through page 32, line 1, strike ``a grant is made'' and insert ``assistance is provided''. Page 36, lines 18 through 19, strike ``a public or private nonprofit organization,'' and insert ``or a public or private nonprofit organization (including grant-making entities), a public or private elementary or secondary school, a local educational agency,''. Page 37, line 2, insert a comma after ``post-secondary''. Page 37, lines 16 through 17, strike ``senior centers and communities, schools, libraries, and other'' and insert ``in senior centers and communities, in schools, in libraries, and in other''. Page 38, line 6, strike ``and''. Page 38, after line 6, insert the following: ``(8) establish or implement summer of service programs during the summer months, including the cost of recruitment, training, and placement of service-learning coordinators-- ``(A) for youth who will be enrolled in any grade from grade 6 through grade 12 at the end of the summer concerned; ``(B) for community-based service-learning projects that-- ``(i) shall-- ``(I) meet unmet human, educational, environmental (including energy conservation and stewardship), emergency and disaster preparedness, and public service needs; and ``(II) be intensive, structured, supervised, and designed to produce identifiable improvements to the community; and ``(ii) may include the extension of academic year service- learning programs into the summer months; ``(C) under which any student who completes 100 hours of service in an approved summer of service position, as certified through a process determined by the Corporation through regulations consistent with section 138(f), shall be eligible for a summer of service educational award of not more than $500 (or, at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, not more than $1,000 in the case of a participant who is economically disadvantaged) from funds deposited in the National Service Trust and distributed by the Corporation as described in section 148; and ``(D) subject to the limitation that a student may not receive more than 2 summer of service educational awards from funds deposited in the National Service Trust; and''. Page 38, line 7, redesignate (8) as (9). Page 40, lines 12 through 13, strike ``50 percent of the total cost of the program'' and insert ``75 percent of the total cost of the program in the first year of the grant and 50 percent of the total cost of the program in the remaining years of the grant, including if the grant is extended for a fourth year''. Page 42, strike lines 24 through 25 and insert the following: (ii) by striking ``Federal share of the cost'' and inserting ``Corporation share of the cost, including member living allowances, employment-related taxes, health care coverage, and worker's compensation and other necessary operation costs,''; Page 43, strike lines 1 through 4. Page 43, lines 5 and 8, redesignate (iv) and (v) as (iii) and (iv), respectively. Page 45, line 11, strike ``to the Congress'' and insert ``to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''. Page 49, line 6, insert after ``services'' the following: ``, provision of supportive services to direct mentoring service organizations (in the case of a partnership), or''. Page 53, strike lines 13 through 16 and insert the following: ``(2) Matching requirement.--In making grants to a State under this subsection, the Corporation shall require the State to provide matching funds of $1 from non-Federal sources for every $1 provided by the Corporation. ``(3) Alternative.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Chief Executive Officer may permit a State that demonstrates hardship or a new State Commission to use an alternative match as follows:''. Page 57, line 14, before the period at the end insert ``, or 0.5 percent of the amount allocated for the State formula under this section, whichever is greater''. Page 62, after line 11, insert the following: ``SEC. 129B. PILOT AUTHORITY FOR MEMBER-SELECTED NATIONAL SERVICE POSITIONS. ``(a) Authority.-- ``(1) In general.--From the amounts appropriated for a fiscal year under this subtitle and consistent with the restriction in subsection (b), the Corporation may provide fixed amount grants on a competitive basis to up to 10 State Commissions to support member-selected approved national service positions. ``(2) Limitation.--The Corporation shall award grants under paragraph (1) to support not more than 500 approved national service positions among the participating States. ``(b) Limits on Corporation Grant Funds.-- ``(1) In general.--Grants awarded under subsection (a)(1) shall not exceed $600 per individual enrolled in an approved national service position under this section. ``(2) Use of grant funds.--Grants received by State Commissions under subsection (a)(1)-- ``(A) shall not be distributed to organizations receiving participants with approved national service positions under this section; and ``(B) may-- ``(i) be used for oversight activities and mechanisms for the service sites as determined by the State Commission or the Corporation, which may include site visits; ``(ii) be used for activities to augment the experience of AmeriCorps participants in approved national service positions under this section, including activities to engage such participants in networking opportunities with other AmeriCorps participants; and ``(iii) be used for recruitment or training activities for participants in approved national service positions under this section. ``(c) State Commission Application.-- ``(1) In general.--A State Commission desiring to receive a grant under subsection (a)(1) shall submit an application to the Corporation at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Corporation shall determine appropriate. ``(2) Approval.--The Corporation shall approve each application under paragraph (1) in accordance with section 130(d). ``(d) Selection of Participants.-- ``(1) Applicants.--Participants desiring to receive an approved national service position under this section shall submit an application to the State Commission at such time and in such manner as the State Commission determines appropriate. The application shall contain-- ``(A) a position description that includes-- ``(i) the unmet human, educational, public safety, or environmental need or needs that will be met by the participant; and ``(ii) a description of the activities and responsibilities that will be carried out by the participant; ``(B) a description of the organization operating the service site where the applicant intends to complete the service described in subparagraph (A); ``(C) a description of the support that will be provided by the organization to the participant to complete the activities described in subparagraph (A); ``(D) the evidence of community support for the activities described in subparagraph (A); ``(E) a certification from the organization operating the service site that the organization is accepting the participant to perform the service outlined in subparagraph (A); ``(F) a certification from the organization operating the service site that the organization satisfies qualification criteria established by the Corporation or the State Commission, including standards relating to organizational capacity, financial management, and programmatic oversight; and ``(G) any other information that the Corporation and the State Commission deems necessary. ``(2) Residency.--A participant may apply for approved national service positions under this section in States other than the State in which the participant resides. ``(e) Organization Requirements.--The Corporation and the State Commissions shall ensure that the organizations receiving participants with approved national service positions under this section-- ``(1) maintain not more than 5 full-time staff and not more than 5 part-time staff; and ``(2) are not duplicating service provided by an existing AmeriCorps grantee in the same community; and ``(3) are located in a community where no Intermediary AmeriCorps grants recipient is operating; and ``(4) have not applied to receive assistance under this subtitle. [[Page 3384]] ``(f) Failure to Comply.--If an organization receiving a participant with an approved national service position under this section fails to comply with terms and conditions established by the State Commission and the Corporation-- ``(1) the organization shall not be eligible to receive such a participant, or receive an AmeriCorps grant under section 121, for not less than 5 years; and ``(2) the State Commission shall have the right to remove such a participant from the organization and relocate that individual to another site. ``(g) Receipt of Financial Assistance.--An organization that receives participants with approved national service positions under this section shall not be considered a recipient of Federal financial assistance based on receiving such participants. ``(h) Definition.--For the purpose of this section, the term `Intermediary AmeriCorps grants recipient' means any organization that serves as a conduit between the Corporation and other unaffiliated organizations operating service sites. Page 72, line 11, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert ``118(c)(8)''. Page 72, strike line 15 and all that follows through page 73, line 3 and insert the following: SEC. 1403. DETERMINATION OF THE AMOUNT OF NATIONAL SERVICE EDUCATIONAL AWARDS. Section 147 (42 U.S.C. 12603) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``a value, for each of not more than 2 of such terms of service, equal to 90 percent of--'' and inserting ``a value of--'' ; and (B) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following: ``(1) $4,825, for fiscal year 2008; ``(2) $4,925, for fiscal year 2009; ``(3) $5,025, for fiscal year 2010; ``(4) $5,125, for fiscal year 2011; and ``(5) $5,225, for fiscal year 2012 and each fiscal year thereafter.''; and (2) in subsection (b), by inserting after ``for each of not more than 2 of such terms of service'' the following: ``in the period of one year''. Page 73, line 20, strike ``111(a)(5)(D)'' and insert ``118(c)(8)(C)''. Page 74, line 4, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert ``118(c)(8)''. Page 75, line 16, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert ``118(c)(8)''. Page 76, line 2, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert ``118(c)(8)''. Page 77, line 2, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert ``118(c)(8)''. Page 78, line 16, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert ``118(c)(8)''. Page 80, line 2, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert ``118(c)(8)''. Page 82, line 5, strike ``to Congress'' and insert ``to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''. Page 83, line 8, strike ``111(a)(5)'' and insert ``118(c)(8)''. Page 87, line 17, strike ``The Director'' and all that follows through ``goal.'' on line 24 and insert ``The Director shall take appropriate steps, including through collaboration with the Office of Outreach and Recruitment, to increase the percentage of participants in the program who are disadvantaged youth toward 50 percent of all participants by year 2010. The Director shall report to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate annually on such efforts, any challenges faced, and the annual participation rates of disadvantaged youth in the program.''. Page 88, lines 6 through 7, strike ``Demonstration''. Page 88, lines 24 through 25, strike ``Demonstration''. Page 92, line 1, strike ``striking by''. Page 93, strike lines 17 through 22 and insert the following: (3) by amending subsection (c)(2) to read as follows: ``(2) Coordination with other entities.--Members of the cadre may provide, either directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, the advanced service training referred to in subsection (b)(1) in coordination with vocational or technical schools, other employment and training providers, existing youth service programs, other qualified individuals, or organizations with expertise in training youth, including disadvantaged youth, in the skill areas described in such subsection.''. Page 94, line 8, after ``conservation'' insert a comma. Page 97, strike lines 19 through 21 and insert the following: (iii) in subparagraph (C)-- (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``the Director'' and inserting ``the Chief Executive Officer''; (II) in clause (iii) by striking ``and'' at the end; (III) by redesignating clause (iv) as (v); and (IV) by inserting after clause (iii) the following: ``(iv) give consideration to retired and other former law enforcement, fire, rescue, and emergency personnel, and other individuals with backgrounds in disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery; and''; and Page 98, line 22, add ``and'' at the end. Page 103, strike lines 24 through 25. Page 104, lines 1 and 4, redesignate (2) and (3) as (1) and (2), respectively. Page 107, line 24, strike ``(g) through (k)'' and insert ``(h) through (l)''. Page 108, after line 10, insert the following: ``(g) State Plan for Baby Boomer and Older Adult Volunteer and Paid Service.-- ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, to be eligible to receive a grant or allotment under subtitle B or C or to receive a distribution of approved national service positions under subtitle C, a State must work with appropriate State agencies and private entities to develop a comprehensive State plan for volunteer and paid service by members of the Baby Boom generation and older adults. ``(2) Matters included.--The State plan shall include-- ``(A) recommendations for public policy initiatives, including how to best tap the population of members of the Baby Boom generation and older adults as sources of social capital and as ways to address community needs; ``(B) recommendations to the State unit on aging on-- ``(i) a marketing outreach plan to businesses; ``(ii) outreach to non-profit organizations; ``(iii) the State's Department of Education; and ``(iv) other State agencies; and ``(C) recommendations for civic engagement and multigenerational activities, such as-- ``(i) early childhood education, family literacy, and after school programs; ``(ii) respite services for older adults and caregivers; and ``(iii) transitions for members of the Baby Boom generation and older adults to purposeful work in their post career lives. ``(3) Knowledge incorporated.--The State plan shall incorporate the current knowledge base regarding-- ``(A) the economic impact of older workers' roles in the economy; ``(B) the social impact of older workers' roles in the community; and ``(C) the health and social benefits of active engagement for members of the Baby Boom generation and older adults. ``(4) Publication.--The State plan must be made public and be transmitted to the Chief Executive Officer.''; and Page 108, line 11, strike ``(j)(1)'' and insert ``(k)(1)''. Page 108, line 13, strike ``; and'' and insert a period. Page 108, strike line 14 and all that follows through page 110, line 13. Page 110, line 23, strike ``various''. Page 111, line 5, strike ``grantees'' and insert ``each grantee''. Page 112, line 12, strike ``to which'' and insert ``with which''. Page 112, line 13, insert a comma after ``services''. Page 112, line 14, strike ``of the program and its impact, for such programs'' and insert ``and the impact of such programs''. Page 113, line 6, insert ``under this section'' before the period at the end. Page 114, line 25, strike ``Congress'' and insert ``the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''. Page 115, line 20, strike ``Congress and the committees of jurisdiction'' and insert ``the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''. Page 117, line 5, strike ``Congress'' and insert ``the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''. Page 118, line 1, strike ``to work to''. Page 118, line 2, insert ``, taking into consideration challenges that programs in underserved rural or urban areas may face'' before the semicolon. Page 118, line 3, strike ``assist'' and insert ``aid''. Page 118, line 5, after ``acquiring'' insert ``and leveraging''. Page 118, lines 5 through 7, strike ``that could replace assistance received under the national service laws''. Page 122, line 25, strike ``to Congress'' and insert ``to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''. Page 124, line 11, strike ``to Congress'' and insert ``to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate''. Page 126, line 22, strike the period at the end and insert ``; and''. Page 126, after line 22, insert the following: (3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows: ``(g) Recruitment and Public Awareness Functions.--The Chief Executive Officer shall assign or hire, as necessary, such additional national, regional, and State personnel to carry out such recruiting and public awareness functions of the Office of Outreach and Recruitment to ensure that such [[Page 3385]] functions are carried out in a timely and effective manner. The Chief Executive Officer shall give priority in the hiring of such additional personnel to individuals who have formerly served as volunteers in the programs carried out under the national service laws or similar programs, and to individuals who have specialized experience in the recruitment of volunteers.''. Page 129, line 25, after ``local education agencies,'' insert ``institutions of higher education,''. Page 130, after line 7, insert the following: ``(3) to collaborate with organizations with demonstrated expertise in supporting and accommodating individuals with disabilities, including institutions of higher education, to identify and implement methods of recruitment to increase the number of participants with disabilities in the programs receiving assistance under the national service laws;''. Page 130, lines 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24, redesignate (3) through (7) as (4) through (8), respectively. Page 131, lines 4, 7, and 9, redesignate (8) through (10) as (9) through (11), respectively. Page 132, strike line 9 and all that follows through page 133, line 19, and insert the following: SEC. 1707. STUDY TO EXAMINE AND INCREASE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR VETERANS AND VETERANS PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL SERVICE LAWS AND TO DEVELOP PILOT PROGRAM. Subtitle G of title I is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 196C. STUDY TO EXAMINE AND INCREASE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR VETERANS AND VETERANS PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAMS UNDER THE NATIONAL SERVICE LAWS AND TO DEVELOP PILOT PROGRAM. ``(a) Planning Study.--The Corporation for National and Community Service shall conduct a study to identify-- ``(1) specific areas of need for veterans; ``(2) how existing programs and activities carried out under the national service laws could better serve veterans and veterans service organizations; ``(3) gaps in service to veterans; ``(4) prospects for better coordination of services; ``(5) prospects for better utilization of veterans as resources and volunteers; and ``(6) methods for ensuring the efficient financial organization of services directed towards veterans. ``(b) Consultation.--The study shall be carried out in consultation with veterans' service organizations, the Department of Veterans Affairs, State veterans agencies, the Department of Defense, and other individuals and entities the Corporation considers appropriate. ``(c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on the results of the planning study required by subsection (a), together with a plan for implementation of a pilot program using promising strategies and approaches for better targeting and serving veterans. ``(d) Pilot Program.--From amounts made available to carry out this section, the Corporation shall develop and carry out a pilot program based on the findings in the report submitted under subsection (c). ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.''. Page 134, line 23, strike ``subsections (p) and (q);'' and insert ``subsection (p); and''. Page 134, strike line 24 and all that follows through page 135, line 2, and insert the following: (10) by redesignating subsections (q), (r), and (s) as (g), (h), and (i), respectively. Page 138, after line 6, insert the following: ``(5) Silver scholarship programs.--A Silver Scholarship program for citizens age 55 and older to complete no less than 600 hours of service in a year meeting unmet human, educational, public safety, or environmental needs and receive a $1000 education award, provided that-- ``(A) the Corporation establishes criteria for the types of the service required to be performed to receive such award; and ``(B) the citizen uses such award in accordance with sections 146(c), 146(d), and 148(c).''. Page 138, lines 7 and 21, redesignate (5) and (6) as (6) and (7), respectively. Page 139, line 3, redesignate (7) as (8). Page 139, after line 13, insert the following: ``(2) Matching funds.-- ``(A) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of carrying out a program for which a grant is made under this part may not exceed 76 percent of the total cost of the program in the first year and may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the program for the remaining years of the grant, including if the grant is extended for 1 year. ``(B) Non-federal contribution.--In providing for the remaining share of the cost of carrying out such a program, each recipient of a grant under this part-- ``(i) shall provide for such share through a payment in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including facilities, equipment, or services; and ``(ii) may provide for such share through State sources or local sources, including private funds or donated services.''. Page 139, line 14, redesignate (2) as (3). Page 139, line 14, strike ``Encouragement'' and insert ``Collaboration encouraged''. Page 139, line 18, redesignate (3) as (4). Page 139, line 23, after ``strategies'' insert a comma. Page 140, strike line 19 and all that follows through page 141, line 9. Page 141, lines 13 through 14, strike ``the Corporation requires, and in such manner as''. Page 147, line 5, strike the semicolon and insert the following: ``. Such activities may utilize funding from the reservation of funds to increase the participation of individuals with disabilities as described in section 129(k);''. Page 147, line 12, insert before the semicolon the following: ``, including providing such training and technical assistance to programs receiving assistance under section 201 of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973''. Page 148, line 24, strike ``2008,'' and all that follows through the semicolon on page 149, line 4, and insert ``2008;''. Page 149, line 10, strike ``63.75'' and insert ``60''. Page 149, line 16, strike ``11.25'' and insert ``15''. Page 149, after line 18, insert the following: ``(C) Summer of service.--Of the amount appropriated under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year, up to $10,000,000 shall be for summer of service grants and up to $10,000,000 shall be deposited in the National Service Trust to support summer of service educational awards, consistent with section 118(c)(8).''. Page 151, after line 3, insert the following: ``(D) Priority.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, in obligating the amounts made available pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subparagraph (C), priority shall be given to programs carried out in areas for which the President has declared the existence of a major disaster, in accordance with section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), as a consequence of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.''. Page 156, line 17, strike ``recruitment and''. Page 156, after line 19, insert the following: (i) in subparagraph (A)-- (I) strike ``related to the recruitment and'' and insert ``related to the''; (II) strike ``in conjunction with the recruitment and'' and insert ``in conjunction with the''; and (III) strike ``1993. Upon'' and all that follows through the period at the end and insert ``1993.''; Page 156, lines 20 and 24, redesignate (i) and (ii) as (ii) and (iii), respectively. Page 160, after line 17, insert the following: ``(1) In the re-entry and re-integration of formerly incarcerated youth and adults into society, including life skills training, employment training, counseling, educational training, and educational counseling.''. Page 160, lines 18 and 23, redesignate (1) and (2) as (2) and (3), respectively. Page 161, lines 7, 12, and 18, redesignate (3), (4), and (5) as (4), (5), and (6), respectively. Page 169, strike line 5 and all that follows through page 170, line 11, and insert the following: ``(e) Competitive Grant Awards Required.-- ``(1) In general.--Effective for fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal year thereafter, each grant or contract awarded under this section in such a year shall be-- ``(A) awarded for a period of 3 years; and ``(B) awarded through a competitive process. ``(2) Elements of competitive process.--The competitive process required by paragraph (1)(B)-- ``(A) shall include the use of a peer review panel, including members with expertise in senior service and aging; ``(B) shall ensure that-- ``(i) the resulting grants (or contracts) support no less than the volunteer service years of the previous grant (or contract) cycle in a given geographic service area; ``(ii) the resulting grants (or contracts) maintain a similar program distribution; and ``(iii) every effort is made to minimize the disruption to volunteers; and ``(C) shall include the performance measures, outcomes, and other criteria established under subsection (f). ``(3) Establishment of competitive process.--The Corporation shall establish and make available the competitive process required by paragraph (1)(B) no later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this subsection. The Corporation shall consult with the program directors of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program during development and implementation of the competitive process. ``(f) Evaluation Process Required.-- ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 412, and effective beginning 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, each grant or contract under this section that expires in fiscal year 2010, 2011, and 2012 [[Page 3386]] shall be subject to an evaluation process. The evaluation process shall be carried out, to the maximum extent practicable, in fiscal year 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively. ``(2) Elements of evaluation process.--The evaluation process required by paragraph (1)-- ``(A) shall include performance measures, outcomes, and other criteria; and ``(B) shall evaluate the extent to which the recipient of the grant or contract meets or exceeds such performance measures, outcomes, and other criteria. ``(3) Establishment of evaluation process.--The Corporation shall, in collaboration and consultation with program directors of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, establish and make available the evaluation process required by paragraph (1), including the performance measures, outcomes, and other criteria required by paragraph (2)(A), with particular attention to the different needs of rural and urban programs. The processes shall be established and made available, including notification of the available training and technical assistance, no later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection. ``(4) Effect of failing to meet performance measures.--If the evaluation process determines that the recipient has failed to meet or exceed the performance measures, outcomes, and other criteria established under this subsection, the grant or contract shall not be renewed. Any successor grant or contract shall be awarded through the competitive process described in subsection (e)(1). ``(5) Special rule.--The Corporation may continue to fund a program which has failed to meet or exceed the performance measures, outcomes, and other criteria established under this subsection for up to 12 months if competition does not result in a successor grant or contract for such program, in order to minimize the disruption to volunteers and disruption of services. In such a case, outreach shall be conducted and a new competition shall be established. The previous recipient shall remain eligible for the new competition. ``(6) Performance measures.-- ``(A) In general.--The performance measures, outcomes, and other criteria established under this subsection may be updated or modified as necessary, in consultation with program directors for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, but no earlier than fiscal year 2013. ``(B) Operational problems.--Effective for fiscal years before fiscal year 2013, the Corporation may, after consulting with program directors of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, determine that a performance measure, outcome, or criterion established under this subsection is operationally problematic, and may, in consultation with program directors of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and after notifying the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate-- ``(i) eliminate the use of that performance measure, outcome, or criterion; or ``(ii) modify that performance measure, outcome, or criterion as necessary to render it no longer operationally problematic. ``(g) Online Resource Guide.--The Corporation shall develop and disseminate an online resource guide for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program within 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, which shall include, but not be limited to-- ``(1) examples of high performing programs; ``(2) corrective actions for underperforming programs; and ``(3) examples of meaningful outcome-based performance measures that capture a program's mission and priorities. ``(h) Report to Congress.--The Corporation shall submit, by 2012, to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on-- ``(1) the number of programs that did not meet or exceed the established performance measures, outcomes, and other criteria established under subsection (f); ``(2) the number of new grants awarded; ``(3) the challenges to the implementation of evaluation and competition, including but not limited to geographic distribution and the minimization of disruption to volunteers; and ``(4) how the current program geographic distribution affects recruitment for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.''. Page 176, line 18, strike ``family management skills'' and all that follows through ``children'' on line 23 and insert ``and family management skills''. Page 180, strike line 8 and all that follows through page 181, line 19, and insert the following: SEC. 2210. AUTHORITY OF DIRECTOR. Section 231 (42 U.S.C. 5028) is amended-- (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: ``(a) In General.-- ``(1) Activities authorized.--The Director is authorized to-- ``(A) make grants to or enter into contracts with public or nonprofit organizations, including organizations funded under part A, B, or C, for the purposes of demonstrating innovative activities involving older Americans as volunteers; and ``(B) make incentive grants under subsection (d). ``(2) Support of volunteers.--The Director may support under this part both volunteers receiving stipends and volunteers not receiving stipends.''; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``subsection (a)'' and inserting ``subsection (a)(1)(A)''; (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``activities;'' and inserting ``activities described in section 225(b) and carried out through programs described in parts A, B, and C;''; and (C) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following: ``(2) programs that support older Americans in aging in place while augmenting the capacity of members of a community to serve each other through reciprocal service centers, service credit banking, community economic scripts, barter services, timebanking, and other similar programs where services are exchanged and not paid for; or ``(3) grants to non-profit organizations to establish sites or programs to-- ``(A) assist retiring or retired individuals in locating opportunities for-- ``(i) public service roles, including through paid or volunteer service; ``(ii) participating in life-planning programs, including financial planning and issues revolving around health and wellness; and ``(iii) continuing education, including leadership development, health and wellness, and technological literacy; and ``(B) connect retiring or retired individuals with members of the community to serve as leaders and mentors in life planning, relationships, employment counseling, education counseling, and other areas of expertise as developed by the retiring or retired adults.''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Priority.--For purposes of subsection (b)(2), priority shall be given to-- ``(1) programs with established experience in carrying out such a program and engaging the entire community in service exchange; ``(2) programs with the capacity to connect to similar programs throughout a city or region to augment the available services to older Americans and for members of the community to serve each other; ``(3) programs seeking to establish in an area where needs of older Americans are left unmet and older Americans are unable to consider aging in place without such service exchange in place; and ``(4) programs that integrate participants in or collaborate with service-learning programs, AmeriCorps State and National programs, the VISTA program, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Foster Grandparents program, and the Senior Companion programs, and programs described in section 411 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3032). ``(d) Incentive Grants.--The incentive grants referred to in subsection (a)(1)(B) are incentive grants to programs receiving assistance under this title, subject to the following: ``(1) Such grants (which may be fixed-amount grants) shall be grants in an amount equal to $300 per volunteer enrolled in the program, except that such amount shall be reduced as necessary to meet the goals of this section. ``(2) Such a grant shall be awarded to a program only if the program-- ``(A) exceeds performance measures established under section 179 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990; ``(B) provides non-Federal matching funds in an amount that is not less than 50 percent of the amount received by the program under this title; ``(C) enrolls more than 50 percent of the volunteers in outcome-based service programs with measurable objectives meeting community needs, as determined by the Corporation; and ``(D) enrolls more volunteers from among members of the Baby Boom generation, as defined in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990, than were enrolled in the program during the previous fiscal year. ``(3) For each such grant, the Corporation shall require the recipient to provide matching funds of 70 cents from non- Federal sources for every $1 provided under the grant. ``(4) Such a grant shall be awarded to a program only if the program submits, at such time and in such manner as the Corporation may reasonably require, an application that contains-- ``(A) a demonstration that the program has met the requirements of paragraph (2); ``(B) if applicable, a plan for innovative programs as described in paragraph (6)(B)(ii); ``(C) a sustainability plan that describes how the program will maintain the activities described in paragraph (6) when the grant terminates; and ``(D) other information that the Corporation may require. ``(5) Such grants shall be awarded for a period of 3 years, except that the grant shall be [[Page 3387]] reviewed by the Corporation at the end of the first and second fiscal years and revoked if the Corporation finds that the program has failed to continue to meet the requirements of paragraph (2) for those fiscal years. ``(6) Such grants-- ``(A) shall be used to increase the number of volunteers in outcome-based service with measurable objectives meeting community needs as determined by the Corporation; and ``(B) may be used-- ``(i) for activities for which the program is authorized to receive assistance under this title; and ``(ii) for innovative programs focused on the Baby Boom generation, as defined in section 101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990, that have been accepted by the Corporation through the application process in paragraph (4) and are outcome-based programs with measurable objectives meeting community needs as determined by the Corporation. ``(7) The Director shall, in making such grants, give high priority to programs receiving assistance under section 201.''. Page 191, after line 19, insert the following: (c) Exception.--Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to the amendments made by this Act to section 201 of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5001). Any changes pursuant to those amendments apply as specified in those amendments. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak to the manager's amendment to H.R. 2857, Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, the GIVE Act. As chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, I am pleased to offer a bipartisan manager's amendment to H.R. 2857. I am also pleased to say that the administration and the service community support the GIVE Act. I would like to again thank Chairman Miller for his continued support and work on this reauthorization. I would also like to extend my thanks to the ranking member of our committee, Mr. McKeon, for his work. Finally, I would like to thank the ranking member of my subcommittee, Mr. Platts, for his work on this reauthorization. I also would like to thank the staff who have worked many hours on the bill. For the majority, Deborah Koolbeck, Denise Forte, and Alexander Ceja, and for the minority, Brad Thomas and Susan Ross. This amendment increases the ability of the Corporation for National and Community Service to tap into the pool of potential volunteers, which gives us a better opportunity to meet challenges facing our Nation's communities today. Some of the changes in the manager's amendment include: the amendment improves the reach and capacity of the Summer of Service. This program is aimed to increase civil responsibility and community service among 5th-12th graders through summer service-learning programs. Getting younger kids involved in service is a good investment. Studies show that the earlier we get folks involved in the volunteer service the more likely they will stay in for their lifetime. We have improved the National Civilian Conservation Corps, or the NCCC. This valuable program has a focus on disaster preparation. NCCC and volunteers have helped during disasters like Katrina. Because of the disaster focus, there is a need for supervisors and training instructors with a background in law enforcement, rescue and emergency and disaster preparedness. The amendment allows retired law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel to be part of the management of the NCCC. My amendment makes the Retired Senior Volunteer Program a competitive grant program by 2013. I believe competition spurs innovation, and this will strengthen the program. Also included in this amendment are incentive grants for the Senior Corps program. These grants are designed to bolster the capacity of current exceptional Senior Corps programs. Given that the RSVP program is becoming a competitive process, it is expected that the RSVP programs which meet the eligibility requirements will be a majority of incentive grant applicants and recipients. Finally, I have also worked with Mr. Altmire, Mr. Sestak, and Mr. Souder and have included changes that they suggested in the manager's amendment. I want to thank them for their great ideas. Our national service laws were last authorized 15 years ago. We have worked with our colleagues across the aisle and with the service community to renew the spirit of service in our Nation through the GIVE Act. I hope you will join me and support my amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition to the amendment although I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. PLATTS. I want to commend the ranking member for offering this manager's amendment which makes several very important changes to the GIVE Act. Most importantly, this amendment includes the language that would allow the Corporation for National and Community Service to support individuals who fill national service positions in small organizations that do not receive AmeriCorps grants. This language was originally proposed by Mr. Souder in committee, and the manager's amendment reflects the bipartisan approach and the bipartisan compromise that was reached to infuse more individual control and local flexibility into the national service programs. Also, I would like to reference that this amendment injects fair competition into the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program by requiring all programs to be competitively reevaluated by fiscal year 2013. For too long, these programs have continued to receive funding without any effort to determine if those programs are successfully making a difference in their communities, and this amendment will ensure that this is no longer the case. So, I urge a ``yes'' vote in support of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 2 Offered By Mr. Mc Keon The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 2 printed in House Report 110-539. Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Amendment No. 2 offered by Mr. McKeon: Page 50, strike lines 21 through 23 and insert the following: (5) in subsection (d) (as so redesignated), in paragraph (1)-- (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``subsection (b) or (d) of''; and (B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(C) Priority for veterans.--Priorities established under subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall include priorities for programs that-- ``(i) recruit veterans, particularly returning veterans, into service opportunities; ``(ii) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs of military families while a member of the family is deployed; and ``(iii) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs of military families when a member of the family returns from a deployment.''; and Page 64, strike line 23 and all that follows through page 65, line 10, and insert the following: (3) in subsection (d), in paragraph (2)-- (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), strike ``the Corporation may include--'' and insert ``the Corporation--''; and (B) by striking subparagraphs (A) through (G) and inserting the following: ``(A) shall include national service programs that-- ``(i) recruit veterans, particularly returning veterans, into service opportunities; ``(ii) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs of military families while a member of the family is deployed; and [[Page 3388]] ``(iii) promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs of military families when a member of the family returns from a deployment; and ``(B) may include-- ``(i) national service programs that conform to the national service priorities in effect under section 122(d); ``(ii) innovative national service programs; ``(iii) national service programs that are well established in one or more States at the time of the application and are proposed to be expanded to additional States using assistance provided under section 121; ``(iv) grant programs in support of other national service programs if the grant programs are to be conducted by nonprofit organizations with a demonstrated and extensive expertise in the provision of services to meet human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs; and ``(v) professional corps programs described in section 122(a)(8).''. Page 85, after line 3, insert the following new section: SEC. 1406. REPORT ON VETERANS SERVING IN APPROVED NATIONAL SERVICE POSITIONS. Subtitle D of title I (42 U.S.C. 12601 et seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 150. REPORT ON VETERANS SERVING IN APPROVED NATIONAL SERVICE POSITIONS. ``(a) In General.--The Corporation shall report annually to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate the number and percentage of veterans serving in approved national service positions. ``(b) Annual Goals.--In the report described in subsection (a), the Corporation shall outline strategies and goals for increasing the number and percentage of veterans serving in approved national service positions each year, including strategies being undertaken to recruit veterans to serve in such positions, and include an evaluation of progress in meeting such goals.''. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California. Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I might consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment which will enhance the GIVE Act by codifying our commitment to ensuring veterans can serve and be served within our national service programs. The purpose of my amendment is to acknowledge the patriotism, commitment, and sacrifice made by members of the military and their families. In return for their service to our Nation, the least we can do is make sure that our national service programs are able to benefit veterans and military families. On a bipartisan basis, the Education and Labor Committee chose to incorporate support for veterans in the GIVE Act. My amendment is a natural extension of that theme, and I hope it will garner the same bipartisan agreement as the underlying bill. Already, the GIVE Act seeks to increase opportunities for veterans to serve and to increase the number of national service programs responding to the needs of veterans under AmeriCorps. My amendment enhances that effort by prioritizing services for and service by veterans throughout all of our national service programs. The bill before us includes a set-aside within AmeriCorps to support programs for veterans. In addition, the bill includes a study of how veterans are served and how they can be served more effectively. These are positive first steps, but my amendment goes further. Under my amendment, the Corporation will be required to place a priority on applications that serve veterans or recruit veterans to serve. Rather than a fixed set-aside within a single program, this amendment will allow us to broaden the reach of service by and in support of veterans. The Corporation for National and Community Service is required to establish priorities when funding national service initiatives. This ensures a targeted, effective investment. Under my amendment, included among those priorities would be an emphasis on programs that recruit veterans into service opportunities, promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs of military families while a family member is deployed, and promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs of military families when a member of a family returns from a deployment. In addition, this amendment requires the Corporation to report to Congress on its efforts to increase the number of veterans serving in AmeriCorps and other positions that are eligible for the education award. Veterans, particularly those recently deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, deserve opportunities to reintegrate into their communities through service programs funded under the national service laws. This amendment will increase those opportunities. Without this amendment, we will not have the necessary information to effectively increase veteran participation in national service positions or provide an educational award in exchange for citizen service. At a time when our service men and women are sacrificing on our behalf around the world, we should be doing all we can to repay that sacrifice. My amendment will make it the explicit policy of the Federal Government to encourage the national service programs to focus more on the unique needs of those heroes and their families, and to encourage more veterans to take advantage of service opportunities under these laws. The GIVE Act is a solid, bipartisan reform package that will strengthen our national service laws to make them more accountable, efficient, and cost effective. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in opposition, but I am not opposing the amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. One of the themes of the GIVE Act is to increase opportunities for veterans to serve in national service programs and to increase the amount of national service programs responding to the needs of veterans. At committee, two amendments were adopted to address these issues. First, we directed the Corporation to reserve 3 percent of funds allotted to AmeriCorps for competitive grant programs that focus on veterans, particularly those that are recently returned from a deployment, and their families. The second amendment required the Corporation to conduct a study of how the national service laws would better serve veterans and increase veteran participation and service, and to create a pilot program based on that study. This amendment builds up on those efforts. Under current law, States and corporations are charged with establishing priorities to determining the types of programs to be assisted under the national service law. This amendment would require States and the Corporation to include priorities for veterans when establishing priorities for the distribution of assistance under these programs. Those priorities would be geared towards programs that recruit veterans into service opportunities, promote community-based efforts to meet the unique needs of military families while a family member is deployed, and promote community-based efforts to meet the unique service of military families when a member of the family returns from a deployment. {time} 1215 In addition, this amendment encourages the corporation to report to Congress on its efforts to increase the number of veterans serving in AmeriCorps and other positions that are eligible for the educational award. Veterans, particularly those recently deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, deserve opportunities to reintegrate into their communities through service programs funded under the national service laws. This amendment will increase those opportunities. At a time when our servicemen and -women are sacrificing on behalf of our country around the world, we should be doing all we can to repay that sacrifice. This amendment will make it the explicit policy of the Federal Government to encourage national service programs to focus more on the unique [[Page 3389]] needs of these heroes and their families and to encourage more veterans to take advantage of service opportunities under these laws. I certainly urge its passage, and I thank Mr. McKeon for offering this. It's a very good piece added to our legislation. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. McKEON. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank subcommittee Chair, Mrs. McCarthy, and ranking member, Mr. Platts, for their hard work on this bill. It's a good, bipartisan effort. I thank them for their help on this amendment. I urge the amendment be supported by our colleagues. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 3 Offered by Ms. Matsui The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 3 printed in House Report 110-539. Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Amendment No. 3 offered by Ms. Matsui: Page 56, strike lines 8 through 12 and insert the following: ``(c) Allotment for Competitive Grants.--Of the funds allocated by the Corporation for provision of assistance under section 121(a) for a fiscal year and subject to section 133(d)(3), the Corporation shall reserve up to 62.7 percent for grants awarded on a competitive basis to States for national service programs and to nonprofit organizations seeking to operate a national service program in 2 or more States.''. Page 56, strike lines 13 through 17.In such section 129, as proposed to be added by such section 1306, strike subsection (d) and redesignate subsections (e) through (k) as (d) through (j), respectively. Page 56, line 18, redesignate (e) as (d). Page 57, line 6, strike ``37.5 percent'' and insert ``35.3 percent''. Page 57, line 15, redesignate (f) as (e). Page 58, lines 7 and 12, redesignate (g) and (h) as (f) and (g), respectively. Page 59, lines 1 and 20, redesignate (i) and (j) as (h) and (i), respectively. Page 63, line 3, strike ``and'' at the end. Page 63, line 5, add ``and'' at the end. Page 63, after line 5, add the following: (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) In the case of a nonprofit organization operating programs in 2 or more States, a description of the manner and extent to which the State Commissions of each State in which the nonprofit organization intends to operate were consulted and the nature of the consultation.''. Page 64, after line 13, add the following: SEC. 1308A. NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAM ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS. Section 131(c)(3) (42 U.S.C. 12583(c)(3)) is amended to read as follows: ``(3) in the case of a program that is not funded through a State, including programs operated by nonprofit organizations seeking to operate a national service program in 2 or more States-- ``(A) consult with and coordinate with the State Commission for the State in which the program operates; and ``(B) obtain written confirmation from the State Commission that the applicant seeking assistance under this Act has consulted with and coordinated with the State Commission when seeking to operate a program in that State.''. Page 64, line 21, strike ``and'' at the end. Page 65, line 10, strike the period at the end and insert ``; and''. Page 65, after line 10, add the following: (3) by amending subsection (d)(3) to read as follows: ``(3) Additional priority.--In making a competitive distribution under section 129(c), the Corporation-- ``(A) shall solicit and consider the view of a State Commission regarding any application for assistance to operate a national service program within the State; and ``(B) may give priority to a national service program that is-- ``(i) proposed in an application submitted by a State Commission; and ``(ii) not one of the types proposed in paragraph (2), if the State Commission provides an adequate explanation of the reasons why it should not be a priority of such State to carry out any of such types of programs in the State.''. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California. Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to offer a bipartisan amendment to the GIVE Act. The Matsui-Shays amendment makes needed changes to national service and carries with it broad support. Our amendment will combine the two separate State competitive funds and national competitive funds into one singular funding pool. This change will improve national service efficiency and effectiveness, while increasing collaboration between State and national interests. Every year organizations and the individuals they support are turned away from the grants they need because of high demand or simple administrative burdens. The current funding formula gives approximately one-third of the funding to the States based on population, approximately one-third to State competitive grants, and approximately one-third to a national competitive funding pool. Under the current formula, a high demand for State competitive grants means that State grant applicants are turned away even if there are resources still available in the national pool and vice versa. Additionally, these deserving nonprofits and community service organizations spend far too many of their valuable resources navigating a confusing applications process and managing multiple grants. If this amendment passes, these precious resources will now be used to better serve their communities. At its heart the amendment ensures that grants are competitively distributed based on merit and that resources are used in the most efficient and effective manner. I hope that all of my colleagues will join Congressman Shays and myself, as well as the Governor-appointed State service commissions, national service organizations, leading nonprofits, and Members from both sides of the aisle in support of this valuable amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition to the amendment although I am not opposed to it. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of the amendment and commend the maker of the amendment for helping to want to bring more competition to the process of the grants being awarded and more cooperation between the national and the State organizations. I'm aware that the National Governors Association has indicated its support for this amendment and the end result will be a stronger program, a program that is really more about less administrative costs and more dollars flowing to the programs that are going to make a difference in our communities, whether it be national or State. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, at this point I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy), the chairwoman of the subcommittee. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I thank the gentlewoman from California, and I thank Mr. Shays. Mr. Chairman, we are in full support of this amendment. The GIVE Act seeks to improve national service and to do so in innovative, creative ways. And this amendment does just that. We are grateful to Ms. Matsui and Mr. Shays for bringing forth this amendment. Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I'd just like to associate myself with the remarks earlier from the gentleman from Connecticut, who spoke in favor of this amendment during his previous statement, and again to ask all Members to support this amendment when it is put before us for a vote. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, again I urge my colleagues to support the Matsui-Shays amendment. [[Page 3390]] Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Congresswoman Matsui and the Committee on Education and Labor for all of their hard work on bringing H.R. 2857 to the floor today. I would also like to thank the work and dedication of Chairman Miller, Ranking Member McKeon, Subcommittee Chairwoman Davis, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Platts. I believe national service is one of the most productive, cost effective investments our government can make. Since the inception of the Corporation for National and Community Service, of which I was a co-author, more than 1 billion service hours have been generated by Senior Corps volunteers, more than 40,000 individuals have served through AmeriCorps, and more than 1 million high school students have participated annually in service-learning initiatives. In the wake of the September 11 attacks, natural disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the increasing achievement gap in education, the call to serve is louder than ever. Our amendment will revise and improve the funding formula for AmeriCorps, which engages more than 40,000 Americans in service throughout the Nation, by combining State and national competitive funding streams. National service programs throughout the country believe this change will provide a better means of allocating this funding and will bring the highest quality programs to States. The change will also enable States to compete for more funding and provide States with more choices of programs. Community service is about helping people, and it is also about gaining deeper understanding of each other and the world around us. Through service, Americans of all ages gain a sense of commitment to their communities and their country, which will prove valuable for the rest of their lives. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment in order to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of this valuable program. Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 4 Offered by Mr. Mc Dermott The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 4 printed in House Report 110-539. Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Amendment No. 4 offered by Mr. McDermott: At the end of the bill, add the following new title: TITLE VI--CONGRESSIONAL COMMISSION ON CIVIC SERVICE SEC. 6101. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Congressional Commission on Civic Service Act''. SEC. 6102. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The social fabric of the United States is stronger if individuals in the United States are committed to protecting and serving our Nation by utilizing national service and volunteerism to overcome our civic challenges. (2) A more engaged civic society will strengthen the Nation by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to work on solutions to some of our Nation's major challenges. (3) Despite declines in civic health in the past 30 years, national service and volunteerism among the Nation's youth are increasing, and existing national service and volunteer programs greatly enhance opportunities for youth to engage in civic activity. (4) In addition to the benefits received by nonprofit organizations and society as a whole, volunteering and national service provide a variety of personal benefits and satisfaction and can lead to new paths of civic engagement, responsibility, and upward mobility. SEC. 6103. ESTABLISHMENT. There is established in the legislative branch a commission to be known as the ``Congressional Commission on Civic Service'' (in this title referred to as the ``Commission''). SEC. 6104. DUTIES. (a) General Purpose.--The purpose of the Commission is to gather and analyze information in order to make recommendations to Congress to-- (1) improve the ability of individuals in the United States to serve others and, by doing so, to enhance our Nation and the global community; (2) train leaders in public service organizations to better utilize individuals committed to national service and volunteerism as they manage human and fiscal resources; (3) identify and offer solutions to the barriers that make it difficult for some individuals in the United States to volunteer or perform national service; and (4) build on the foundation of service and volunteer opportunities that are currently available. (b) Specific Topics.--In carrying out its general purpose under subsection (a), the Commission shall address and analyze the following specific topics: (1) The level of understanding about the current Federal, State, and local volunteer programs and opportunities for service among individuals in the United States. (2) The issues that deter volunteerism and national service, particularly among young people, and how the identified issues can be overcome. (3) Whether there is an appropriate role for Federal, State, and local governments in overcoming the issues that deter volunteerism and national service and, if appropriate, how to expand the relationships and partnerships between different levels of government in promoting volunteerism and national service. (4) Whether existing databases are effective in matching community needs to would-be volunteers and service providers. (5) The effect on the Nation, on those who serve, and on the families of those who serve, if all individuals in the United States were expected to perform national service or were required to perform a certain amount of national service. (6) Whether a workable, fair, and reasonable mandatory service requirement for all able young people could be developed, and how such a requirement could be implemented in a manner that would strengthen the social fabric of the Nation and overcome civic challenges by bringing together people from diverse economic, ethnic, and educational backgrounds. (7) The need for a public service academy, a 4-year institution that offers a federally funded undergraduate education with a focus on training future public sector leaders. (8) The means to develop awareness of national service and volunteer opportunities at a young age by creating, expanding, and promoting service options for primary and secondary school students and by raising awareness of existing incentives. (9) The effectiveness of establishing a training program on college campuses to recruit and educate college students for national service. (10) The effect on United States diplomacy and foreign policy interests of expanding service opportunities abroad, such as the Peace Corps, and the degree of need and capacity abroad for an expansion. (11) The constraints that service providers, nonprofit organizations, and State and local agencies face in utilizing federally funded volunteer programs, and how these constraints can be overcome. (12) Whether current Federal volunteer programs are suited to address the special skills and needs of senior volunteers, and if not, how these programs can be improved such that the Federal government can effectively promote service among the ``baby boomer'' generation. (c) Methodology.-- (1) Public hearings.--The Commission shall conduct public hearings in various locations around the United States. (2) Regular and frequent consultation.--The Commission shall regularly and frequently consult with an advisory panel of Members of Congress appointed for such purpose by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Majority Leader of the Senate. SEC. 6105. MEMBERSHIP. (a) Number and Appointment.-- (1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 8 members appointed as follows: (A) 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (B) 2 members appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. (C) 2 members appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate. (D) 2 members appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate. (2) Qualifications.--The members of the Commission shall consist of individuals who are of recognized standing and distinction in the areas of international public service, national public service, service-learning, local service, business, or academia. (3) Deadline for appointment.--The members of the Commission shall be appointed not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this title. (4) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Commission shall be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives at the time of the appointment. (b) Terms.-- (1) In general.--The members of the Commission shall serve for the life of the Commission. (2) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the duties of the Commission but any such vacancy shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. (c) Compensation.-- (1) Rates of pay; travel expenses.--Each member shall serve without pay, except that [[Page 3391]] each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Prohibition of compensation of federal employees.-- Notwithstanding paragraph (1), any member of the Commission who is a full-time officer or employee of the United States may not receive additional pay, allowances, or benefits because of service on the Commission. (d) Meeting Requirements.-- (1) Frequency.-- (A) Quarterly meetings.--The Commission shall meet at least quarterly. (B) Additional meetings.--In addition to quarterly meetings, the Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson or a majority of its members. (2) Quorum.--5 members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings. (3) Meeting by telephone or other appropriate technology.-- Members of the Commission are permitted to meet using telephones or other suitable telecommunications technologies provided that all members of the Commission can fully communicate with all other members simultaneously. SEC. 6106. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION; EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS. (a) Director.-- (1) Appointment.--The Commission shall have a Director who shall be appointed by the Chairperson with the approval of the Commission. (2) Credentials.--The Director shall have credentials related to international public service, national public service, service-learning, or local service. (3) Salary.--The Director shall be paid at a rate determined by the Chairperson with the approval of the Commission, except that the rate may not exceed the rate of basic pay for GS-15 of the General Schedule. (b) Staff.--With the approval of the Chairperson, the Director may appoint and fix the pay of additional qualified personnel as the Director considers appropriate. (c) Experts and Consultants.--With the approval of the Commission, the Director may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, but at rates for individuals not to exceed the daily equivalent of the maximum annual rate of basic pay for GS-15 of the General Schedule. (d) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the Commission, Chairperson, or Director, the head of any Federal department or agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of that department or agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this title. SEC. 6107. POWERS OF COMMISSION. (a) Hearings and Sessions.--The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this title, hold public hearings, sit and act at times and places, take testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers appropriate. (b) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to take by this section. (c) Obtaining Official Data.--Upon request of the Chairperson, the head of any department or agency shall furnish information to the Commission that the Commission deems necessary to enable it to carry out this title. (d) Physical Facilities and Equipment.--The Architect of the Capitol, in consultation with the appropriate entities in the legislative branch, shall locate and provide suitable facilities and equipment for the operation of the Commission on a nonreimbursable basis. (e) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of the Commission, the Architect of the Capitol and the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission on a nonreimbursable basis such administrative support services as the Commission may request in order for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under this title. SEC. 6108. REPORTS. (a) Interim Report.--The Commission shall submit an interim report on its activities to Congress not later than 20 months after the date of the enactment of this title. (b) Final Report.-- (1) Deadline.--The Commission shall submit a final report on its activities to Congress not later than 120 days after the submission of the interim report under subsection (a). (2) Contents.--The final report shall contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its recommendations for proposed legislation. SEC. 6109. TERMINATION. The Commission shall terminate not later than 30 days after submitting its final report under section 6108(b)(1). The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington. Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Chairman, when Katharine Lee Bates wrote ``America the Beautiful'' in 1893, I believe her poetic lyrics were intended to express the goodness of the American people as much as the natural beauty of our great Nation. America was founded on the concept of helping one another, and that selfless spirit expresses itself in countless acts of goodness by ordinary Americans every day. I want to harness that American spirit, and I want to make it a part of the American experience. Mr. Farr, Mr. Walsh, and Mr. Shays have joined me in putting this amendment together, and we had a bill previously, because we believe that making this possible for every American is really where we ought to be. We all benefit in countless ways from a Nation that is our home. I believe we owe something in return. But there are countless ways for every American to serve and give back to America, and America certainly could use their help. That's why we put this together as an amendment to establish a Congressional Commission on Civic Service. We want this commission to investigate ways to create a broader commitment to national service in order to strengthen our common sense of responsibility to our community, our Nation, and to each other. The commission would hold hearings around the country to engage the American people and get their own ideas. Whether it's in schools or nursing homes or prisons or mental hospitals or in the forests or cleaning up beaches or whatever, we want to talk to the local people. The commission would report to Congress with recommendations on how to harness the power of one, that is, the power of American people to improve our Nation. Our amendment is a first step. It is simply an authorization, and the Congress will need to follow up with an appropriation. It mirrors the legislation we introduced last year, H.R. 1819. Throughout the process, we have worked closely with some of America's best organizations: Voices for Service Coalition, the National Peace Corps Association, Corporation for National and Community Service, and the State AmeriCorps Administrators. President John Kennedy once said: ``Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.'' From that came the Peace Corps and other organizations similar, and we want to recreate that sense of American expectation in this time. With this amendment we want to help America answer that question and the call. Today America needs the American people like never before to meet the challenges of a slowing economy, health care, education, conservation. The government can't do it all, and ordinary Americans can and in many cases already do much of it. It's time to build on the success of our national service programs like AmeriCorps by considering bold proposals that compel, inspire, and enable us to tackle the challenges, big and small, that will always confront us. There is no shortage of ideas. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I do plan on supporting this amendment and appreciate the intended maker of the amendment. And to make sure that we are being thorough in our approach to this important issue, I do want to express just some reservation that we don't duplicate the efforts of the subcommittee and the work of the subcommittee or the corporation itself in exploring the ideals of public service, but I will be supporting it and encourage a ``yes'' vote. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy). Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I thank the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott) for yielding. [[Page 3392]] We support this amendment. We look forward to the results of the commission as we continue to increase the number of Americans who participate in national service and work to overcome challenges in our Nation's communities. Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Chairman, I am waiting for Mr. Farr, but we will see if he gets here in time. The recommendations produced by this commission would be a plan of action because it will look at three key areas: to improve the ability of Americans to serve, to improve our community here and abroad. It will also identify and offer solutions to the barriers that make it difficult to perform national service and volunteer. And, finally, we will look at ways to build the foundation of service opportunities that are currently available. According to the data collected from the Census Bureau, Americans over the age of 16 are volunteering at an historically high rate with 61.2 million, giving their time in 2006 to help others by mentoring students, beautifying neighborhoods, and restoring homes after disasters. Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Congressman McDermott and Congressman Farr, Congresswoman Matsui and the Committee on Education and Labor for all of their hard work on bringing this reauthorization to the floor today. This amendment establishes a Congressional Commission on Civil Service. The Commission would identify ways to expand opportunities for volunteerism and national service in America. It would also recommend ways Federal and local governments can improve awareness and access to national service opportunities, encourage increased volunteerism and better train future public service leaders. I believe national service is one of the most productive, cost- effective investments our Government can make. I am pleased this amendment addresses the need for a public service academy, a federally-funded 4-year institution dedicated to training the future leaders of our country's public service sector. In the next 10 years, 90 percent of our nation's Federal executives will be over the age of 50 and nearing retirement. We need to ensure that this workforce is replaced with well-trained, invigorated graduates. Investing in service opportunities provides enormous returns to communities. There is no substitute for the passion of our Nation's volunteers, who can be found mentoring students, building houses, assisting senior citizens or beautifying our national parks. Community service is about helping people, and it is also about gaining deeper understanding of each other and the world around us. Through service, Americans of all ages gain a sense of commitment to their communities and their country which will prove valuable for the rest of their lives. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment in order to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of this valuable program. The Acting CHAIRMAN. All time has expired. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 5 Offered by Mr. English of Pennsylvania The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 5 printed in House Report 110-539. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Amendment No. 5 offered by Mr. English of Pennsylvania: At the end of the bill, insert the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): TITLE VI--SENSE OF CONGRESS SEC. 6101. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the Sense of Congress that the Corporation for National and Community Service should make the maximum effort possible to coordinate the recruiting and assignment procedures of their various programs to allow senior citizens and their grandchildren to share volunteer opportunities and/ or be assigned to the same geographic areas during their period of service. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would add a section at the end of the bill to express a sense of Congress that the Corporation for National and Community Service should attempt to coordinate the recruiting and assignment procedures of their various programs to allow senior citizens and their grandchildren to share volunteer opportunities and be assigned to the same geographic areas during their period of service. I would note, Mr. Chairman, Marian McQuade, the founder of National Grandparents Day and a homemaker from Fayette County, West Virginia, held as one of her primary motivations of her advocacy for a National Grandparents Day, persuading the grandchildren to tap the wisdom and heritage of their grandparents. This amendment builds on the principles that evolved into National Grandparents Day by creating more opportunities to build bridges on an intergenerational basis and strengthen the family structure. This amendment will honor grandparents and enhance the bond between grandparents and grandchildren while encouraging a lifetime of community service. {time} 1230 It seems somehow fundamental that AmeriCorps and Senior Corps work together to bring grandparents and grandchildren together to share memorable and rewarding experiences of community service together, strengthen bonds of family, and make the lives of fellow citizens brighter. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this amendment today. This is a remedy for many of the pressures that we feel today on families, it's an attempt to unite generations, and it's an attempt to better coordinate two very important programs in the interest of fostering stronger families. Mr. Chairman, I would retain the balance of my time. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I rise to claim time in opposition, but I am not opposing the amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Thank you. We support this amendment, as it seeks to support the fostering of service among generations of a family. It is easy to imagine the kind of benefits that grandparents and their grandchildren would gain by not only spending time together, but serving others. The earlier children are introduced to service, the more likely they will volunteer throughout their life. Speaking as a grandparent, and I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. English) for introducing this, when I take my grandchildren with me and I try to explain the work that I do, and to see them get involved and be interested in the work that I do I think is a great thing. The volunteering work that we do, and we bring the grandchildren with us, it opens up their eyes for a number of reasons. A lot of the work that we do is serving in underserved areas and to be able to see that these young children, my grandchildren, 7 and 9, are out there in the community and seeing children less fortunate than them. But to take it back even then to their classroom and say maybe we can do something, when you have Grandparents Day in school with your grandchildren, and you're fostering the sense of volunteerism. So I thank the gentleman very much for bringing this to our attention. I certainly am in full support of it. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 6 Offered by Mr. English of Pennsylvania The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 6 printed in House Report 110-539. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. [[Page 3393]] The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Amendment No. 6 offered by Mr. English of Pennsylvania: At the end of the bill, insert the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): TITLE VI--SENSE OF CONGRESS SEC. 6101. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the Sense of Congress that the Corporation for National and Community Service should make the maximum effort possible to coordinate with the National Endowment for the Humanities to provide opportunities for young people enrolled in NACS programs to collect oral histories from senior citizens in the communities where they serve. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, this amendment creates a sense of the Congress that the Corporation for National and Community Service should make the maximum effort possible to coordinate with the National Endowment for the Humanities to provide opportunities for young people enrolled in national and community service programs to collect oral histories from senior citizens in the communities that they serve. As cochairman of the Congressional Humanities Caucus, I have been actively advocating policies and programs to raise awareness of the role of history, literature, languages, and other humanities in Americans' lives. As we all know, studying our history, our culture, and our heritage can help provide a framework to guide our decisions as we confront challenging issues facing us now and into the future. It also gives us a national memory. If we look back to the experience during World War II when the Federal Government employed many writers to do histories of local communities that now have become an important resource to us, recognizing that we are at a time when our greatest generation is now moving on and the opportunity to consult them could very well be lost in the near future, this is an opportunity that we must seize. As we all know, studying our history, our culture, and our heritage can be an important part of our future defining of who we are. We not only learn from museums and books, but we also learn from those who have lived in the past. For that reason, I think it's important for our youth to reach out to our knowledgeable elders who have lived through tougher times, who have fought and seen wars, and who have seen the transformation of America. Close to 1,000 World War II veterans die each day. Many have never spoken of their experiences. During a time in their lives where many are lonely and yearning for an opportunity to have an exchange, this creates an opportunity for us to capture those memories and institutionalize them. To carry on the American tradition and living history, I urge the support of my colleagues for this amendment today. Mr. Chairman, I retain the balance of my time. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in opposition, but I am not opposing the amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. We support this amendment, as it continues to support the integration of priority for national service. Everyone gains when they speak to others from a different generation and learn how things have changed over the years. And yet, at the same time, how many things remain the same. Fostering communication between people increases the connection for all of the community. This piece will add a section to the bill that is the sense of Congress that the Corporation for National and Community Service should make the maximum effort possible to coordinate with the National Endowment for the Humanities to provide opportunities for young people enrolled in NACS programs to collect oral histories from senior citizens in the communities they serve. With that, I would like to yield 2 minutes to Mr. Anthony Weiner from New York. Mr. WEINER. I thank the sponsors of this legislation and of the amendment. I think this is an opportunity for us to expand on the notion that many Americans already support, and that is the idea that Americans very much want to be asked to help, they want to be asked to volunteer, they want to be asked to serve. Despite the conventional wisdom about growing apathy in the country, studies have actually shown that almost 30 percent did volunteer work in 2006, up dramatically since 1989, the last time the survey was asked. We found when asked is government, is Washington, is our country asking enough of us, overwhelmingly Americans say no, we are not being asked to do enough. Unlike the period after Pearl Harbor when FDR famously called us all to this national sense of calling, we failed to do it. The bill that we have today hopefully will reverse that to some degree and get more people involved doing more things. One of the things the bill does that is most laudable is expands outreach to let cities, localities, and organizations know the program has grown much more flexible over the course of years. I believe that cities should be thinking about their own version of kind of a city version of AmeriCorps, addressing specific problems, maybe not as general as the AmeriCorps program is, where we have many people going, doing discrete individual things, but create programs that cities say let's try to tackle the problem of child hunger, let's try to tackle the problem of affordability. This type of a program would allow cities to take more control, something that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle support. Not that long ago, I gave a speech in May, where I laid out a proposal in something I called AppleCorps, that New York City would come up with their program to take advantage. The idea would be if you get cities involved, maybe we can get them to put money in on top of what we in the Federal Government are offering to tackle those challenges that they face. One thing is very clear, that when Roosevelt once famously asked, ``Now that we are in this war, we are all in it, all the way. Every single, man, woman, and child is a partner in the most tremendous undertaking of our American history. We must share together the bad news and the good news, the defeats and the victories.'' This bill seeks to do that. Thank you very much for the time. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment, which I think will go a long way to giving our next generation a sense of what our fathers and our forefathers have faced. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 7 Offered by Mr. English of Pennsylvania The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 7 printed in House Report 110-539. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Amendment No. 7 offered by Mr. English of Pennsylvania: Page 133, after line 19, insert the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): SEC. 1708. COORDINATION WITH VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS SERVING VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES. The Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service shall [[Page 3394]] coordinate with veterans organizations serving veterans with disabilities to provide opportunities for young people enrolled in existing NACS programs to provide transportation services on a full-time, part-time, or as-needed basis. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, the freedom of the United States has depended on the courage of men and women in uniform for over 200 years. Our veterans, having served as a member of the greatest military in the world, can be assured that they have the appreciation and admiration of millions of Americans. The experience gained from the U.S. military is without a doubt invaluable, and I applaud our veterans for the courage and the commitment that they have demonstrated consistently while serving our country. With that said, I would like to offer this amendment, which will provide a valuable service to our veteran population while giving young volunteers an opportunity to be exposed to some of these American heroes that have allowed us to exercise our everyday freedoms. Specifically, my amendment would require the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service to work with the Disabled American Veterans organization to provide opportunities for young people to serve as drivers in the DAV transportation network. This new service will certainly help ease the burden on veterans throughout the country, especially in communities like mine and in yours, Mr. Chairman, in rural areas where we have many veterans who have a challenge getting the service that they need from our brick and mortar VA institutions, give them easy and convenient transportation to doctor appointments, physical therapy, and routine checkups. Mr. Chairman, at a time when America's veterans are facing increased challenges regarding health care coverage and full access to the benefits that they have earned, Congress ought to embrace commonsense policies that will help ensure our veterans get the care they need and deserve. In my part of Pennsylvania, Mr. Chairman, it has been a challenge to drum up the volunteers to provide driver service for many of our VA participants and clients. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this initiative that will help fill that gap and encourage more of our young people to volunteer to help some of our aging veterans and some of our younger veterans who happen to live a distance away from the institution that serves them. Mr. Chairman, I retain the balance of my time. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in opposition, but I am not opposing this amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I want to thank, again, my colleague Mr. English from Pennsylvania for this amendment. This would require the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service to coordinate with veterans organizations serving veterans to provide opportunities for young people to enroll in existing NACS programs to serve as drivers in the DAV transportation network on a full-time, part-time, or as-needed basis. The reason we support this amendment, which is similar to Mr. McKeon's in a way, is that it will help serve our Nation's veterans. This amendment reminds us of the challenges faced by disabled veterans after they have devoutly served our Nation. When I see a lot of my veterans back home in Long Island, a lot of them do volunteer their time on driving our veterans back and forth. We only have one veterans hospital on Long Island. A lot of these drivers are as old as those they are driving. So to see that our young people, and I can see something like this, which would be terrific for our young college students and our seniors that are driving, to be able to be part of this. It was earlier mentioned by Mr. Shays that with the war in Iraq, no one has asked Americans to be helpful. Well, this is a perfect time. This is where our young people can feel that all right, here we have our veterans that have done a gallant job on protecting this Nation. Help them now. Let us help them to get back and forth for their physical therapy or any treatments that they need. It's also a wonderful opportunity for our young people to get to know our seniors and our veterans that have served this country. The more I think about this, I am sorry that we didn't think of this amendment while we were having our committee hearings. I think next time I will reach out to my colleague and say what ideas do you have so we can bring them to the committee. So, again, I support this amendment. I think it's a terrific amendment. I think it's a wonderful time for our young people and our seniors and our veterans to get to know each other. They will actually find they have a lot more in common than they do have apart. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, let me just say in response to the gentlelady, I am most grateful for her support, and I am most grateful for her open-mindedness. Seeing the excellent work that she has done working on a bipartisan basis, and I want to also thank my colleague from Pennsylvania on this very important reauthorization. I am most grateful to them for their open-mindedness to some small refinements on what I think is a reauthorization of an enormously important program. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English). The amendment was agreed to. {time} 1245 Amendment No. 8 Offered by Ms. Sutton The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 8 printed in House Report 110-539. Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Amendment No. 8 offered by Ms. Sutton: Page 64, after line 16, insert the following: (2) in subsection (c)(6), insert after subparagraph (E) the following: ``(F) Areas that have a mortgage foreclosure rate greater than the national average mortgage foreclosure rate for the most recent 12 months for which satisfactory data are available.''. Page 64, lines 17 and 22, redesignate (2) and (3) as (3) and (4), respectively. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Ohio. Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, communities across this Nation are being devastated by home foreclosures, and my home State of Ohio has been particularly hard hit. This crisis has not stemmed from a single cause, and mitigating its effects will not be achieved with a single solution. Housing problems stem from predatory lending practices, job losses, and situations such as death, divorce and health emergencies. It is important, Mr. Chairman, that we pursue innovative solutions to deal with this. This includes tying the provisions of Volunteerism and Service-Learning grants to programs that will serve areas that have been adversely affected by the mortgage crisis. This amendment would require the Corporation for National and Community Service to consider whether an area has a mortgage foreclosure rate greater than the national average when considering grant applications from States and other eligible entities. In a time when so many of our communities are struggling, we need to pursue every avenue to make sure that [[Page 3395]] the cities and towns with the greatest needs have access to the most assistance. I urge a yes vote on this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the amendment and would associate myself with the maker of the amendment's statements regarding the importance of helping those who are facing challenges because of the housing crisis. This amendment recognizes that communities that are particularly hard hit by this crisis may be in need of special national service efforts. I thus support the amendment and encourage a yes vote. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as she may consume to the distinguished gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy). Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague. Let me say that my colleague is having a problem with her voice with laryngitis, so I am actually going to be speaking for her from her talking points. So I will continue talking about Ohio, which has been particularly hurt by the current mortgage foreclosure crisis. In a ranking of metropolitan areas with the highest foreclosure rates, Ohio has the sad distinction of having four areas in the top 20. Northeast Ohio, which includes Lorain and Elyria in her district, had the sixth highest rate. Nearly 3 percent of all households in these cities are in some stage of foreclosure, a 112 percent jump from 2006. Akron came in at 12, Dayton at 15 and Toledo at 19. The current subprime mortgage crisis has not stemmed from a single cause, and mitigating its effects will not be achieved with a single solution. Housing problems stem from predatory lending practices, job losses, and situations such as death, divorce and health emergencies. We must pursue innovative solutions, and this includes trying the provisions of volunteerism and Service-Learning grants to areas that have been adversely affected by the mortgage crisis. This amendment would require the Corporation for National and Community Service to consider whether an area has a mortgage foreclosure rate greater than the national average when considering grant applications from States and other eligible entities. Each year, more than 1.5 million individuals serve our country through the service programs that were created by the National and Community Service Act. In a time when so many of our communities are struggling, we need to pursue every avenue to make sure that the cities and towns with the greatest needs have access to the most assistance. We expect this amendment is going to be noncontroversial, but they may argue that it is duplicative because of the factors that are already included. The areas affected by high foreclosure rates would likely also be areas with high concentrations of low-income persons and high unemployment rates. But when we look at this, we see that by including this additional factor we will focus the Corporation on awarding grant funding to programs that address the specific needs of communities affected by the foreclosure crisis. When you look at this particular amendment, the Corporation for National and Community Service administers the National Service Trust Program, which provides funding for service programs, community groups, youth groups, service-lending, campus-based programs, pre-professional training programs and other services, one of the criteria the Corporation is required to consider when evaluating applications for funding is the extent to which projects would be conducted in the areas where they are needed most. Factors already considered are communities designated as empowerment zones or redevelopment areas; targeted for special economic incentives; designated as having high concentrations of low-income people; areas that are environmentally distressed; areas that are adversely affected by Federal actions related to the management of Federal lands that result in significant regional job losses and economic dislocation; areas adversely affected by reductions in defense spending or closure of bases; areas with unemployment rates greater than the national average for the 12 most recent months. This amendment will add another factor that the Corporation must consider when determining what constitutes an area. The Acting CHAIRMAN. All time has expired. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 9 Offered by Ms. Sutton The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 9 printed in House Report 110-539. Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Amendment No. 9 offered by Ms. Sutton: Page 133, insert after line 19 the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): SEC. 1708. STUDY TO EXAMINE AND INCREASE SERVICE PROGRAMS FOR DISPLACED WORKERS IN SERVICES CORPS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE AND TO DEVELOP PILOT PROGRAM PLANNING STUDY. (a) Planning Study.--The Corporation for National and Community Service shall conduct a study to identify-- (1) specific areas of need for displaced workers; (2) how existing programs and activities carried out under the national service laws could better serve displaced workers and communities that have been adversely affected by plant closings and job losses; (3) prospects for better utilization of skilled workers as resources and volunteers; and (4) methods for ensuring the efficient financial organization of services directed towards displaced workers. (b) Consultation.--The study shall be carried out in consultation with the Department of Labor, State labor agencies, and other individuals and entities the Corporation considers appropriate. (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Corporation shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the planning study required by subsection (a), together with a plan for implementation of a pilot program using promising strategies and approaches for better targeting and serving displaced workers. (d) Pilot Program.--From amounts made available to carry out this section, the Corporation shall develop and carry out a pilot program based on the findings in the report submitted under subsection (c). (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Ohio. Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, as we heard with the last amendment, Ohio and many other States have suffered tremendous job losses in recent years. These workers and their families deserve our support, and they deserve creative and innovative thinking and policies from us as their representatives. Programs such as AmeriCorps and Senior Corps have done so much to provide opportunities for our youth and seniors. It is time now that we investigate ways to provide similar opportunities for Americans who have lost jobs through no fault of their own. This amendment would require the Corporation for National and Community Service to conduct a study to identify specific areas of need for displaced workers and how existing programs and activities carried out under our national service laws can better serve displaced workers and communities affected by plant closings and [[Page 3396]] job losses. The amendment also requires the Corporation to develop and carry out a pilot program based on the findings of the study. Mr. Chairman, workers who have toiled for so long in manufacturing plants have much to offer their communities with their unique skill sets and leadership capabilities. I look forward to seeing how new service programs would reinvigorate America's displaced workforce with a sense of new purpose, so that they may continue to explore new career opportunities and continue contributing to our communities. I urge a yes vote on this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Without objection, the gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I do rise in support of this amendment. This amendment is similar to a study and pilot program dealing with veterans that was authorized through an amendment that passed in the committee. While I hope that as this bill moves forward we do not end up with studies and pilot programs for so many different areas that we lose our focus on the bill's priorities, I do believe that it is appropriate activity for the corporation to undertake this effort. In general, unemployment remains extremely low by historical standards, despite concerns about the economy. However, for those communities such as the maker of the amendment referenced in her home State of Ohio that are experiencing unusually high job losses, it would be wise to explore ways to target national service efforts towards addressing those concerns. Therefore, I support the amendment, and encourage a yes vote. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the support of the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania. I thank him for his work on this bill. It is greatly appreciated by the people I represent. And to the distinguished chairwoman, the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy), I also extend my appreciation, and I yield her such time as she may consume. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague from Ohio. Good data collection is so important, because with data we can determine how to better implement programs and better serve the needs of our Nation's citizens. As workers must find ways to obtain new skills or transition into a new career, this study will provide us with important information. Service can be a bridge between one phase of life to another or from one career to another. It is not a secret to anyone that Ms. Sutton's home State of Ohio has suffered tremendous job losses in recent years. From the year 2000 to 2007, Ohio has lost more than 209,000 non-farm jobs, the biggest 7 year drop since the end of the Great Depression. These workers and families deserve our support, and they deserve creative and innovative thinking and policies from us as their representatives. This study and pilot program require the Corporation for National and Community Service to examine how to use community service programs to provide opportunities for displaced workers. Programs such as AmeriCorps and Senior Corps have done so much to provide opportunities for our young and our seniors. It is time that we investigate ways to provide similar opportunities for Americans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Workers who have toiled for so long in manufacturing plants have much to offer their communities, and their unique skill sets and leadership capabilities should not go to waste when plants close. I look forward to seeing how new service programs would reinvigorate America's displaced workforce with a sense of purpose so they may explore new career opportunities and continue contributing to all their communities. The Corporation for National and Community Service has proven itself to be an entrepreneurial, innovative and effective organization. This amendment will lead the Corporation in a new direction to consider how the programs they provide funding to can do better serve the needs of America's displaced workers. Our national service laws provide funding for numerous worthy organizations such as AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Habitat for Humanity, City Year, Boys and Girls Club, Teach for America, and Youthbuild. This amendment will spur new programs that address the needs of our displaced workers and their families. So, again I thank my colleague from Ohio (Ms. Sutton) for offering this amendment, and I am looking forward to working with her on other areas. Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for being compassionate and expanding on the amendment. As she indicated, I have a little health issue I am dealing with here. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Sutton). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 10 Offered by Mr. Flake The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 10 printed in House Report 110-539. Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Amendment No. 10 offered by Mr. Flake: Page 16, line 11, strike ``; and'' and insert a period. Page 16, strike line 12 and all that follows through page 18, line 21. Page 148, line 24, strike ``$65,000,000 for fiscal year 2008,'' and all that follows through ``; and'' on page 149, line 4, and insert ``$45,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and''. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona. Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, Ronald Reagan once said, ``No matter how big or powerful government gets and the many services it provides, it can never take the place of volunteers.'' I believe that wholeheartedly. But listening to the debate today, you might easily conclude that volunteerism wasn't discovered until Congress discovered it, and that the only meaningful service that anyone can provide is in a program sponsored by government. We all know that that is simply not the case. In truth, the programs that are being talked about today, the government-sponsored programs, make up probably less than one-hundredth of 1 percent of all the volunteer activity that takes place across this country. But when we have community service and volunteer positions, when we end up financing them or providing incentives from government, it becomes just another government service. {time} 1300 The new Summer of Service grant program created by this legislation gives incentives to community service work in the form of financial benefits at taxpayer expense. The amendment that I am offering today would simply strike all the language in the bill relating to the so- called Summer of Service program and reduce the authorization by $20 million. This is the amount designated to the program. The new Summer of Service program would award $20 million annually for education awards for volunteer positions in which school-aged participants can earn up to $1,000 for completion of a 100-hour community-based service-learning project. Now, we are all familiar with volunteer service that goes on: churches, Rotary Clubs, Boy Scout organizations. In fact, this weekend, 2 days from now, my own son will be doing his Eagle project. He will provide up to 30 hours [[Page 3397]] of service himself, and more than 100 hours will be provided by people that he has recruited to help him in his project. This kind of activity goes on every day, every minute of every day, every second of every day. And yet, we feel that we have to have new and more government programs somehow to prompt volunteer service. That, I think, sells people across this country short. People can volunteer on their own and do without benefits provided by government. I reserve the balance of my time. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentlewoman is recognized for 5 minutes. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I yield myself 3 minutes. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose this amendment. When the National Community Service Act was enacted in 1990, we saw powerful new opportunities to inspire civic engagement and transformation in our communities. Last year, AmeriCorps' number reached 500,000, and today Learn and Serve Americans continue to support service learning for K-12 and college students making a vital connection between their academic studies and a real world application through their service. Now, with the Summer of Service program, we can provide a new opening to reach many young people we know will benefit with the opportunities to spend a summer in service to their communities. It is a right of passage during grades 5-12. Mr. Chairman, this program grants educational awards of up to $500 to students who complete 100 hours of service over the summer months. By employing service-learning models to teach civic participation skills, the program will help young people serve their communities and expand educational opportunities for themselves and discourage what is commonly known as the summer academic slide. Today, 10 million students nationwide between the ages of 12 and 18 have participated in school-based service. Research shows that, among those students, teens from disadvantaged communities who serve hold more positive civic attitudes. Kids who engage in volunteering are more likely to be successful in school and avoid risky behaviors such as drugs, alcohol, and crime. Unfortunately, those disadvantaged teens who have so much to gain from the experience are less likely to volunteer than their peers from more advanced backgrounds. When service is tied to what students are learning in school, young people make gains on achievement tests, complete their homework more often, and increase their grade point average. Students who engage in service learning improve communication skills, grow more aware of career possibilities, and develop more positive workplace attitudes, laying the foundation for America's future leaders. Yet, Learn and Serve's funding stayed the same at no more than $43 million since 1996, and decreasing over the past several years. In Learn and Serve's last grant award cycle, they had 506 applications but only the resources for 102 awards. For generations, during times of great crisis and need throughout our Nation, students have stepped up and served their country and their communities. Today, again, our young people want to serve and are desperate to do their part, yet their call has gone unheard. Since 2001, there have been nearly 50 proposals involving national service before Congress, and not one has been enacted. Here we have a program that demonstrates our commitment to that great promise. A modest investment in Summer of Service is an important and long overdue step in providing service-learning opportunities for young people to start. We must do everything we can to help every child reach his or her full potential. We cannot teach our children until we honestly help them become engaged in their communities and give them the power to actively participate in their education. I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield time to my colleague from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes). Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Chairman, I rise as well to oppose this amendment, which really overlooks the incredible positive impact that a summer of service can have on our youth. The Summer of Service is a program which fills a policy gap which helps communities create positive alternatives for young teens. The middle school years in particular are extremely pivotal years for young people. Most youth are making the difficult transition from middle school to high school, and many of them have no organized activities during those periods when they are out of school. Many are left unsupervised and at risk of being engaged in potentially harmful activity. We want to engage them. We want to make sure that they have something to do. I was recently, Mr. Chairman, at a conference held in Baltimore that is focusing on what some refer to as the summer learning slide or summer learning lost. Basically, what do you do to engage students over those summer months to make sure that you are complementing the educational opportunities that they have during the regular school year? And the Summer of Service is a perfect opportunity to do that and to support them so that continuum, that trajectory is always upward. It is not a kind of roller coaster where you get two steps forward and you slip one step back. How our youth spend their time during the summer period may determine whether they embark on a course of active citizenship and civic engagement and engaged learning or whether they go down a different path. This was a conclusion of a conference that the White House convened in 2000 to look at the issues that are facing teenagers. The Summer of Service initiative will offer youth the chance to spend a summer in service to their communities. I urge that we vote against the Flake amendment that would eliminate the Summer of Service. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentleman's time has expired. Mr. FLAKE. May I inquire as to the time remaining on my side. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Arizona has 2\1/2\ minutes remaining. Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, this $20 million program is being authorized under the Learn and Serve program. I would be glad to yield 30 seconds to the sponsor of this program or to the committee if I can find out if they actually studied whether this program is working as it is. It doesn't seem they are near the microphone, so I will read something from the Office of Management and Budget. The Office of Management and Budget audited this program a while ago under the Learn and Serve program. The Learn and Serve program was audited to be not performing, results not demonstrated. The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, not performing. Ineffective. This is our own government telling us what our own programs are doing, and yet here we are under the Learn and Serve program authorizing $20 million more for a new program without trying to go in and actually fix the old program or eliminate the old program. We in Congress sometimes wonder why our authorizing committees are sometimes neglected. This is why. This is why. This program, the whole AmeriCorps program hasn't been reauthorized I think since 1996 or so; and yet, when we do come to reauthorize it, we ignore what our own government, our own agencies are telling us about these programs and we simply pile more money on. No matter what we do on the overall bill, and I can read the writing on the wall, the bill is going to pass, let's at least give some thought to the taxpayers here who have to fund this, to say that we are not going to increase a program to create a new program under an existing program that has been rated by our own Office of Management and Budget as not performing, results not demonstrated. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake). [[Page 3398]] The question was taken; and the Acting Chairman announced that the noes appeared to have it. Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona will be postponed. Amendment No. 11 Offered by Mr. Inslee The Acting CHAIRMAN. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 11 printed in House Report 110-539. Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Amendment No. 11 offered by Mr. Inslee: Page 144, strike lines 15 through 19 and insert the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): Subtitle I--Energy Conservation Corps SEC. 1811. GENERAL AUTHORITY. The Corporation for National and Community Service (in this subtitle referred to as the ``Corporation'') shall make grants to States for the creation or expansion of full-time or part-time Energy Conservation Corps programs. Notwithstanding provisions identified in this subtitle, the Corporation shall apply the provisions of subtitle C of this subchapter in making grants under this section as necessary. SEC. 1812. APPLICATION. (a) In General.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this subtitle, a State shall invite applications from within the State to receive an Energy Conservation Corps grant. (b) Process.--The State shall then prepare and submit a State application to the Corporation at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Corporation may reasonably require. The Corporation shall consult with state and local Conservation Corps in the development of the application guidelines. (c) Disadvantaged Youth.--To acknowledge the focused enrollment of disadvantaged youth and young adults in the Energy Conservation Corps, the Corporation shall-- (1) allow a higher cost-per-member to enable Energy Conservation Corps programs to provide the necessary supportive services to ensure the success of the participants; and (2) allow for greater flexibility in retention rates. (d) Consideration of Residential Corps.--The Corporation shall allow for equal consideration of residential Corps program opportunities since residential Corps thrive in rural areas that commonly lack opportunities for young adults, enable the participation for emancipated foster youth, gang involved youth, and others lacking a safe and stable home environment, allow for more structured time for work, training, education and counseling, and provide disaster response-ready crews immediately upon request. (e) Equitable Treatment.--In the consideration of applications, the Corporation shall ensure the equitable treatment of both urban and rural areas. SEC. 1813. FOCUS OF PROGRAMS. (a) In General.--Programs that receive assistance under this subtitle may carry out activities that-- (1) meet an identifiable public need with specific emphasis on projects in support of energy conservation, infrastructure and transportation improvement, and emergency operations, including-- (A) improving the energy efficiency of housing for elderly and low-income people; (B) building energy-efficient ``green'' housing for elderly and low-income people; (C) environmental education and energy conservation education for elementary and secondary school students and the public; (D) reusing and recycling including deconstruction; (E) the repair, renovation, or rehabilitation of an existing infrastructure facility including, but not limited to, rail, mass transportation, ports, inland navigation, schools and hospitals; (F) transportation enhancements; (G) recreational trails improvements, including those that enable alternative means of transportation and ensure safe use; (H) transformation of military bases affected by the Base Realignment and Closing process (BRAC) to green the space; (I) tree planting and reforestation; (J) renewable resource enhancement; and (K) assisting in emergency operations, such as disaster prevention and relief; and (2) provide opportunities for youth and young adults, especially disadvantaged youth, to be trained for careers related to the activities listed in paragraph (1), including those that will be part of the emerging field of ``green collar'' jobs. (b) Goals of the Energy Conservation Corps.--The goals of the Energy Conservation Corps are to-- (1) promote clean energy use and preserve, protect, and sustain the environment; (2) provide young adults with opportunities to become better citizens, students and workers through meaningful service to their communities and the nation; (3) mobilize youth and young adults, especially disadvantaged youth, to promote energy conservation and mitigate threats to the environment; and (4) provide a pathway to responsible adulthood and productive, unsubsidized employment in the private sector. SEC. 1814. TRAINING AND EDUCATION SERVICES. All applicants must describe how they intend to-- (1) assess the skills of Corpsmembers; (2) provide life skills and work skills training; (3) provide training and education; (4) develop agreements for academic study with-- (A) local education agencies; (B) community colleges; (C) 4-year colleges; (D) area charter high schools and vocational-technical schools; and (E) community-based organizations; (5) provide career and educational guidance; and (6) Recruit participants without high school diplomas. SEC. 1815. PREFERENCE FOR CERTAIN PROJECTS. In the consideration of applications the Corporation shall give preference to programs that are discrete and-- (1) meet an identifiable public need; (2) instill a work ethic and a sense of public service in the participants; (3) involve youth operating in crews or a team-based structure; and (4) enhance skills development and educational level and opportunities for the participants. SEC. 1816. PARTICIPANTS. (a) In General.--Age enrollment in programs that receive assistance under this subtitle shall be limited to individuals who, at the time of enrollment, are not less than 18 years nor more than 25 years of age, except that summer programs may include individuals not less than 14 years or more than 21 years of age at the time of the enrollment of such individuals. (b) Participation of Disadvantaged Youth.--Programs that receive assistance under this subtitle shall ensure that at least 50 percent of the participants are economically disadvantaged youth. (c) Special Corpsmembers.--Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, program agencies may enroll a limited number of special Corpsmembers over age 25 so that the Energy Conservation Corps may draw on their special skills to fulfill the purposes of this chapter. SEC. 1817. USE OF VOLUNTEERS. The use of volunteer services under this section shall be subject to the condition that such use does not result in the displacement of any participant. SEC. 1818. COOPERATION AMONG STATES FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE. (a) Agreements Between States.--States operating an Energy Conservation Corps may enter into a compact with participating states to provide for mutual cooperation to manage any emergency or disaster that is duly declared by the affected state. (b) Participating State Responsibilities.-- (1) The authorized representative of a participating state may request assistance of another party by contracting the authorized representative of that state. The provisions of this agreement shall only apply to requests for assistance made by and to authorized representatives. (2) There shall be frequent consultation between state officials who have assigned emergency management responsibilities and other appropriate representatives of the party states with affected jurisdictions and the United States Government, with free exchange of information, plans, and resource records relating to emergency capabilities. SEC. 1819. FEDERAL SHARE. The federal share of the cost of carrying out an Energy Conservation Corps program for which a grant is made under this subtitle is 76 percent of the total cost of the program. SEC. 1820. BEST PRACTICES. (a) Training and Technical Assistance.--The Corporation shall provide technical assistance to grantees that request assistance and shall disseminate best practices that emerge from the Energy Conservation Corps. (b) Contract.--In providing training and technical assistance, the Corporation shall contract with a national organization with a proven track record of developing and sustaining Corps, working with the Conservation Corps model, and engaging young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. SEC. 1820A. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2008 through 2010 to achieve the purposes of this subtitle. (b) Allocation.--Of the amounts appropriated to carry out this subtitle for each fiscal year-- (1) 90 percent shall be for grants to eligible entities; (2) 5 percent shall be technical assistance, and dissemination of best practices; and [[Page 3399]] (3) 5 percent shall be for evaluation. SEC. 1820B. LEARN AND SERVE AMERICA. (a) In General.--To promote Learn and Serve programs that have the potential to reach every student in our public education network and private schools through school-based green service-learning, the Corporation shall establish a competitive grant program for the creation or expansion of such service learning programs. (b) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State Education Agency, Local education Agency, or nonprofit organization shall submit an application with such information and in such time as the Corporation may require. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--For this purpose, there are authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such sums as may be necessary thereafter. SEC. 1820C. NATIONAL SENIOR SERVICE CORPS. (a) In General.--To promote National Senior Service Corps programs that have the potential to both involve seniors in providing meaningful volunteer opportunities the Corporation shall establish a competitive grant program for the creation or expansion of National Senior Service Corps programs that-- (1) make effective use of the talents and experience of seniors, particularly baby boomers, in programs and projects involving seniors in the improvement of the energy efficiency of housing for elderly and low-income people; (2) building or helping to supervise energy-efficient ``green'' housing for elderly and low-income people; the repair, renovation, or rehabilitation of an existing infrastructure facility including, but not limited to, rail, mass transportation, ports, inland navigation, schools and hospitals; transportation enhancements; recreational trails improvements, including those that enable alternative means of transportation and ensure safe use; (3) volunteering in schools to teach or other support environmental education and energy conservation education for elementary and secondary school students and the public; and (4) assisting in such other activities as the National Senior Service Corps may identify. (b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a program in the National Senior Service Corps shall submit an application with such information and in such time as the Corporation may require. (c) Authorization.--For this purpose, there is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2009 and such sums as may be necessary thereafter. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to House Resolution 1015, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington. Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise with Mr. Sarbanes to offer an amendment today that will establish an energy conservation corps program. This will provide green collar training and educational service grants to nonprofit organizations, universities, and State and local governments. This is really an exciting opportunity for us to create opportunities for young folks to be engaged in this new revolution of clean energy in this country. The energy conservation corps we envisioned will help revitalize communities and preserve and restore the environment, while also preparing young people for the responsible and productive lives we know they are going to have. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 will create hundreds of thousands of new opportunities for Americans. It will give low- income young people training to fill these green collar jobs that we are now excited about and hope for a prosperous and successful future. The conservation corps will fund energy conservation installations in public spaces, energy efficient green housing for elderly and low- income people, and restoration of historic structures on public lands. It would also provide funding for and repair, renovation, and rehabbing of existing infrastructure facilities, and transportation enhancements and recreational trail improvements. It is going to help a lot of places that we need energy conservation. It also establishes a competitive grant program to fund National Senior Service Corps programs that will involve seniors in providing meaningful volunteer opportunities. Now, there are multiple organizations that can participate in this, one of which just as an example is the Student Conservation Association. Under this grant program, they will be able to deploy sustainable community projects which engage disadvantaged and other youth to help communities learn energy saving and water conservation techniques and strategies to prevent pollution. In this program, SCA corps members will be able to provide a variety of energy-related services to homeowners, schools, and businesses, and communities. These services include outreach and education, facility audits, development of energy reduction strategies, and implementation in support of these programs. As part of this program, corps members will receive training, career development, and life skills while helping communities benefit from these sustainable programs. I am familiar with this organization, the SCA. My parents led Student Conservation Association efforts with young people in Mt. Rainier National Park back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and I saw how important these programs were both to help these communities, and to help the young folks themselves. Because what we have learned is, and what I saw firsthand when my folks worked with the SCA kids, once kids get involved in volunteer programs, once they get involved in their communities, once they get involved in clean energy, they are never going to turn back. This is going to be a lifetime pursuit, and there is nothing better we can do to help both kids' lives but this clean energy revolution we are going to launch in this country. So, by establishing the energy conservation corps, we will help make our Nation's volunteer programs into a true 21st century program, and we will also help solve one of the most pressing challenges of this century, global warming, while helping our kids as well. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to Chairwoman McCarthy. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I want to say thank you to my colleague for offering this amendment, and I certainly fully support it. But I want to also address Mr. Flake's concern and clarify: While OMB conducted a part assessment on Learn and Serve, the Summer of Service initiative, what we are proposing is a new initiative that I believe has not been parted. So with that being said, I think that when we look at the whole bill, and especially for the Summer of Service part, we have an opportunity to help our people, our young people during the summertime. This, to me, can certainly cut down on what we are seeing in our communities across this country right now, on more violence in our communities. We have to look at what is the underlying cause. With that being said, we are certainly doing the most we can for the little amount of money that we have, to make the biggest impact on these children's lives. So with that being said, I certainly hope that when we come down to it that we will be against Mr. Flake's amendment and let this bill go forward, and let's help the young people, let's help our veterans, let us help everybody in this particular amendment. It is a good bill. It has been overwhelmingly supported on both sides of the aisle, but this particular amendment, as far as I am concerned, would hurt too many of our young people. {time} 1315 Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The gentleman from Pennsylvania is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, while I certainly understand the focus and intent of this amendment, I rise in opposition and worry that this amendment will create more bureaucracy and administrative costs rather than focus on getting dollars out to the participants in the programs. The focus of the GIVE Act is on streamlining our national service programs to make them more effective, efficient, and accountable. To do that, we have refocused a number of programs and added priorities to others to ensure that national service funds are being spent on initiatives that meet the most pressing needs. [[Page 3400]] We have accomplished that by working within the existing program structures rather than piling new programs on top of existing programs with similar purposes. I share the gentleman's concerns in the area of energy conservation. I believe a better approach to this issue would have been to work within existing structures. In fact, this bill already does that by addressing energy usage and conservation in a number of areas. Learn and Service, a new Summer of Service program, includes a focus on energy conservation. And in the innovative program section of that program, energy conservation is specifically included as a type of program eligible for funding. Under the National Civilian Community Corps, energy conservation was specifically added as a new purpose for that program. And under the programs of national significance authority within the Senior Corps, energy conservation and environmental stewardship were added as types of programs eligible for funding. Obviously, infrastructure issues are found throughout the bill because we recognize that this is a priority in many locations. But establishing a new corps that will siphon away already scarce resources will only undermine the efforts of the amendment's sponsors to bring greater focus to these types of programs. I understand this amendment authorizes $10 million for fiscal year 2009. Well, not within this specific act, but the Public Land Corps within the Department of the Interior already exists and is funded by the Federal Government at the amount of $2.5 million this year and it is authorized for $12 million. This program, the Public Land Corps, engages disadvantaged youth ages 16-24 in protecting public lands and the environment, including global warming and emissions reduction. So my opposition is not to the focus of the effort, but I believe we are being duplicative and are going to waste hours on administrative costs in creating a new program rather than investing these dollars in existing programs that will better focus on energy conservation. So I would encourage a ``no'' vote, and ask Members to vote ``no.'' Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 10 seconds to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy). Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. I just want to clarify I certainly am in support of the Inslee-Sarbanes amendment. I just wanted to clarify that. Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes). Mr. SARBANES. Mr. Chairman, I just want to say that I am in strong support of this amendment. I am glad to cosponsor it with Congressman Inslee. The way we are going to make improvement with our environment is when hundreds of thousands of people develop the habits that clean up the environment instead of having the habits that hurt the environment. There is no better way to do this than to establish this Energy Conservation Corps which brings a service dimension for our young people and for our seniors in the Learn and Service programs to support this green frontier that we are embarked upon. So I think it is a critical boost to the other efforts that we are making on the energy horizon. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I just want to again emphasize that the GIVE Act specifically includes ``energy conservation and stewardship as specified allowable uses of grant funds in programs already in place.'' So I would encourage a ``no'' vote. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIRMAN. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee). The question was taken; and the Acting Chairman announced that the ayes appeared to have it. Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Washington will be postponed. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise. The motion was agreed to. Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Obey) having assumed the chair, Mr. Holden, Acting Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, reported that that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2857) to reauthorize and reform the national service laws, had come to no resolution thereon. ____________________