[DOCID: f:hr539.110]
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110th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 110-539
======================================================================
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE BILL (H.R. 2857) TO REAUTHORIZE AND
REFORM THE NATIONAL SERVICE LAWS
_______
March 4, 2008.--Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be
printed
_______
Ms. Matsui, from the Committee on Rules, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H. Res. 1015]
The Committee on Rules, having had under consideration
House Resolution 1015, by a nonrecord vote, report the same to
the House with the recommendation that the resolution be
adopted.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS OF THE RESOLUTION
The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 2857, the
Generations Invigorating, Volunteerism and Education GIVE Act,
under a structured rule. The rule provides one hour of general
debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and
ranking minority member of the Committee on Education and
Labor. The rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI.
The rule provides that the amendment in the nature of a
substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor
now printed in the bill shall be considered as an original bill
for the purpose of amendment and shall be considered as read.
The rule waives all points of order against the amendment in
the nature of a substitute except for clause 10 of rule XXI.
This waiver does not affect the point of order available under
clause 9 of rule XXI (regarding earmark disclosure).
The rule makes in order only those amendments printed in
this report. The amendments made in order may be offered only
in the order printed in this report, may be offered only by a
Member designated in this report, shall be considered as read,
shall be debatable for the time specified in this report
equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an
opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be
subject to a demand for a division of the question in the House
or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against
the amendments except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule XXI are
waived. The rule provides one motion to recommit with or
without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding
the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone
further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the
Speaker.
EXPLANATION OF WAIVERS
Although the rule waives all points of order against
consideration of the bill (except for clauses 9 and 10 of rule
XXI) and waives all points of order against the amendment in
the nature of a substitute (except clause 10 of rule XXI), the
Committee is not aware of any points of order. The waivers of
all points of order are prophylactic.
SUMMARY OF AMENDMENTS MADE IN ORDER
(Summaries derived from information provided by sponsors.)
1. McCarthy (NY): The Manager's amendment makes various
technical changes and clarifications to H.R. 2857, the
Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act.
The amendment includes the following key changes: Makes various
technical changes to Learn and Serve America (Subtitle B);
Clarifies matching requirements of AmeriCorps State/National
(Subtitle C); Strengthens Senior Corps by phasing in
competition for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) by
2013 and creating incentive grants to encourage high
performance among the Senior Corps programs with a priority for
RSVP programs; and Provides New Service Initiatives including a
new national service pilot program to support individuals
seeking to do service for small, eligible entities and a Silver
Scholarship program for individuals 55 years of age and older
who perform 600 hours of service. Expands scope to include
community colleges serving predominantly minority student
populations. Gives priority to areas which the President has
declared to be major disaster areas. (10 minutes)
2. McKeon (CA): The amendment would require the Corporation
to establish priorities for programs funded under the national
service laws for programs that recruit veterans into service
opportunities, promote community-based efforts to meet the
needs of military families while a family member is deployed,
and promote community-based efforts to meet the needs of
military families when a member of the family returns from a
deployment. The amendment also would require the Corporation to
annually report to Congress on the number and percentage of
national service positions eligible for the education award
that are filled by veterans, and to establish annual goals for
increasing those numbers and percentages. (10 minutes)
3. Matsui (CA)/Shays (CT): The amendment would integrate
two competitive funding streams and seek to improve
collaboration between state and national entities. (10 minutes)
4. McDermott (WA)/Farr (CA)/Shays (CT): The amendment would
establish a temporary Congressional Commission on Civic Service
within the Legislative Branch. The Commission would be tasked
with making recommendations to Congress about how to improve
opportunities for public service. (10 minutes)
5. English (PA): The amendment would add a section at end
of bill that 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. (10 minutes)
6. English (PA): The amendment would add a section to bill
that 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. (10 minutes)
7. English (PA): The amendment would require the Board of
Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service
to coordinate with veterans' organizations serving veterans
with disabilities to provide opportunities for young people
enrolled in existing NACS programs to serve as drivers in the
DAV Transportation 1Network on a full-time, part-time, or as-
needed basis. (10 minutes)
8. Sutton (OH): The 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 applications from States and other
eligible entities. (10 minutes)
9. Sutton (OH): The 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 the national
service laws can better serve displaced workers and communities
affected by plant closings and job losses. The amendment also
would require the Corporation to develop and carry out a pilot
program based on the findings of the study. (10 minutes)
10. Flake (AZ): The amendment would strike the ``summer of
service'' grant program and reduce the authorized amount
designated for the program. (10 minutes)
11. Inslee (WA)/Sarbanes (MD): The amendment would add an
Energy Conservation Corps, which would seek to address the
nation's energy and transportation infrastructure needs while
providing work and service opportunities. (10 minutes)
TEXT OF AMENDMENTS MADE IN ORDER
1. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative McCarthy of New York,
or Her Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
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 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.
``(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 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 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 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.
----------
2. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative McKeon of California,
or His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
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
``(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.''.
----------
3. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Matsui of California,
or Her Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
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.''.
----------
4. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative McDermott of
Washington, or His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
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 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).
----------
5. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative English of
Pennsylvania, or His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
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.
----------
6. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative English of
Pennsylvania, or His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
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.
----------
7. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative English of
Pennsylvania, or His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
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 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.
----------
8. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Sutton of Ohio, or Her
Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
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.
----------
9. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Sutton of Ohio, or Her
Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
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.
----------
10. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Flake of Arizona, or
His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
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''.
----------
11. An Amendment To Be Offered by Representative Inslee of Washington,
or His Designee, Debatable for 10 Minutes
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.--(b) 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
(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.
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