Majority Whip Clyburn | MajorityWhip.gov

Clyburn Appaulds National Call To Service:Edward M Kennedy Serve America Act Signed Into Law

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC—House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn today expressed support for the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act as President Barack Obama signed the bill into law today at the SEED School of Washington, DC. The law will renew America’s commitment to service by more than tripling the levels of volunteers from 75,000 to 250,000, increasing education reward to match the maximum authorized Pell Grant amount and establishing a Summer Service program for middle and high school students that allows them to earn a $500 education award to be used for college.

“I join President Barack Obama in this call to service, and ask Americans of all generations to get involved in their communities and be a part of putting our country back on track. Today begins a new era of service in which everyone can do their part to invest in their neighborhoods and communities and make America even stronger.

“In times of great challenge Americans have always demonstrated a spirit of perseverance.  There is no better time than now to encourage Americans to participate in community service and volunteerism so they can help be part of the solution—working to strengthen the economy, create jobs, and restore the American dream.”