Hatch Pleased With President's Signing Of Historic Serve America Act

Press Release

A historic bill that could put millions of American volunteers to work tackling the toughest challenges facing the nation's neighborhoods and communities was signed in to law by President Barack Obama today, after previously passing the Senate with strong bipartisan support.

Written by Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), the bipartisan Serve America Act (H.R. 1388) is the most sweeping overhaul of the nation's national service programs in more than 16 years. Sens. Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) also played an integral role in crafting the bill.

Hatch was pleased with the achievement of the landmark legislation:

"The signing of the Serve America Act into law is a significant milestone for America. Our country has a longstanding tradition of helping our neighbors, and I am honored to have been a part of such a monumental piece of legislation that will continue this valued tradition.

"During a tough economic time for our country, it is important that we do not rely on government aid to solve every problem. This bill is founded on the fundamental belief in the power of the American people to improve their country and communities at the local level; it will increase opportunities for Americans to serve and, thus, increase personal and community responsibility."

Hatch further noted that the service rendered under this legislation will be strictly voluntary and that the bill enables faith-based groups to compete for program funds on an equal footing with secular nonprofits.

"The Serve America Act is a fiscally responsible way to preserve volunteerism in the nation's core principles by tapping the genius and resourcefulness of the American people. I applaud the signing of the bill into law."

Source