Supporting the goals and ideals highlighted through National Volunteer Week.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1119, which supports the goals and ideals highlighted through National Volunteer Week. I am proud to have introduced this resolution, with my National Service Caucus cochairs, Representatives Chris Shays, David Price, and Doris Matsui, as well as Representative Buck McKeon.

Mr. Speaker, National Volunteer Week was created in 1974, when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order to establish the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Every year since that time, each President of the United States, along with many Governors, mayors, and other elected officials, have signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week.

This year, National Volunteer Week is being recognized this very week, April 27 to May 3. Various events are being held throughout the Nation to promote the 2008 theme of ``Volunteer to Change the World.''

Throughout the history of the United States, Americans have valued an ethic of service. Volunteering not only has a positive impact on local communities, but also on the volunteer himself or herself. Those Americans who give their time to serve are valuable assets to our local communities, and National Volunteer Week is our opportunity to thank them for their service and to encourage others to serve.

Across our country, Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are donating their time and talents to schools, churches, hospitals, and local nonprofits in an effort to improve their communities and serve a purpose greater than themselves. According to data collected over the past 30 years by the United States Census Bureau, Americans are volunteering at historically high rates. Between September 2006 and September 2007, 61.2 million Americans donated their time to help others, by mentoring students, beautifying neighborhoods, restoring homes after disasters, and much more.

In fact, earlier this week I had the pleasure of participating in a recognition ceremony at a local senior center, the Red Land Area Senior Center in York County, Pennsylvania, where dozens of senior volunteers and others were recognized for thousands of hours of donated volunteer service time in 2007. In fact, the top two volunteers recognized, Jim Fitzkee and Leona Deardorff, each contributed almost 700 hours of volunteer service to this center in 2007.

Volunteering is not only a rewarding but a necessary aspect of meeting the most pressing needs facing our Nation, including combating crime and gangs, poverty, disasters, illiteracy, and homelessness. Volunteering is also an important part of maintaining the health of our citizens, as research consistently shows that those who volunteer, especially those 65 years of age and older, lead healthier lives than those who do not engage in their communities. The intangible benefits alone, such as pride, satisfaction, empowerment, and accomplishment are worthwhile reasons to serve and give back.

Today I would like to recognize the diligent efforts of our major federally funded community service and volunteer service programs, thank the millions of dedicated and caring volunteers for their service, and encourage all Americans to give of themselves to make a difference in their local communities. I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1119.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1119) supporting the goals and ideals highlighted through National Volunteer Week.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days in which Members may have the opportunity to insert material relevant to H. Res. 1119 into the Record.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the designation of April 27 to May 3, 2008, as National Volunteer Week, and to laud the efforts of volunteers who serve without reward to support America's communities.

National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to engage individuals throughout the Nation in a common goal of service to better our Nation. This year's theme, Volunteer to Change the World, hopes to inspire all people to connect with their community and truly make a difference through working together to effect positive change. In addition to many volunteer opportunities, the week will recognize deserving volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award and other significant signs of thanks.

Next week, volunteers across the Nation will work on a wide variety of projects. Activities range from community arts projects, school renovations, park rehabilitation, and many more equally engaging projects. With a large force of volunteers working together, National Volunteer Week will demonstrate the power of volunteerism and highlight the strength of compassion. The large number of volunteers will continue to inspire the Nation to mobilize for positive change and help people discover their ability to make a difference.

Volunteering has far reaching positive impacts on the community as a whole, and even on individual volunteers themselves. Research has shown that communities with high levels of social capital have a higher quality of life. Communities with strong volunteer networks, therefore, are healthy and dynamic places to live and work. Additionally, data shows that individuals who volunteer live longer than those who do not. Individuals and communities reap numerous constructive benefits from volunteering and can be the center of positive social change.

So, Mr. Speaker, once again I express my support for National Volunteer Week, and recognize all the hard work that volunteers put in on a daily basis. I encourage more people to become volunteers and recognize the fact that, by working together, we can more effectively meet the challenges our Nation face. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.