Recognizing the significant accomplishments of AmeriCorps and encouraging all citizens to join in a national effort to raise awareness about the importance of national and community service.

I object.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve a point of order.

I withdraw my point of order and rise in opposition to this motion.

Mr. Speaker, let me also take just a moment to thank the minority and majority members of the Science and Technology Committee for the many hours they've put in to making this bill a very good bipartisan bill. And also I want to thank the staff members who have put in even more hours to making this good bill.

Now let me take just a moment to tell you why this is an important and a good bipartisan bill. There are 6.5 billion people in the world. Half of those that are working make less than $2 a day. Now, if we try to compete in a global economy on that type of labor, then you're going to see your kids and grandkids wind up with a national standard of living less than their parents. So we can't win in terms of wages. We have to win by having a higher technological base here.

In the last few years, you've seen that the public sector dollars have been stagnant in terms of our investment in research and development. And on the private sector level, they've actually gone down. Why does this matter? Because the rest of the world is increasing their investments in research and development, and the importance to us here in this country is that 50 percent of the growth in the GDP in our Nation since World War II has been a result of research and development. But we have to have more than just R&D. We have to have a workforce that can work at that higher level, and that's what this bill does also. There's a great STEM educational piece that will help not just Ph.D.s, but it will help those high school graduates, junior college graduates, and college graduates to work that higher level.

So what does all this mean? There's a cycle. The cycle is that you invest in R&D. R&D gives you innovation. Innovation gives you jobs, which creates the type of standard of living and revenue that allows us to reduce the deficit as well as to continue the R&D again.

Another important part of this bill is the energy independence. Right now we have to reduce our dependence on our foreign oil for our economic as well as our national defense. And I don't want to trade our dependency on foreign oil to foreign technology.

Now let me get to some of the criticisms of this bill. We said, Well, it's a pretty good bill. As a matter of fact, it's a very good bill, except that it costs too much. Well, let me remind you that in 2007, 367 Members of this body voted for the original authorization. In the other body, there were 69 cosponsors of the original authorization, and it passed unanimously. But we recognize these are difficult economic times, and so we made some changes. This bill has been cut by 10.3 percent from the bill that you voted for in 2007. That is $9.6 billion. Now tell me, what authorization has been cut by over 10 percent? This is the only one.

Mr. Hall has very good concerns about our veterans, and every day when we see him, we see him as an example of those World War II veterans. So language was put in the bill both for scholarships for individual veterans and also for those institutions. Let me read this to you, For the purposes of the activities and programs supported by this Act and the amendments made in this Act, institutions of higher education offering STEM research education activities and programs that serve veterans with disabilities shall receive special consideration and review. And on and on. So we have taken care of that.

Now let's get down to the heart of it. And quite frankly, it saddens me to have to go into this. I mean, it saddens me that when we look at our kids--I have a 9-year-old daughter, and what about her future? What about your family's future? Oh, we're going to hide behind this little bit. We're going to gut this bill for this little bit. A few days ago there were some NSF employees who were patching pornography. Of course that was bad, and they were disciplined. Throughout the whole executive offices, there is filtering on that now. Nobody seriously thinks that we don't want to deal with pornography here. For God's sake. And when it gets to the conference, we'll take care of that even more.

Everybody raise your hand that's for pornography. Come on, raise your hand. Nobody? Nobody is for pornography? Well, I'm shocked. So I guess we need this little bitty provision that means nothing; that's going to gut the entire bill. This is an embarrassment, and if you vote for this, you should be embarrassed.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1338) recognizing the significant accomplishments of AmeriCorps and encouraging all citizens to join in a national effort to raise awareness about the importance of national and community service.

Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which time Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 1338 into the Record.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may require.

I rise today in full support of House Resolution 1338, which recognizes the substantial contributions of AmeriCorps. Since 1994, AmeriCorps programs have engaged over 570,000 individuals of all ages in national service programs, totaling 705 million hours of service to our Nation. AmeriCorps was launched following the establishment of the Corporation for National and Community Service under the National and Community Service Trust Act. The organization is composed of AmeriCorps State and national programs: the National Civilian Community Corps, or NCCC, and the Volunteers in Service to America, or VISTA program. The initial class of 20,000 volunteers helped establish and grow this wonderful program of volunteer service. AmeriCorps now involves 75,000 individuals each year to improve the lives of the Nation's most vulnerable citizens, protect the environment, contribute to public safety, respond to disasters, and strengthen our educational system.

AmeriCorps participants have tackled many timely and important issues, including health care, gang violence, drug abuse, environmental cleanup, and homelessness. They have partnered with thousands of organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and the Red Cross. AmeriCorps VISTA participants have been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America. VISTA's 6,500 participants provide assistance each year to low-income communities by helping businesses, expanding access to technology, recruiting literacy volunteers, strengthening antipoverty groups, and creating sustainable programs that help people rise out of poverty.

National Civilian Community Corps participants have led service projects in areas of critical national need, including disaster response, infrastructure improvement, environment and energy conservation, and urban and rural development. Corps volunteers have responded to every nationally declared disaster since 1994 as well as helped communities prepare for the next emergency.

Most importantly, AmeriCorps members continue to serve their community even after their terms of service. In fact, many former workers continue as volunteers, teachers, nonprofit professionals, and government employees.

Madam Speaker, for those struggling to make ends meet during this tough economy, volunteers in the national service are more important than ever. The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act signed in 2009 by President Obama expands the AmeriCorps program to incorporate 250,000 volunteers each year, and the strength of our Nation depends on individuals who take action towards building better communities.

This week is AmeriCorps Week, when we recognize and thank the commitment of these volunteers so that future generations will continue to support the ideal of national service. It's important for us to highlight the important work done by the organization and to motivate others to become engaged and to volunteer, whether through AmeriCorps or other service opportunities throughout the country.

So I would ask that my colleagues join me in full support of House Resolution 1338 and to take a moment and appreciate the contributions by our many AmeriCorps participants. I want to thank Representative Matsui for bringing this resolution to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to pass it.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased at this time to yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui), the sponsor of the resolution.

Madam Speaker, I would just reiterate the points that have been made earlier but in a more brief fashion to say that I hope our colleagues will join in supporting this resolution and to say thank you to the many volunteers who are on the front lines helping us during times of crisis, whether it's economic, physical disaster or sociological change. We need their help, and we appreciate it. This is a resolution to do that. So I thank the sponsors. I thank the chairman of the Service Caucus and urge your support.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on September 17, 2009 I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall vote 710, concerning H.R. 3221. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``no.''

On September 23, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall vote 732, a motion to adjourn. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``no.''

On September 30, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall vote 744, concerning H.R. 1771, the Chesapeake Bay Science, Education and Ecosystem Enhancement Act. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On November 7, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall vote 880, concerning H. Res. 877, expressing support for Chinese activists. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On December 16, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall vote 980, concerning H. Res. 973. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On January 27, 2010, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall vote 25, concerning H. Res. 1020. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On February 22, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall vote 49, regarding H.R. 4425. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On February 22, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall vote 50, regarding H.R. 4238. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On February 23, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 53, concerning H. Res, 1059. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On March 4, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 85, concerning H. Res. 1086. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On March 21, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 168, concerning H. Res. 1099. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On March 21, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 169, concerning H. Res. 1119. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On March 23, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 172, concerning H. Res. 1205. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On April 14, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 199, concerning H. Res, 1236. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On May 13, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 271, concerning H. Res. 1338. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On May 13, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 272, concerning H. Res. 1337. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On May 20, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 290, concerning H.R. 5128. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On May 24, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 292, concerning H.R. 1017. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On May 27, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 306, concerning an adjournment of the House of Representatives. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On May 27, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 313, regarding H.R. 5136. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On June 16, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 366, regarding H. Res. 1422. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On July 22, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 464, concerning H.R. 5341. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

On September 23, I inadvertently failed to cast a recorded vote on rollcall 535, concerning H. Res. 1640. Had I cast my vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

I am, in its current form.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to make a few points about the motion to recommit before I hand it over to the gentlewoman from Kansas.

The motion to recommit addresses the biggest concern I, and many of the Members on this side of the aisle, have with the legislation, which is the excessive spending. It will address this issue by reducing the authorization to 3 years instead of 5, striking the new programs in the bill, and reducing the spending down to the fiscal year 2010 appropriated levels. It also would prohibit Federal funds from being used by Federal employees to view, download, or exchange pornography, including child pornography. Additionally, it will ensure that the institutions that we're giving Federal funding to through this act will repay the Federal Government by allowing the military onto their campuses for recruitment.

Finally, the motion to recommit will invest in an issue that's very dear to our hearts, our Nation's disabled veterans. This motion would ensure that our colleges and universities that make STEM programs available to our disabled veterans and those schools chartered to serve disabled veterans receive the same special consideration afforded to other schools serving the underrepresented populations.

A much broader version of this language was unanimously accepted at the

committee level. A very watered down version that does not stand the chance of helping a single veteran is included in the manager's amendment. And this compromise language filed at Rules was not made in order for consideration.

I cannot for the life of me understand why there's a resistance to assisting the Nation's disabled veterans. Of the 3.1 million disabled veterans in this country, over 50,000 are currently training to receive undergraduate degrees and an additional 2,800 participate in graduate school programs. The schools serving these men and women deserve the same consideration as those assisting other underrepresented populations. But there's not one school in the Nation that would meet the standards created by the language in the manager's amendment.

I don't buy the argument that this special consideration will open a floodgate of eligible schools, providing no guarantee that the disabled veterans will actually benefit from the funding. There are already several hundred well-known and -respected schools that qualify for special consideration under a variety of statutes for underrepresented populations with no guarantee that a particular grant would benefit a designated group. Why shouldn't those schools helping our disabled veterans have the same consideration?

Frankly, it should not matter how many disabled veterans a school enrolls. These fine young men and women, who every one of us will see over Memorial Day, have made tremendous personal sacrifices for us. The Speaker rightfully has us bow our heads in silence once a month to honor them. We should also be lifting our chins and our praise and our gratitude to those who cross foreign borders to ensure that everyone within our own are free. This is but a small way we can show our appreciation not only to them, but to the schools that are reaching out to them.

Now I yield to Ms. Jenkins.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

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

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1338, a resolution recognizing AmeriCorps Week. This year marks the fourth annual AmeriCorps Week, which is May 8 to May 15. As a co-Chair of the National Service Caucus, I am honored to recognize the individuals who participate in the AmeriCorps program and dedicate their time and effort to helping others in local communities. Last year, President Obama signed the latest reauthorization of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Serve America Act. This act aims to ensure additional accountability to national service programs, helps smaller organizations participate in national service, and works to ensure America's veterans can participate in service.

Americans have a long history of service to each other and to their country, and AmeriCorps creates a web of opportunities for Americans to serve. I saw ample evidence of this just yesterday when I participated in a ceremony in Grand Rapids, Michigan, my hometown. It was just striking to me what a multiplier effect we have with the AmeriCorps program. The room was filled with volunteers, but not all of them were AmeriCorps members. AmeriCorps had energized a lot of different organizations and a lot of different volunteers to put in time during the course of the past year, and many of them received rewards because of the quality of work they did. I was not only happy to see that the Federal Government had assisted in the formation of this group but also that we were getting so much for so little Federal money because the AmeriCorps people working there who did receive some Federal funds had, in fact, recruited a large number of other people to work with them, and so we accomplished a great deal in my community with very, very little Federal funding. I think that serves as a model for the Nation.

Nationwide, AmeriCorps provides 85,000 opportunities annually to serve communities from across the Nation and gives Americans the opportunity to offer their services in tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth, fighting illiteracy, building affordable housing, and assisting communities in times of natural disaster. In fact, there was a group of volunteers yesterday who were supposed to receive a reward for all their good work with Habitat for Humanity, and they were not there to receive it because they were putting up another house. That's an example of how these efforts are multiplied throughout the different communities.

A couple of examples of this ongoing service include AmeriCorps members assisting the American Red Cross in managing shelters for residents who

have evacuated their homes due to the flooding brought on by the heavy rain in Nashville, Tennessee, and partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank in greater New Orleans to assemble and ship emergency food boxes bound for the Louisiana coastal fishing communities whose livelihood is being impacted by the recent oil spill.

I want to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues Ms. Matsui, Mr. Platts, Mr. Price and others for introducing this resolution with me.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.