Gregorio Sablan: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1276, which recognizes the anniversary of the signing of the…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1276, which recognizes the anniversary of the signing of the landmark service legislation, which is the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, and the continued importance of volunteerism and national service to our country. For many Americans, including my constituents in the Northern Mariana Islands, service is the most valuable way for them to contribute to their communities. The Serve America Act encourages all Americans--from at-risk youth in inner cities, to people in rural communities, to people in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, to seniors and veterans--to unite in service to their communities. This is the universal quality of service that Martin Luther King spoke about when he said, ``Everyone can be great because anyone can serve.'' The Serve America Act expands many of the current service programs, including AmeriCorps, which is on a path to increasing its volunteer force from 75,000 to 250,000 by 2014.”