Congresswoman Sutton Speaks on the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act

I thank the gentlewoman from California for the time and for her leadership on this bill. And I also want to thank my good friend from across the aisle, Mr. Diaz-Balart, for his thoughtful words about this bill and about the amazing character of the American people to serve and reach out to others in their communities through volunteerism.

This bill, Mr. Speaker, will unite Americans during these challenging economic times through service and volunteerism in our communities, and I am pleased that this Congress is moving swiftly to reauthorize and expand national service programs managed by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

I am particularly supportive of two initiatives that are included in this bill that I sponsored in the last Congress.

The first proposal requires the Corporation to conduct a study to identify specific areas of need for displaced workers, and to identify how existing programs and activities carried out under our national service laws can better help displaced workers and the communities affected by plant closings and job losses.

Communities in Ohio and across our nation are being devastated by the economic downturn, and it's essential that we support new opportunities for Americans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

Our workers who have toiled for so long in manufacturing plants have unique skill sets and leadership capabilities that can be of great value when utilized through service projects.

In Ohio, we face an unemployment rate of 8.8 percent, and I eagerly look forward to seeing how new service programs like this, will help us help our displaced workforce.

The second proposal requires the Corporation to consider whether an area has a mortgage foreclosure rate greater than the national average when considering grant applications from states and other eligible entities.

Ohio has also been particularly devastated by the mortgage crisis and ranks tenth in the nation in home foreclosures.

According to recent statistics, my Congressional district is projected to have over 5,000 foreclosures in the coming year.

So in a time when so many of our communities are struggling, we need to pursue every avenue available to make sure that the cities and towns with the greatest needs have access to the assistance they need.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation will go a long way to energize and create new opportunities for Americans to build confidence and assist in our country's recovery.

I urge a yes vote on the rule and the underlying bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.