Congressman Al Green's Statement On President Obama's Signing of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act

(Washington, DC)--Congressman Al Green (TX-09) released the following statement today on President Obama’s signing into law of the Serve America Act.

“I was honored to be present with President Obama yesterday as he signed into law the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.  This important bill, named in honor of one of America’s great champions of national service, will create 175,000 new service opportunities, provide incentives for middle- and high school students to engage in service, and expand opportunities for disadvantaged youth to become more involved in service to address our nation’s challenges.

“I am particularly proud that the bill included language that I proposed ensuring that volunteers in the newly-established Opportunity Corps will be able to work ‘assisting in the construction, rehabilitation, or preservation of housing units, including energy efficient homes, for economically disadvantaged individuals.’  With the inclusion of this language, we have ensured that this bill helps us confront the ongoing housing crisis at the same time as we help strengthen the uniquely American tradition of national service.

“I applaud President Obama for his inspirational message asking that our young people do their part to give back to this great nation, as well as for signing this important and timely bill."