Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Jack Bergman (R-MI), and Don Bacon (R-NE) reintroduced the Unity Through Service Act. The reintroduction marks the fifth anniversary since the release of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service’s final report, which first recommended the bill’s provisions. The bill was also reintroduced in the Senate by Jack Reed (D-RI) and Todd Young (R-IN).
This bipartisan, bicameral bill would establish the Interagency Council on Service to coordinate reviews of current programs and plan new strategies for recruitment. The legislation would authorize a joint advertising and recruitment program between the Department of Defense, the Corporation on National and Community Service, and the Peace Corps in order to share information. Moreover, the bill would help transitioning service members find future service opportunities and create a quadrennial report to Congress about public service initiatives.
“Having served in the Air Force and as a Teach for America educator, I know the profound impact national service can have to improve someone’s life and community,” said Houlahan. “This bipartisan legislation is an important step that will revitalize national service in this country. The bill will boost the ongoing collaboration between America’s military, public, and national service organizations to create new opportunities for our citizens to serve. Through service, I know we can reforge the bonds of unity that tie us all together.”
“Ever since the pandemic, the number of Americans participating in volunteer work has been on the decline,” said Panetta. “I’m proud to work alongside Rep. Houlahan on the Unity Through Service Act which would implement elements of our larger Inspire to Serve Act to establish an Interagency Council on Service to promote opportunities for military service, national service, and public service. In service to others, we perpetuate our democratic values and I look forward to continuing to fight for impactful legislation to better mobilize Americans volunteering for the betterment of their community and country.”
“The Unity Through Service Act will be a bridge between service entities, providing education, support, and coordination between our military and civil service,” said Bergman. “This legislation will drive enthusiasm to serve our Nation among young people. I’m proud to help lead this bill to will continue advancing our military capabilities.”
“I know first-hand the importance and value of service to your country as a retired Air Force General. We have seen a decline in the number of young Americans signing up to serve in our nation’s armed forces and public service, and this commission will help to answer the question of ‘why?’ We need to be able to attract qualified individuals with critical skills necessary to serve,” said Bacon.
The bill is also endorsed by notable public service organizations.
“As we celebrate the fifth anniversary National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service’s Inspired to Serve report, With Honor Action is proud to endorse the Unity Through Service Act. As a veteran-founded and veteran-led organization, we strongly believe in the critical role that service, both in and out of uniform, plays in our democracy. By creating an Interagency Council on Service and coordinating efforts across federal agencies, this bill strengthens civic engagement and promotes service opportunities for all Americans,” said Rye Barcott, CEO of With Honor Action. “We applaud the leadership of Representatives Chrissy Houlahan and Jack Bergman for their continued service to our nation.”
“On behalf of our nation’s State and Territorial Service Commissions, we thank Rep. Houlahan (D-PA), Rep. Bacon (R-NE), Rep. Bergman (R-MI), and Rep. Panetta (D-CA) for their support of the bipartisan Unity Through National Service Act. National service enables Americans to address critical issues in our communities and instills a sense of mission and purpose in those that serve. We look forward to engaging with the Interagency Council on Service to advise the President on ways that national, military, and public service partners – and importantly our states – can work together to promote and expand opportunities to serve our country and improve those experiences,” said Kaira Esgate, CEO of America’s Service Commissions. “Critically, the Council would also develop new interagency partnerships to address national challenges and support the transition between branches of service and into careers. We urge Congress to advance this bipartisan legislation as soon as possible.”
“National service is a powerful force for uniting Americans in common purpose, and the Unity through Service Act represents an important step forward in ensuring more people can serve,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President of Voices for National Service. “By elevating service and fostering greater collaboration across agencies, this bill will help strengthen national service programs, open new pathways to service, and enable more Americans to contribute to their communities and country. The Voices for National Service community is grateful to Representatives Houlahan, Bacon, Bergman, and Panetta for their leadership and their continued commitment to expanding opportunities for service.”
The full text of the bill can be found here.
A one-pager on the Unity Through Service Act can be found here.
Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, engineer, entrepreneur, educator, and nonprofit leader. She is serving her fourth consecutive term representing the people of Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. Houlahan is the first female veteran to be named as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Military Personnel Subcommittee and a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Houlahan is also chair of the Economic Growth and Cost of Living Task Force on the New Democrat Coalition.