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The bipartisan, bicameral legislation would promote and strengthen national service programs and recruitment

Today, Representatives Jack Bergman (R-MI), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Michael Waltz (R-FL) introduced the Unity Through Service Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would establish the Interagency Council on Service to coordinate reviews of current programs and plan new strategies for recruitment. It would authorize a joint advertising and recruitment program with the Department of Defense, the 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.

The legislation is a direct result of the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service’s 2020 report, which included 124 recommendations. Rep. Panetta, in his role as then-cochair of the For Country Caucus, introduced the totality of the commission’s recommendations as the Inspire to Serve Act of 2021, which was co-led by Reps. Houlahan, Waltz, and others. The Unity Through Service Act represents one portion of that larger legislative package.

“The Unity Through Service Act will be a bridge between service entities, providing education, support, and coordination for our military and civil service,” said Rep. Bergman. “This legislation couldn’t come at a better time – recruitment numbers are down and there is less enthusiasm to serve our Nation among young people. I’m proud to help lead this legislation that will continue advancing our military capabilities.”

"Having served in the Air Force and as a Teach for America educator, I have seen firsthand the profound impact that service can have on individuals and communities alike,” said Rep. Houlahan. “The Unity Through Service Act is a vital step towards reinvigorating national service in America. By fostering collaboration between military, national, and public service organizations, this bill will create more opportunities for Americans to engage in meaningful service. Together, we can strengthen our nation's democratic values and build a brighter future for all."

“Ever since the pandemic, the number of Americans participating in volunteer work has been on the decline,” said Rep. 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.”

“Volunteerism and military recruitment are at troubling levels and it’s critical we use all the tools and information at our disposal to help build dedicated citizens,” said Rep. Waltz. “I’m proud of this bipartisan legislation to reinvigorate national service and the next generation of great Americans.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.

A one-pager on the Unity Through Service Act can be found here.

Background:

Through the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Senator Jack Reed and Senator John McCain created the National Commission on Military, National and Public Service to consider methods to increase participation in military, national, and other public service to address the needs of the nation. In March 2020, the commission published their final report, which included 124 recommendations.

In response, Rep. Panetta, in his role as then-cochair of the For Country Caucus, introduced the totality of the commission’s recommendations as the Inspire to Serve Act of 2021, which was co-led by Reps. Houlahan, Waltz, and others. The Unity Through Service Act represents one portion of that larger legislative package.

In the Senate, the Unity Through Service Act is led by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Todd Young (R-IN).

The legislation is also endorsed by notable public service organizations.

“We applaud Representatives Chrissy Houlahan, Jimmy Panetta, Michael Waltz, and Jack Bergman for cosponsoring the Unity Through Service Act,” said Kristen Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of Service Year Alliance. “This groundbreaking legislation aims to strengthen connections between military, national, and public service by creating an Interagency Council on Service. This council will promote interagency coordination to expand national service, enhance recruitment efforts across all service streams, and provide better support for individuals transitioning out of service. As we work toward a future where service years are a fundamental part of growing up in America, we recognize that innovative legislation like this is essential for fortifying national service and advancing the culture of service in our country.”

“On behalf of our nation’s State and Territorial Service Commissions, we thank Reps. Houlahan (D-PA), Panetta (D-CA), Waltz (R-FL), and Bergman (R-MI) for introducing the bipartisan Unity Through National Service Act. National service enables Americans to address critical issues in our communities and instills a service ethos in those that serve. We look forward to working with the sponsors to engage the new Interagency Council on Service and advise the President on ways that national, military, and public service partners can work together to promote and expand all types of opportunities to serve our country,” said Kaira Esgate, CEO of America’s Service Commissions. “Importantly, the Council would also manage and 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.”

“Service can be part of the solution for Michigan’s and the nation’s most pressing issues. Bringing people together in service uplift individuals and make a difference in communities. We thank Rep. Bergman and the other House sponsors for their support of the Unity Through Service Act,” said Ginna Holmes, executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission. “Expanding national service will have a tremendous positive impact on all that are involved.”