Each year 75,000 Americans serve with AmericCorps to meet the country's most critical needs in education, public safety, health and the environment. In addition, Learn and Serve America and Senior Corps are fostering service opportunities for students and older Americans.

{mosimage}National Service programs are among the most successful initiatives of the Federal government. They empower citizens to address America's pressing challenges. Expanding National Service opportunities are vital to maintaining a strong, active and responsive democracy.

To ensure that National Service remains in the civic foundation of American democracy, I pledge:

• To join the House National Service Congressional Caucus.
• To support legislation and funding to expand annual AmeriCorps slots to 250,000 - an increase of 175,000 members. Following the events of September 11th and the disaster of Hurricane Katrina, Americans have responded through service. The demand and the need for National Service are rising, and it is time to expand the opportunities.
• To support National Service policy that encourages and provides opportunities for Americans to commit at least 4,000 hours -- the equivalent of two years over the course of their lives -- to the service of others. Active citizenship is essential to the prosperity of participatory democracy.
• To support expansion of service-learning programs in America's education system through Learn & Serve America. Service-learning allows students of all agens to learn about real-world issues while discovering how to make a genuine difference in their communities.
• To support funding for the expansion of the Peace Corps, a program that greatly benefits developing counties and enhances America's image in the world.
• To support expansion of Senior corps and other policies that increase service opportunities for Americans 55 years and older. There are currently 60 million citizens over the age of 55, living healthier and longer than ever. The service possibilities and potential for positive impact for this demographic are tremendous.