WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), along with U.S. Representatives David Price (D-NC-4) and Doris Matsui (D-CA-6), today introduced a resolution recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members and alumni to the lives of Americans in celebration of AmeriCorps Week 2017.  Over 80,000 Americans serve their communities, states, and the nation through AmeriCorps programs each year, totaling more than 1 million AmeriCorps alumni since the program's founding in 1994.  These 1 million AmeriCorps members have contributed more than 1.4 billion hours of service helping to tackle our nation's most pressing problems and mobilizing more than 2.3 community volunteers. 

“Having created and run two AmeriCorps programs, I have seen firsthand AmeriCorps' positive impact in Delaware and across the country," said Senator Coons. "In addition to addressing critical community needs during their time of service, AmeriCorps members are undoubtedly left with a strong connection to their community after participating in the program and often pursue public service careers later in life. AmeriCorps provides an important conduit through which our citizens can become engaged in civic society, and I am proud to recognize that service during AmeriCorps Week 2017."

“AmeriCorps has proven itself to be a worthwhile program for promoting volunteer work to improve communities," said Senator Cochran.  "We’ve seen its benefits in Mississippi in our schools and during times of emergencies." 

“AmeriCorps members provide indispensable services in communities across the country,” said Senator Shaheen. “New Hampshire has a strong tradition of volunteerism that is bolstered by the hard work and dedication of AmeriCorps members. I thank all AmeriCorps members for their commitment to serving our country and our communities. ” 

“Service projects supported by AmeriCorps represent our longtime tradition of helping a neighbor in need,” said Senator Wicker. “In Mississippi, we are no stranger to acts of volunteerism. Volunteer Mississippi and the AmeriCorps campus in Vicksburg are examples of how this national program can serve and unite communities throughout our state and across our country. No matter the challenges we face as Americans, we always find a way to make our country better.” 

Co-sponsors of the resolution include U.S. Senators Carper (D-DE), Boozman (R-AR), Bennet (D-CO), McCain (R-AZ), Durbin (D-IL), Moran (R-KS), Tester (D-MT), Blunt (R-MO), Hirono (D-HI), Baldwin (D-WI), Hassan (D-NH), Wyden (D-OR), Heinrich (D-NM), Duckworth (D-IL), Franken (D-MN), Whitehouse (D-RI), Merkley (D-OR), Markey (D-MA), Booker (D-NJ), Reed (D-RI), Warren (D-MA), Peters (D-MI), Van Hollen (D-MD), Manchin (D-WV), and Gillibrand (D-NY).  

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