New Bill Aims to Boost Rates for Military, Other Public Service
Getting more Americans involved in public service, including military service, is the goal of legislation introduced once again in both houses of Congress.
The bipartisan Unity Through Service Act was reintroduced after failing to pass in previous sessions.
The legislation would codify many of the recommendations from the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service’s 2020 report, which studied ways to boost public service and volunteerism in the United States. That report called for a ten-year goal of five million Americans each year, starting participation in military, national, or public service.
However, the report was released around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, some recommendations have been enacted while others still require congressional attention. An event marking the 5th anniversary of the National Commission’s final report coincided with the reintroduction of the bill.
The legislation would do the following to help the U.S. boost the number of Americans engaged in public service careers:
Establish an Interagency Council on Service in the White House to coordinate and lead initiatives that extend across military, national, and public service.
Authorize joint advertising, market research, and recruiting program with the Department of Defense, the Peace Corps, and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to share market research and information.
Enhance information provided to transitioning military members and AmeriCorps members about service opportunities open to them.
Require a quadrennial report to Congress on initiatives to integrate military, national, and public service.
"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 co-sponsor Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). “This bipartisan legislation is an important step that will revitalize national service in this country.”
“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 another co-sponsor, Representative Don Bacon (R-NE).
On the Senate side, companion legislation was introduced by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Senator Todd Young (R-IN).
Service Organizations Express Support
The legislation is being hailed by service groups.
“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,” said Kaira Esgate, CEO of America’s Service Commissions.
“Now is the time — and Inspired to Serve remains the plan — to strengthen service and achieve the vision of every American, inspired and eager to serve,” wrote Dr. Joe Heck, former chairman of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service and former House member from Nevada.
