[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1044 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 1044

    Expressing support for the designation of the year 2026 as the 
                  ``National Year of the Volunteer''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            February 9, 2026

   Mr. Lawler (for himself, Mr. Moskowitz, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mr. 
  Aderholt, Ms. Salazar, and Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education 
                             and Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    Expressing support for the designation of the year 2026 as the 
                  ``National Year of the Volunteer''.

Whereas volunteers play a critical role in our communities in public safety, 
        health, education, and civic life;
Whereas volunteerism unites people of all backgrounds in common purpose, 
        bridging divides and strengthening the bonds of citizenship;
Whereas volunteerism bolsters organizations that keep neighborhoods safe, 
        healthy, and connected;
Whereas volunteers contribute billions of dollars' worth of service annually, 
        driving local economies and offsetting government costs;
Whereas volunteerism inspires younger generations to see service as a 
        cornerstone of United States life and civic responsibility;
Whereas, despite rising demand, critical civic organizations, such as volunteer 
        fire and EMS departments, scout troops, youth sports, houses of worship, 
        food banks, shelters, mentoring programs, and nonprofit organizations, 
        report struggling to recruit and retain volunteers;
Whereas national volunteer rates have dropped significantly over the past 
        decade, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic;
Whereas the year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United 
        States of America, a milestone that offers all United States citizens 
        the opportunity to renew the spirit of service, unity, and shared 
        purpose that has defined the Nation since its founding;
Whereas Congress passed and the President signed into law the United States 
        Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-196), which 
        created the United States Semiquincentennial Commission (the Commission) 
        to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 
        history of the United States leading up to the 250th anniversary of the 
        founding of the United States;
Whereas the many programs planned by the Commission include America Gives, an 
        initiative that challenged individuals, businesses, nonprofits, schools, 
        youth groups, faith-based networks, and organizations of all kinds to 
        commit to increasing their level of volunteering and impact starting 
        this past year;
Whereas the Commission tracked the number of volunteer hours given by every 
        United States citizen who participated in America Gives; and
Whereas designating 2026 as the ``National Year of the Volunteer'' would 
        celebrate the enduring United States tradition of neighbors helping 
        neighbors and encourage a nationwide recommitment to community service: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses support for the designation of the ``National 
        Year of the Volunteer'';
            (2) honors the millions of volunteers whose selfless 
        service strengthens communities across the United States;
            (3) encourages Federal, State, and local efforts to 
        highlight volunteer opportunities and drive public awareness of 
        the value of service;
            (4) encourages nonprofit organizations, schools, veterans' 
        groups, civic associations, and companies to partner and engage 
        in volunteer opportunities across the United States; and
            (5) calls on all Americans to celebrate the 250th 
        anniversary of the United States, as the ``National Year of the 
        Volunteer,'' by participating in acts of service and community 
        improvement.
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