ACTION for National Service Act America’s Call To Improve Opportunities Now for National Service Act
Impact
The establishment of the AmeriCorps Administration is expected to modernize and enhance the existing national service framework, replacing the previous Corporation for National and Community Service. The bill outlines a ten-year goal to serve one million participants annually by 2033, which advocates believe will strengthen community ties and provide valuable service opportunities. It includes a provision for pairing educational awards with service participation, thus helping volunteers fund their education or pay off student loans. Furthermore, it proposes tax exclusions for these awards and living allowances to alleviate financial barriers for participants.
Summary
SB779, titled the 'ACTION for National Service Act', aims to establish a new AmeriCorps Administration to oversee national and volunteer service programs in the United States. The bill seeks to significantly expand participation in these programs, thereby promoting civic engagement and community service among citizens, particularly youth. It proposes various amendments aimed at enhancing financial support for participants through increased educational awards and allowances, making it more appealing for individuals to volunteer in service programs.
Contention
While the bill enjoys support for its potential to bolster civic involvement and community resilience, it has faced scrutiny over possible funding challenges and the effectiveness of expanding federal volunteer service programs. Critics argue that without sufficient funding and administrative support, the ambitious goals outlined could lead to a dilution of resources or ineffectiveness in achieving the desired outcomes. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the federal oversight of local service initiatives, with some lawmakers advocating for greater autonomy in community service efforts.
Advanced Aviation Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to redesignate the Office of NextGen as the Office of Advanced Aviation within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The new office duties include the coordination of rulemaking and approval processes on matters relating to advanced aviation systems (e.g., drones, supersonic aircraft technologies, counter-unmanned aircraft systems). The bill also establishes an Office of Advanced Integration within the Office of Advanced Aviation. Additionally, DOT must establish an Advanced Aviation Coordination Unit within the FAA whose responsibilities shall include the promotion of the safe and responsible integration of advanced aviation systems into the national airspace system. Further, DOT must redesignate the William J. Hughes Technical Center as the William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aviation. The center must establish and manage a program to evaluate new aviation-related technologies proposed to be used in the national airspace system and facilitate the integration of such technologies into the national airspace system.