Hoosier State Today

U.S. Senators Todd Young and Jack Reed have reintroduced the Unity through Service Act, a bipartisan bill aiming to address military, national, and public service needs. The legislation, supported by recommendations from the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, seeks to enhance service participation across the country.

The Commission's report, released five years ago, coincided with a decline in volunteerism rates during the pandemic. It established a goal for five million Americans to engage in military, national, or public service each year over the next decade. The Unity through Service Act aims to provide a framework for a government-wide approach to mobilize efforts in reaching these objectives.

"Civic engagement and giving back to the community are woven into the fabric of the American spirit. Our bill would increase Americans’ awareness of service opportunities that target community-specific needs, while also appropriately stewarding taxpayer dollars," stated Senator Young.

Senator Reed expressed his support, saying, "I believe that Americans are ready and willing to answer the call to serve, to come together and meet the challenges we are facing. We just need to create the conditions to mobilize them. That is why I am proud to join Senator Young in introducing the Unity through Service Act, reaffirming our national culture of service and elevating all forms of service by leveraging the strengths of our existing programs."

A collaboration among government entities is emphasized in the bill, which proposes establishing an Interagency Council on Service. This council would spearhead initiatives spanning military, national, and public service sectors. Additionally, it calls for collaboration between the Department of Defense, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the Peace Corps to enhance recruitment and sharing of successful strategies.

The legislation has gained endorsements from Service Year Alliance and America's Service Commissions. Kristen Bennett, CEO of Service Year Alliance, said, "Service Year Alliance was proud to support the Unity through Service Act when it was introduced, and we remain champions for the passage of this legislation today."

Kaira Esgate, CEO of America's Service Commissions, emphasized the importance of the legislation, saying, "National service enables Americans to address critical issues in our communities and instills a sense of mission and purpose in those that serve."

The Unity through Service Act is co-sponsored by Senator Chris Coons and introduced in the House by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan, Jimmy Panetta, Jack Bergman, and Don Bacon.