Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act

Floor Speech

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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share my strong support for S. 284, the Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to co-lead it with my colleague, Representative Hudson, whom you just heard from, and also Congressmen Mike Levin and John Rutherford.

This bill will reauthorize the Congressional Award program, which has been responsible for printing and distributing awards to young Americans across this country since 1979. This important program expired nearly 18 months ago, and it is in desperate need of reauthorization.

The Congressional Award is the highest award for youth legislated and presented by the United States Congress to young people. It is a noncompetitive program designed to acknowledge young people for their initiative, achievement, and service.

Over 8.1 million hours of service have been contributed to communities across the country as part of the Congressional Award program. There are currently over 50,000 youth enrolled, and they reside in every congressional district across this country. This award encourages young Americans to do and to be their best, but the program has lapsed. My office is receiving notes from people who are not receiving their hard-earned awards.

Believe it or not, there are people who are proud that these are congressional awards, and they are proud that we are encouraging them.

Take this note that I received from a constituent: ``I earned both the Silver and the Gold Medal for the Congressional Award last year. However, due to backlogs or shortages, I still haven't received the actual awards. I would like to get them from you if that is the case.''

This young student, like thousands across the country, put in time and effort, working toward their award, but, unfortunately, they have been unable to receive it because the program has expired. Congress needs to reauthorize it.

That is why this reauthorization is so important. It will ensure that the young people who achieved their own challenging goals and who helped their communities with their volunteer hours are recognized and honored for their work.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my cosponsors again for their support and Chairman Tim Walberg and Ranking Member Bobby Scott for their assistance and support of this important bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

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