Protect National Service Act

Bill Number

H.R. 2933

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-17: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2026-04-14T08:05:29Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The "Protect National Service Act" (H.R. 2933) aims to safeguard the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), a federal agency that runs volunteer programs like AmeriCorps and Senior Corps. It prevents the use of federal funds to dismantle or eliminate the CNCS, emphasizing its role in promoting community service and civic engagement.

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The bill is titled the "Protect National Service Act."
• Findings: Congress recognizes the CNCS's value, including:
• A study showing that every $1 invested in AmeriCorps and Senior Corps yields $17.30 in societal benefits.
• Over 900,000 Americans have served through AmeriCorps in the past 30 years, contributing 1.2 billion hours of service worth more than $38 billion across all states and territories.
• Strong bipartisan support for the CNCS's authorizing laws and reforms over decades from both political parties.
• Sense of Congress: Declares that any changes to the CNCS must:
• Follow existing laws.
• Preserve U.S. support for national service programs.
• Ensure the National Service Trust (a fund for participant benefits) meets all obligations to AmeriCorps members.
• Maintain the federal government's role in addressing needs in human services, education, environment, and public safety, while promoting civic responsibility.
• Only be eliminated by an act of Congress, as it is a "government corporation" under U.S. law (a type of federal entity defined in federal statutes).
• Prohibition on Funds: No federal funds from the American Relief Act of 2025 or any other appropriations can be used to end the CNCS's status as a government corporation. This builds on a 1999 law restricting such actions.
• Rule of Construction: The prohibition does not imply that eliminating the CNCS is allowed under current laws; it reinforces existing protections.
• Certification Requirement: The CNCS's Chief Executive Officer must certify compliance with the prohibition to congressional committees within 30 days of enactment and annually for five years.
• Definition: "Appropriate committees of Congress" refers to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill adds a specific funding prohibition to prevent the executive branch from using appropriations to eliminate the CNCS, clarifying that only Congress has the authority to do so.
• It references but does not alter prior laws, such as the 1999 appropriations act and the definition of government corporations in U.S. Code (Title 5, Section 103—a federal entity that operates somewhat independently but under congressional oversight).
• No broad reforms to CNCS operations are introduced; the focus is on preservation rather than restructuring.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Strengthens the CNCS's independence by blocking executive-led elimination through budget cuts, potentially stabilizing its operations and funding. It may require other agencies (e.g., the Office of Management and Budget) to adjust reorganization plans.
• On Citizens: Ensures ongoing access to national service programs, benefiting volunteers (e.g., AmeriCorps members who gain education awards and experience) and communities receiving support in education, health, and disaster response. It protects the economic value of these programs, estimated at billions in societal returns.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the CNCS focuses on domestic service; however, it indirectly supports U.S. soft power by maintaining programs that foster civic values at home.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• CNCS and Its Programs: Directly protected, including AmeriCorps (youth and adult volunteers) and Senior Corps (older adults in community roles).
• Participants and Volunteers: Over 900,000 past and future members who rely on the National Service Trust for stipends and education benefits.
• Communities and Nonprofits: Local organizations and underserved areas that benefit from the 1.2 billion hours of service in education, environment, and public safety.
• Congressional Committees: The House Education and Workforce Committee and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, which gain oversight through certifications.
• Federal Taxpayers: Indirectly affected, as the bill upholds efficient use of funds (e.g., high return on investment) while preventing potential wasteful dissolution efforts.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces statutory protections for government corporations, making it harder to dismantle the CNCS without new legislation. The certification process adds accountability and transparency to federal spending.
• Constitutional: Highlights separation of powers by affirming Congress's exclusive authority over creating or eliminating such entities, potentially limiting executive branch actions on federal agencies (e.g., via executive orders or reorganizations).
• Political: Underscores bipartisan historical support for national service, positioning the bill as a defense against potential partisan efforts to cut domestic programs. It could influence future budget debates by embedding preservation language in appropriations law.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]

Cosponsors (9)

Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-17: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-04-17: Introduced in House
• 2025-04-17: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Protect National Service Act — issued 2025-04-17 — PDF (4 pages)