Bill Summary
The "ACTION for National Service Act" seeks to enhance national and volunteer service programs in the U.S. by establishing the AmeriCorps Administration as an Executive department. The Act includes the formation of an Advisory Board to provide strategic guidance, consisting of diverse members appointed for five-year terms. It outlines the roles of the Board, the Director, and details regarding educational awards for participants in national service roles.
The legislation also creates a National Service Foundation to encourage private donations, establishes a 21st Century American Service Outreach Program to inform young individuals about service opportunities, and adjusts living allowance amounts to increase financial support for participants. Additionally, it mandates the Director to create an interagency working group to assess eligibility for educational awards and explore federal hiring preferences for service participants.
Key provisions involve authorizing appropriations for national service programs, updating tax codes to exempt educational awards and living allowances from gross income, and aligning terminology within existing legislation to reflect the new AmeriCorps structure. Overall, the Act aims to improve administration, financial support, and outreach for national service initiatives, fostering greater volunteer participation and community engagement.
Possible Impacts
1. **Increased Educational Opportunities for Participants**: Individuals who engage in national service roles will benefit from enhanced educational awards, which are now equivalent to twice the average cost of in-state tuition at public four-year institutions. This financial support will help participants further their education, making national service a more appealing option for young people and encouraging greater involvement in volunteer programs.
2. **Higher Living Allowances for Volunteers**: The legislation increases living allowances for national service participants significantly, with adjustments that raise allowances from 95% to 175% and from 100% to 200% under various programs. This means that volunteers will receive more financial support while serving, potentially making it easier for individuals from diverse economic backgrounds to participate in national service initiatives without facing undue financial strain.
3. **Streamlined Access to National Service Programs**: Young adults aged 17 to 30 will receive proactive outreach regarding national service opportunities, including information on how to apply for programs like AmeriCorps and alternatives such as the Peace Corps. This initiative not only aims to increase awareness of available opportunities but also seeks to simplify the application process, thereby encouraging more young people to consider and participate in national service roles.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 4068 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4068
To establish an AmeriCorps Administration to carry out the national and
volunteer service programs, to expand participation in such programs,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 12, 2026
Mr. Reed (for himself, Mr. Coons, Ms. Duckworth, Ms. Baldwin, Mr.
Blumenthal, Ms. Klobuchar, and Mr. Kim) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish an AmeriCorps Administration to carry out the national and
volunteer service programs, to expand participation in such programs,
and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``America's Call To Improve
Opportunities Now for National Service Act'' or the ``ACTION for
National Service Act''.
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS; REFERENCES.
(a) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents; references.
Sec. 3. Establishment of AmeriCorps Administration.
Sec. 4. Advisory Board.
Sec. 5. Director.
Sec. 6. National service educational awards.
Sec. 7. Interagency working group.
Sec. 8. National Service Foundation.
Sec. 9. 21st Century American service outreach program.
Sec. 10. Living allowance amounts.
Sec. 11. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 12. Report on matching requirements.
Sec. 13. Exclusion from gross income of national service educational
awards.
Sec. 14. Income tax exclusion for living allowance.
Sec. 15. Conforming amendments to the National and Community Service
Act of 1990.
Sec. 16. Conforming amendments to the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of
1973.
Sec. 17. Conforming amendments to other laws.
(b) References.--Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Act, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms
of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the
reference shall be considered to be made to that section or other
provision of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
12501 et seq.).
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF AMERICORPS ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--Section 191 (42 U.S.C. 12651) is amended--
(1) by striking ``a Corporation for National and Community
Service'' and inserting ``an AmeriCorps Administration''; and
(2) by striking ``The Corporation shall be a Government
corporation, as defined in section 103'' and inserting ``The
Administration shall be an Executive department, as defined in
section 101.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 101 of title 5, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``The AmeriCorps Administration.''.
SEC. 4. ADVISORY BOARD.
(a) Appointment and Terms.--Section 192 (42 U.S.C. 12651a) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(1) Advisory board.--
``(A) Initial board members.--
``(i) Board of directors members electing
to serve.--There shall be in the Administration
an Advisory Board initially composed of the
voting members of the Board of Directors of the
Corporation for National and Community Service
(as in existence the day before the date of
enactment of the ACTION for National Service
Act) who elect to serve on the Advisory Board.
``(ii) Appointed initial members.--If fewer
than seven members of the Board of Directors
elect to serve, the Administrator shall appoint
additional members to achieve a total of seven
members of the Advisory Board, to serve for the
term of their predecessors. For purposes of
this section, members appointed under this
clause shall be treated as if they had been
voting members described in clause (i).
``(iii) Board of seven members.--After the
expiration of the terms of the members
described in clauses (i) and (ii), and the
seven appointments set forth in subparagraph
(B), the Advisory Board shall be composed of
seven members.
``(B) Appointment of replacement members.--Upon the
expiration of the term of any of the first seven
members of the Advisory Board whose term shall expire,
a new member of the Advisory Board shall be appointed
as follows:
``(i) The first three members shall be
appointed by the President, and shall include--
``(I) an individual not younger
than 18 or older than 25 who--
``(aa) has served in a
school-based or community-based
service-learning program; or
``(bb) is or was a
participant or a supervisor in
a program; and
``(II) an individual who--
``(aa) is age 55 or older;
and
``(bb) has served in the
National Senior Service Corps,
in a program carried out under
title II of the Domestic
Volunteer Service Act of 1973
(42 U.S.C. 5000 et seq.) or
served in a service-based or
community-based program under
subtitle B of title I.
``(ii) The next member shall be appointed
by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
``(iii) The next member shall be appointed
by the minority leader of the House of
Representatives.
``(iv) The next member shall be appointed
by the majority leader of the Senate.
``(v) The next member shall be appointed by
the minority leader of the Senate.
``(C) Expiration of the term of remaining initial
members.--Upon the expiration of the terms on the
Advisory Board of the remaining members (after the
first seven) who served on the Board of Directors of
the Corporation for National and Community Service (as
in effect the day before the date of enactment of the
ACTION for National Service Act), no new members shall
be appointed to replace those remaining members.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(D), by striking ``the Board''
and inserting ``the Advisory Board (referred to in this
subtitle as the `Board')''; and
(2) by striking subsections (c), (d), and (e) and inserting
the following:
``(c) Terms.--Members appointed in accordance with any of clauses
(i) through (v) of subsection (a)(1)(B) or under subsection (d) shall
serve for a term of 5 years.
``(d) Appointment of New Members and Vacancies.--When the term of a
member appointed in accordance with any of clauses (i) through (v) of
subsection (a)(1)(B) expires, or if a vacancy occurs on the Advisory
Board, a new member shall be appointed by the appointing individual and
in the manner described in that clause, and, in the case of a vacancy,
shall serve for the remainder of the term for which the predecessor of
such member was appointed. The vacancy shall not affect the power of
the remaining members to execute the duties of the Board.''.
(b) Meetings and Duties.--Section 192A (42 U.S.C. 12651b) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``3 times each year''
and inserting ``four times each year, with one of the four
meetings being an annual meeting to review the Administration's
long-term and strategic goals,''; and
(2) by striking subsections (e), (f), and (g) and inserting
the following:
``(e) Advisory Duties.--The Board shall have responsibility for
making recommendations to the Director concerning the programs and
activities of the Administration and the overall policy for the
Administration and shall--
``(1) advise the Director with respect to policies,
programs, and procedures for carrying out the Director's
functions, duties, or responsibilities under this Act;
``(2) advise the Director on establishing requirements and
criteria for qualifying service programs, and on monitoring and
evaluating the performance of personnel in carrying out
programs and activities;
``(3) make recommendations regarding priorities for the
applications for service programs submitted for approval under
this Act;
``(4) review and make recommendations to the Director--
``(A) with respect to any grants, allotments,
contracts, financial assistance, or other payment of
the Administration; and
``(B) regarding the regulations, standards,
policies, procedures, programs, and initiatives of the
Administration;
``(5) review, and advise the Director regarding, the
actions of the Director with respect to the personnel of the
Administration, and with respect to such standards, policies,
procedures, programs, and initiatives as are necessary or
appropriate to carry out the programs and activities of the
Administration, including those carried out under the national
service laws on the day before the date of enactment of the
ACTION for National Service Act;
``(6) make recommendations relating to a program of
research for the Administration with respect to national and
community service programs;
``(7) ensure effective dissemination of information
regarding the programs and activities of the Administration;
``(8) prepare and make recommendations to the Director and
the appropriate committees of Congress for changes in the
national service laws resulting from the studies and
demonstrations conducted by the Administration, which
recommendations shall be submitted to the Director and the
appropriate committees of Congress not later than January 1 of
each year;
``(9) make recommendations to the Director on candidates to
serve on the Board of the National Service Foundation described
in section 199P; and
``(10) advise on such other matters as the Director may
request.''.
SEC. 5. DIRECTOR.
(a) Appointment.--Section 193(a) (42 U.S.C. 12651c) is amended--
(1) by striking ``an individual who shall serve as Chief
Executive Officer of the Corporation, and'' and inserting ``a
Director,''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``and who shall
hold the same rank and status as the head of an executive
department listed in section 101 of title 5, United States
Code.''.
(b) Duties.--Section 193A(b) (42 U.S.C. 12651d(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (24), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (25), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(26) notwithstanding any other provision of law--
``(A) make grants to or contracts with Federal and
other public departments or agencies, and private
nonprofit organizations, for the assignment or referral
of volunteers under the provisions of title I of the
Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4951
et seq.) (except as provided in section 108 of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 4958)), which may provide that the agency or
organization shall pay all or a part of the costs of
the program; and
``(B) enter into agreements with other Federal
agencies or private nonprofit organizations for the
support of programs under the national service laws,
which--
``(i) may provide that the agency or
organization shall pay all or a part of the
costs of the program, except as is provided in
section 121(b); and
``(ii) shall provide that the program
(including any program operated by another
Federal agency) will comply with all
requirements related to evaluation,
performance, and other goals applicable to
similar programs under the national service
laws, as determined by the Administration.''.
(c) Initial Director.--The Chief Executive Officer of the
Corporation for National and Community Service (as in existence the day
before the date of enactment of this Act) may serve as the initial
Director of the AmeriCorps Administration.
(d) Conforming Amendment.--Section 19(d)(1) of title 3, United
States Code, is amended by inserting ``, Director of the AmeriCorps
Administration'' after ``Secretary of Homeland Security''.
SEC. 6. NATIONAL SERVICE EDUCATIONAL AWARDS.
Section 147(a) (42 U.S.C. 12603(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Except as provided'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--Except as provided'';
(2) by striking ``shall receive a national service
educational award'' and all that follows through
``appropriations)'' and inserting ``shall be entitled to a
national service educational award equal to the award amount
specified in paragraph (2)''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Award amount.--The award referred to in paragraph
(1), payable to an individual described in such paragraph,
shall be in an amount that is equal to twice the amount of the
national average of the yearly cost for in-State tuition and
fees at public, 4-year institutions of higher education, for
the award year for which the national service position is
approved by the Administration.
``(3) Definition.--In this subsection, the term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given the
term in section 148(h).''.
SEC. 7. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.
The Director of the AmeriCorps Administration, using funds made
available under section 501(a)(5) of the National and Community Service
Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12681(a)(5)), shall establish an interagency
working group to--
(1) evaluate and make recommendations regarding a process
for evaluating the eligibility, for national service
educational awards, of individuals who have participated in
national service programs that are not administered under this
Act but are described in section 123(2) of that Act (42 U.S.C.
12573(2));
(2) evaluate the feasibility and advisability of granting
Federal hiring preference under chapter 33 of title 5, United
States Code, to an individual who has completed a term of
service in an approved national service position equivalent in
duration to the term described in section 139(b)(1) and is
entitled to the award authorized under section 147(a)(2) of
that Act (as amended by section 6 of this Act) for that
service; and
(3) not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of
this Act, prepare and submit to Congress a report containing
the results of the evaluations described in paragraphs (1) and
(2).
SEC. 8. NATIONAL SERVICE FOUNDATION.
(a) Elimination of Current Authority for Donations of Property.--
Section 196(a) (42 U.S.C. 12651g(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (2);
(2) by redesignating clause (iii) of paragraph (1)(C) as
paragraph (2); and
(3) in paragraph (2), as redesignated by paragraph (2) of
this subsection, by striking all that precedes ``this term''
and inserting the following:
``(2) Inherently governmental function.--As used in this
subsection,''.
(b) Foundation.--Title I (42 U.S.C. 12511 et seq.) is further
amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle:
``Subtitle K--National Service Foundation
``SEC. 199P. NATIONAL SERVICE FOUNDATION.
``(a) Establishment.--In order to encourage private gifts of real
and personal property or any income from that property or other
interest in that property for the benefit of, or in connection with,
the Administration, and its activities, services, or former
participants, and through those gifts to further the mission and
purpose of the Administration and to provide greater opportunities for
volunteer service, there is established a charitable and nonprofit
corporation to be known as the National Service Foundation (referred to
in this subtitle as the `Foundation') to accept and administer such
gifts.
``(b) Board of the Foundation.--
``(1) In general.--The National Service Foundation shall
consist of a Board of the Foundation, having as members the
Director of the Administration, as an ex officio, nonvoting
member, and not less than 6 individuals, who are not officers
or employees of the Federal Government, appointed by the
Director after considering the recommendations of the Advisory
Board described in section 192.
``(2) Terms.--
``(A) Initial members.--The terms of the initial
members of the Board of the Foundation shall be
staggered to assure continuity of administration.
``(B) Subsequent members.--A subsequent member
shall serve for a term of 6 years.
``(C) Vacancies.--If a vacancy occurs on the Board
of the Foundation, a new member shall be appointed by
the Director and serve for the remainder of the term
for which the predecessor of such member was appointed.
The vacancy shall not affect the power of the remaining
members to execute the duties of the Board of the
Foundation.
``(3) Chairman.--The Director shall be the Chairman of the
Board of the Foundation.
``(4) Status.--Members and staff of the Board of the
Foundation shall not be considered to be officers or employees
of the Federal Government.
``(5) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Board of
the Foundation serving at any one time shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business, and the Foundation
shall have an official seal, which shall be judicially noticed.
``(6) Meetings.--The Board of the Foundation shall meet at
the call of the Chairman, and not less often than once each
year.
``(7) Compensation and travel expenses.--
``(A) Compensation.--A member of the Board of the
Foundation shall serve without compensation.
Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States
Code, the Board may accept and use voluntary and
uncompensated services as the Commission determines
necessary.
``(B) Travel expenses.--A member of the Board shall
be allowed travel expenses (out of Foundation funds),
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates
authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I
of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while
away from the member's home or regular places of
business in the performance of services for the Board.
``(c) Authorization To Accept and Use Gifts and Bequests.--The
Foundation is authorized to accept, receive, solicit, hold, administer,
and use any gifts, devises, or bequests, either absolutely or in trust
of real or personal property or any income from the property or other
interest in the property for the benefit of or in connection with, the
Administration, its activities, or its services. The Foundation may not
accept any such gift, devise, or bequest that entails any expenditure
other than from the resources of the Foundation. An interest in such
real property includes, among other things, easements or other rights
for preservation, conservation, protection, or enhancement by and for
the public of natural, scenic, historic, scientific, educational,
inspirational, or recreational resources. A gift, devise, or bequest
relating to property may be accepted by the Foundation even though the
property is encumbered, restricted, or subject to beneficial interests
of private persons, if any current or future interest in the property
is for the benefit of the Administration, its activities, or its
services.
``(d) Use of Funds, Investment.--
``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise required by the
instrument of transfer to the Foundation, the Foundation may
sell, lease, invest, reinvest, retain, or otherwise dispose of
or deal with any property transferred to the Foundation or
income from the property as the Board of the Foundation may
from time to time determine to be appropriate. The Foundation
shall not engage in any business, nor shall the Foundation make
any investment, that may not lawfully be engaged in or made by
a trust company in the District of Columbia, except that the
Foundation may make any investment authorized by the instrument
of transfer, and may retain any property accepted by the
Foundation.
``(2) Services and facilities.--The Foundation may utilize
the services and facilities of the Administration, and such
services and facilities may be made available on request to the
extent practicable without reimbursement.
``(e) Succession, Liability, and Powers.--
``(1) Succession.--The Foundation shall have perpetual
succession, with all the usual powers and obligations of a
corporation acting as a trustee, including the power to sue and
to be sued in its own name.
``(2) Liability.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the
members of the Board of the Foundation shall not be personally
liable for acts or omissions related to the Foundation, except
for malfeasance.
``(3) Powers.--The Foundation shall have the power to enter
into contracts, to execute instruments, and generally to do any
and all lawful acts necessary or appropriate to its purposes.
``(f) Bylaws.--In carrying out the provisions of this Act, the
Board of the Foundation may adopt bylaws, rules, and regulations
necessary for the administration of its functions and enter into
contracts for any necessary services.
``(g) Tax Exempt Status.--
``(1) In general.--The Foundation and any income or
property received or owned by it, and all transactions relating
to such income or property, shall be exempt from all Federal,
State, and local taxation.
``(2) Contributions to local government.--The Foundation
may, however, in the discretion of the Board of the
Foundation--
``(A) contribute toward the costs of local
government in amounts not in excess of those costs that
it would be obligated to pay such government if it were
not exempt from taxation because of this subsection or
because of its status as a charitable and nonprofit
corporation; and
``(B) agree to so contribute property transferred
to the Foundation and the income derived from the
property if such agreement is a condition of the
transfer.
``(3) Use of the united states.--Contributions, gifts, and
other transfers made to or for the use of the Foundation shall
be regarded as contributions, gifts, or transfers to or for the
use of the United States.
``(h) Nonliability of the United States.--The United States shall
not be liable for any debts, defaults, acts, or omissions of the
Foundation.
``(i) Reports.--The Foundation shall, as soon as practicable after
the end of each fiscal year, prepare and submit to Congress an annual
report on its proceedings and activities, including a full and complete
statement of its receipts, expenditures, and investments.
``(j) Initial Funding.--For the purposes of assisting the
Foundation in establishing an office and meeting initial
administrative, project, and other startup expenses, there is
authorized to be appropriated $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2027. Such
funds shall remain available to the Foundation until they are expended
for authorized purposes.''.
SEC. 9. 21ST CENTURY AMERICAN SERVICE OUTREACH PROGRAM.
Subtitle F of title I (42 U.S.C. 12631 et seq.) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 189E. 21ST CENTURY AMERICAN SERVICE OUTREACH PROGRAM.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Covered individual.--The term `covered individual'
means an individual who is not younger than age 17 or older
than age 30.
``(2) National service program.--The term `national service
program' means a program under--
``(A) this Act; or
``(B) title I of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act
of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4951 et seq.).
``(b) Program.--In order to ensure that every covered individual
who may want to participate in service programs is informed of the
opportunities to participate, the Administration shall--
``(1) determine how the Administration will work with
Federal or State agencies and other entities to--
``(A) contact each covered individual upon such
individual's 17th birthday to notify the individual
about--
``(i) the individual's eligibility to
participate in national service programs;
``(ii) the national service programs and
how to apply for a specific program;
``(iii) other service programs for which
the individual may be eligible, including
service with the Peace Corps (as established by
the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.))
and military service; and
``(iv) the individual's option to opt out
of receiving any notifications, or just
notifications in a paper format, under this
paragraph; and
``(B) after contacting a covered individual under
subparagraph (A), notify the individual every 2 years
thereafter of the information described in clauses (i)
through (iv) of subparagraph (A), unless--
``(i) the individual is serving in a
national service program or other program
described in subparagraph (A); or
``(ii) the individual has opted out of
receiving such notifications under subparagraph
(A)(iv);
``(2) determine how the Administration will enable covered
individuals to, and then enable eligible individuals to, apply
for a specific national service program and ensure that such
application process is the most effective process for the
purpose of applying for such a program; and
``(3) develop a long-term strategy to gradually increase
the number of opportunities in national service programs so
that any covered individual who applies to and is eligible to
participate in a national service program will be offered at
least one service position.''.
SEC. 10. LIVING ALLOWANCE AMOUNTS.
(a) Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973.--Section 105(b) of the
Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4955(b)(2)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``95 percent''
and inserting ``175 percent''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``105
percent'' and inserting ``210 percent''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(4)(A) A stipend or allowance under this subsection shall not be
increased as a result of amendments made by the ACTION for National
Service Act, or any other amendment made to this subsection unless the
funds appropriated for carrying out this part are sufficient to
maintain for the fiscal year in question a number of participants to
serve under this part at least equal to the number of such participants
serving during the preceding fiscal year.
``(B) In the event that sufficient appropriations for any fiscal
year are not available to increase any such stipend or allowance
provided to the minimum amount specified in paragraph (2), the Director
shall increase the stipend or allowance to such amount as
appropriations for such year permit consistent with subparagraph
(A).''.
(b) National and Community Service Act of 1990.--
(1) National civilian community corps living allowances.--
Section 158(b) (42 U.S.C. 12618(b)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``The Director'' the first place it
appears and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The Director'';
(B) by striking ``100 percent'' and inserting ``200
percent''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Increases limited by appropriations.--
``(A) Limit on increases.--An allowance under this
subsection or section 140 shall not be increased as a
result of amendments made by the ACTION for National
Service Act, or any other amendment made to this
subsection or section 140, respectively, unless the
funds appropriated for carrying out this subtitle or
subtitle C, respectively, are sufficient to maintain
for the fiscal year in question a number of
participants to serve under this subtitle or subtitle
C, respectively, at least equal to the number of such
participants serving during the preceding fiscal year.
``(B) Partial increase.--In the event that
sufficient appropriations for any fiscal year are not
available to increase an allowance under this
subsection above the amount provided for fiscal year
2026 or under section 140 to the minimum amount
specified in section 140, respectively, the Director
shall increase the allowance to such amount as
appropriations for such year permit consistent with
subparagraph (A).''.
(2) Grants.--Section 189 (42 U.S.C. 12645c) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``$18,000'' and
inserting ``$30,000'';
(B) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``$19,500''
and inserting ``$39,000''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Insufficient Appropriations.--Notwithstanding the increased
limitation on grant amounts per full-time equivalent position described
in subsection (a) and the increased limitation described in subsection
(e)(1) as a result of amendments made by the ACTION for National
Service Act, or any other amendment made to this section, the amount of
funds per full-time equivalent position approved by the Administration
for a grant, as described in those subsections, shall not be increased
unless the funds appropriated for carrying out this subtitle are
sufficient to make such increase while maintaining for the fiscal year
in question a number of approved national service positions at least
equal to the number of such positions during the preceding fiscal
year.''.
SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 501 (42 U.S.C. 12681) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) Subtitles c and d.--
``(A) Subtitle c.--There are authorized to be
appropriated for each of fiscal years 2027 through
fiscal year 2036, such sums as may be necessary to
provide financial assistance under subtitle C of title
I for the number of participants in programs and
activities under subtitle C for fiscal year 2026.
``(B) Subtitle d.--There are authorized to be
appropriated, and there are appropriated, for fiscal
year 2027 and each subsequent fiscal year, such sums as
may be necessary to provide national service
educational awards under subtitle D of title I for the
number of participants for whom the Administration
recorded an obligation under section 149(a)(1)(B) for
fiscal year 2026.'';
(B) in paragraph (6), by striking ``subsection
(b)'' and inserting ``subsection (c)''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Subtitle k.--There are authorized to be appropriated
such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2027 and each
subsequent fiscal year to carry out subtitle K of title I.'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
(3) by adding after subsection (a) the following:
``(b) Additional Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) Authorization.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Administration to carry out its programs
and functions, including the programs and activities carried
out under this Act and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of
1973 (42 U.S.C. 4950 et seq.), such additional sums as may be
necessary to achieve the goal set forth in paragraph (2).
``(2) Ten-year goal.--It is the sense of Congress that sums
appropriated under paragraph (1) should be sufficient to
provide or facilitate the provision of national service
programs and activities under the national service laws (in
addition to programs and activities funded under subsection (a)
for fiscal year 2027) for not fewer than 1,000,000 participants
per year by September 30, 2036.
``(3) Plan for approved national service positions.--The
Administration shall--
``(A) prepare a plan to--
``(i) establish the number of the approved
national service positions as 250,000 for
fiscal year 2027; and
``(ii) increase the number of the approved
positions in each fiscal year through fiscal
year 2035, so that the number of approved
positions in fiscal year 2036 is sufficient to
support the goal in paragraph (2);
``(B) ensure that the increases described in
subparagraph (A)(ii) are achieved through an
appropriate balance of full- and part-time service
positions;
``(C) not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the ACTION for National Service Act,
submit a report to the authorizing committees on the
status of the plan described in subparagraph (A);
``(D) not later than 8 years after the date of
enactment of the ACTION for National Service Act,
submit a report to the authorizing committees on the
progress of the Administration towards the goal
described in paragraph (2), and the potential for
exceeding that goal in fiscal year 2036 and beyond; and
``(E) subject to the availability of appropriations
and quality service opportunities, implement the plan
described in subparagraph (A).''.
SEC. 12. REPORT ON MATCHING REQUIREMENTS.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Director of the AmeriCorps Administration shall submit to the Committee
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the
Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives a
report on any recommendations for changes needed to matching funds or
share requirements for recipients of funding for programs under the
AmeriCorps Administration to achieve the 10-year goal described in
section 501(b)(2) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12681(b)(2)) and increase the number of national service
programs, activities, and participants, in underserved communities.
SEC. 13. EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME OF NATIONAL SERVICE EDUCATIONAL
AWARDS.
(a) In General.--Section 117 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to qualified scholarships) is amended by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(e) National Service Educational Awards.--Gross income shall not
include any amounts for payments specified in section 145(c) of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990.''.
(b) Exclusion of Discharge of Student Loan Debt.--Subsection (f) of
section 108 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(6) Payments under national service educational award
programs.--In the case of an individual, gross income shall not
include any amount received from a national service educational
award under subtitle D of title I of the National and Community
Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12601 et seq.).''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 14. INCOME TAX EXCLUSION FOR LIVING ALLOWANCE.
(a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting before section
140 the following new section:
``SEC. 139M. LIVING ALLOWANCE FOR NATIONAL SERVICE PARTICIPANTS.
``Gross income does not include the amount of any living allowance
provided under section 140 of the National and Community Service Act of
1990.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for part III of
subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended by inserting before the item relating to section 140 the
following new item:
``Sec. 139M. Living allowance for national service participants.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 15. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO THE NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
ACT OF 1990.
(a) Definitions.--Section 101 (42 U.S.C. 12511) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (9) and inserting the following:
``(9) Director.--The term `Director' means the Director of
the AmeriCorps Administration appointed under section 193.'';
(2) by striking paragraph (12) and inserting the following:
``(12) Administration.--The term `Administration' means the
AmeriCorps Administration established under section 191.'';
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (12), (1) through (8),
(10), (11), and (9) as paragraphs (1) through (12),
respectively; and
(4) by transferring the redesignated paragraphs so the
paragraphs appear in numerical order.
(b) Service-Learning Programs.--
(1) Section 113(a) (42 U.S.C. 12525(a)), section 114(c) (42
U.S.C. 12526(c)), and section 116(a) (42 U.S.C. 12528(a)) are
amended, in the subsection headings, by striking
``Corporation'' and inserting ``Administration''.
(2) Section 116(a)(2) (42 U.S.C. 12528(a)(2)) is amended,
in the paragraph heading, by striking ``Noncorporation'' and
inserting ``Nonadministration''.
(c) National Service Trust Program.--
(1) Section 121 is amended--
(A) in subsection (e)(5)(B) (42 U.S.C.
12571(e)(5)(B)), in the subparagraph heading, by
striking ``Corporation'' and inserting
``Administration''; and
(B) by striking subsection (f).
(2) Section 122 (42 U.S.C. 12572) is amended--
(A) in subsection (d)(1), in the paragraph heading,
by striking ``corporation'' and inserting
``administration''; and
(B) in subsection (f)(1)(A)--
(i) in the subparagraph heading, by
striking ``corporation'' and inserting
``administration''; and
(ii) by striking ``the strategic plan
approved under section 192A(g)(1,)'' and
inserting ``the strategic plan recommended by
the Board''.
(3) Section 129A(b) (42 U.S.C. 12581a(b)) and section
131(f) (42 U.S.C. 12583(f)) are amended, in the subsection
headings, by striking ``Corporation'' and inserting
``Administration''.
(d) National Service Trust.--Section 145 (42 U.S.C. 12601) is
amended, in subsections (a)(2) and (d)(1), by striking ``section
196(a)(2)'' and inserting ``section 199P''.
(e) National Civilian Community Corps.--
(1) Section 159 (42 U.S.C. 12619) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``,
including those recommended by the Board,'' and
inserting ``, after reviewing any
recommendations by the Board,''; and
(ii) by striking paragraph (3) and
inserting the following:
``(3) at the election of the Director, carry out any other
activities recommended by the Board.''; and
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (1), by adding ``and'' at
the end;
(ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ``;
and'' and inserting a period; and
(iii) by striking paragraph (3).
(2) Section 165(1) (42 U.S.C. 12626(1)) is amended by
striking ``Board of Directors'' and inserting ``Advisory
Board''.
(f) Administration.--
(1) Section 172(b) (42 U.S.C. 12632(b)) is amended, in the
subsection heading, by striking ``Corporation'' and inserting
``Administration''.
(2) Section 178 (42 U.S.C. 12638) is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)(3), in the paragraph heading,
by striking ``Corporation'' and inserting
``Administration''; and
(B) in subsection (j)(1), in the paragraph heading,
by striking ``corporation'' and inserting
``administration''.
(g) AmeriCorps Administration.--
(1) Subtitle G of title I (42 U.S.C. 12651 et seq.) is
amended by striking the subtitle heading and inserting the
following:
``Subtitle G--AmeriCorps Administration''.
(2) Section 191 (42 U.S.C. 12651) is amended by striking
the section heading and inserting the following:
``SEC. 191. AMERICORPS ADMINISTRATION.''.
(3) Section 192 (42 U.S.C. 12651a) is amended by striking
the section heading and inserting the following:
``SEC. 192. ADVISORY BOARD.''.
(4) Section 192A (42 U.S.C. 12651b) is amended by striking
the section heading and inserting the following:
``SEC. 192A. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD.''.
(5) Section 193 (42 U.S.C. 12651c) and section 193A (42
U.S.C. 12651d) are amended, in the section headings, by
striking ``chief executive officer'' and inserting
``director''.
(6) Section 193A (42 U.S.C. 12651d) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``that are not
reserved to the Board,'' and inserting ``, after
reviewing any recommendations from the Board'';
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraphs (1), (2)(A), (3)(A),
(4)(A), and (8) by striking ``prepare and
submit to the Board'' and inserting ``after
reviewing any recommendations from the Board,
prepare and submit to the authorizing
committees'';
(ii) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``an
approved proposal under section 192A(g)(2)''
and inserting ``a proposal recommended by the
Board'';
(iii) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``an
approved proposal under section 192A(g)(3)''
and inserting ``a proposal recommended by the
Board'';
(iv) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking ``an
approved proposal under section 192A(g)(4)''
and inserting ``a plan recommended by the
Board'';
(v) in paragraph (7), by striking ``prepare
and submit to the authorizing committees and
the Board'' and inserting ``after reviewing any
recommendations from the Board, prepare and
submit to the authorizing committees'';
(vi) in paragraph (9)(B)--
(I) in clause (i), by striking
``approved by the Board under section
192A(g)(1)'' and inserting
``recommended by the Board'';
(II) in clause (ii), by striking
``approved by the Board under paragraph
(2) or (3) of section 192A(g)'' and
inserting ``recommended by the Board'';
and
(III) in clause (iii), by striking
``approved by the Board under section
192A(g)(4)'' and inserting
``recommended by the Board'';
(vii) in paragraph (10)(A), by striking
``the services referred to in paragraph (1),
and the money and property referred to in
paragraph (2), of section 196(a)'' and
inserting ``the services referred to in section
196(a)(1), and the money and property referred
to in section 199P,'';
(viii) in paragraph (11), by striking
``prepare and submit to the Board
periodically,'' and inserting ``, after
reviewing any recommendations from the Board,
periodically prepare and submit to the
authorizing committees''; and
(ix) in paragraph (12)--
(I) by striking ``members of the
Board and'';
(II) by striking ``each member of
the Board and''; and
(III) by striking ``such member of
the Board or''; and
(C) in subsection (d), by striking paragraph (3).
(7) Section 195 (42 U.S.C. 12651f) is amended--
(A) in subsection (c), in the subsection heading,
by striking ``Corporation'' and inserting
``Administration''; and
(B) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``The Chief
Executive Officer, acting upon the recommendation of
the Board, may establish advisory committees in the
Corporation to advise the Board'' and inserting ``The
Director may establish advisory committees in the
Administration to advise the Director''.
(8) Sections 196A (42 U.S.C. 12651h) and 198 (42 U.S.C.
12653) are amended in the section headings by striking
``corporation'' and inserting ``administration''.
(h) Investment for Quality and Innovation.--Part I of subtitle H of
title I (42 U.S.C. 12653 et seq.) is amended by striking the part
heading and inserting the following:
``PART I--ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT NATIONAL
SERVICE''.
(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 501(a)(5)(B) (42
U.S.C. 12681(a)(5)(B)) is amended, in the subparagraph heading, by
striking ``Corporation'' and inserting ``Administration''.
(j) Global References to Corporation.--Except in section
101(21)(A)(ii), section 132(b), or section 601(b) of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511(21)(A)(ii), 12584(b)),
and except as provided in the table of contents or any heading of the
Act, the Act is amended by striking ``Corporation'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Administration''.
(k) Global References to Chief Executive Officer.--Except as
provided in the table of contents or any heading of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990, the Act is amended by striking ``Chief
Executive Officer'' each place it appears and inserting ``Director''.
(l) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 1(b) (42
U.S.C. 12501 note) is amended--
(1) in the items relating to subtitle G of title I--
(A) by striking the item relating to the subtitle
heading for subtitle G and inserting the following:
``Subtitle G--AmeriCorps Administration'';
(B) by striking the item relating to section 191
and inserting the following:
``Sec. 191. AmeriCorps Administration.'';
(C) by striking the item relating to section 193
and inserting the following:
``Sec. 193. Director.'';
(D) by striking the item relating to section 193A
and inserting the following:
``Sec. 193A. Authorities and duties of the Director.'';
and
(E) by striking the item relating to section 196A
and inserting the following:
``Sec. 196A. Administration State offices.'';
(2) in the items relating to part I of subtitle H of title
I--
(A) by striking the item relating to the part
heading and inserting the following:
``Part I--Additional Administration Activities To Support National
Service'';
and
(B) by striking the item relating to section 198
and inserting the following:
``Sec. 198. Additional Administration activities to support national
service.'';
and
(3) in the items relating to title I, by adding at the end
the following:
``Subtitle K--National Service Foundation
``Sec. 199P. National Service Foundation.''.
SEC. 16. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO THE DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER SERVICE ACT OF
1973.
(a) Definitions.--Section 421 of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act
of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5061) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) the term `Director' means the Director of the
AmeriCorps Administration appointed under section 193 of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990;'';
(2) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
``(7) the term `Administration' means the AmeriCorps
Administration established under section 191 of the National
and Community Service Act of 1990;'';
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (7), (20), (1), (8), (9),
(10), (11), (13), (12), (3), (4), (6), (5), (14), (15), (16),
(17), (2), (18), and (19) as paragraphs (1) through (20),
respectively; and
(4) transferring such redesignated paragraphs so that the
paragraphs appear in numerical order.
(b) References to Names.--The Domestic Volunteer Service Act of
1973 is amended--
(1) in section 2(b) (42 U.S.C. 4950(b)), by striking
``Corporation for National and Community Service'' and
inserting ``Director of the AmeriCorps Administration'';
(2) except as provided in subsection (a) and paragraph (1)
of this subsection, by striking ``Corporation'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Administration''; and
(3) in section 201(h) (42 U.S.C. 5001(h)), by striking
``Chief Executive Officer'' and inserting ``Director''.
SEC. 17. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO OTHER LAWS.
(a) Civil Service Retirement.--Chapter 83 of title 5, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in section 8332(j)(1), by striking ``Chief Executive
Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service''
and inserting ``Director of the AmeriCorps Administration'';
and
(2) in section 8334(l)(3), by striking ``Chief Executive
Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service''
and inserting ``Director of the AmeriCorps Administration''.
(b) Federal Employees' Retirement System.--Section 8422(f)(3) of
title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking ``Chief Executive
Officer of the Corporation for National and Community Service'' and
inserting ``Director of the AmeriCorps Administration''.
(c) Inspector General Act of 1978.--Title 5, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in section 414--
(A) by striking the title and inserting the
following:
``SEC. 8F. SPECIAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE AMERICORPS
ADMINISTRATION.'';
(B) by striking ``Corporation for National and
Community Service'' each place it appears and inserting
``AmeriCorps Administration'';
(C) by striking ``Chief Executive Officer'' each
place it appears and inserting ``Director'';
(D) in subsection (b), by striking ``such
Corporation.'' and inserting ``such Administration.'';
(E) in subsection (c), by striking ``the
Corporation shall'' and inserting ``the Administration
shall''; and
(F) in subsection (d), by striking ``the
Corporation,'' and inserting ``the Administration,'';
and
(2) in section 12--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Corporation for
National and Community Service'' and inserting
``AmeriCorps Administration''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Chief Executive
Officer of the Corporation for National and Community
Service'' and inserting ``Director of the AmeriCorps
Administration''.
(d) Homeland Security Act of 2002.--Section 509(b)(2)(A) of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 319(b)(2)(A)) is amended by
striking ``Corporation for National and Community Service'' and
inserting ``AmeriCorps Administration''.
(e) Volunteers in the National Forests Act of 1972.--Section 4 of
the Volunteers in the National Forests Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 558c) is
amended by striking ``Corporation for National and Community Service''
and inserting ``AmeriCorps Administration''.
(f) Public Lands Corps of 1993.--Section 209 of the Public Lands
Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1727a) is amended by striking ``Chief
Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community
Service'' each place it appears and inserting ``Director of the
AmeriCorps Administration''.
(g) Museum and Library Services Act.--Section 204(g) of the Museum
and Library Services Act (20 U.S.C. 9103(g)) is amended by striking
``Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community
Service'' and inserting ``Director of the AmeriCorps Administration''.
(h) Indian Financing Act of 1974.--Section 502 of the Indian
Financing Act of 1974 (25 U.S.C. 1542) is amended by striking
``ACTION'' and inserting ``the AmeriCorps Administration''.
(i) Government Corporations.--Section 9101 of title 31, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``Corporation for National and
Community Service'' and inserting ``AmeriCorps Administration''.
(j) Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974.--
Section 206 of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of
1974 (34 U.S.C. 11116) is amended by striking ``Chief Executive Officer
of the Corporation for National and Community Service'' and inserting
``Director of the AmeriCorps Administration''.
(k) Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.--Section
4001(c)(12) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42
U.S.C. 300u-10(c)(12)) is amended by striking ``the Chairman of the
Corporation for National and Community Service'' and inserting ``the
Director of the AmeriCorps Administration''.
(l) Property Management.--Section 550(g) of title 40, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Chief Executive Officer
of the Corporation for National and Community Service'' and
inserting ``Director of the AmeriCorps Administration''; and
(2) except as provided in paragraph (1), by striking
``Chief Executive Officer'' each place it appears and inserting
``Director''.
(m) Social Security Act.--The Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 301 et
seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 1612(b)(25) (42 U.S.C. 1382a(b)(25)), by
striking ``Corporation for National and Community Service'' and
inserting ``AmeriCorps Administration''; and
(2) in section 2056(b)(2)(J) (42 U.S.C. 1397n-5(b)(2)(J)),
by striking ``Corporation for National and Community Service''
and inserting ``AmeriCorps Administration''.
(n) Older Americans Act of 1965.--The Older Americans Act of 1965
is amended--
(1) in section 202(c) (42 U.S.C. 3012(c)), in the matter
preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``Chief Executive Officer
of the Corporation for National and Community Service'' and
inserting ``Director of the AmeriCorps Administration'';
(2) in section 203(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 3013(a)(1)), by
striking ``Corporation for National and Community Service'' and
inserting ``AmeriCorps Administration'';
(3) in section 301(a)(2)(F) (42 U.S.C. 3021(a)(2)(F)), by
striking ``Corporation for National and Community Service'' and
inserting ``AmeriCorps Administration'';
(4) in section 306(a)(6)(C)(iii) (42 U.S.C.
3026(a)(6)(C)(iii)), by striking ``Corporation for National and
Community Service'' and inserting ``AmeriCorps
Administration''; and
(5) in section 373(d) (42 U.S.C. 3030s-1(d)), by striking
``Corporation for National and Community Service'' and
inserting ``AmeriCorps Administration''.
(o) McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.--Section 202(a)(12) of
the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11312(a)(12)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``Corporation for National and Community
Service'' and inserting ``AmeriCorps Administration''; and
(2) by striking ``Chief Executive Officer'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Director''.
(p) Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988.--Section 3601(5) of the Anti-Drug
Abuse Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 11851(5)) is amended by striking ``Chief
Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Community
Service'' and inserting ``Director of the AmeriCorps Administration''.
(q) Claude Pepper Young Americans Act of 1990.--Section 916(b) of
the Claude Pepper Young Americans Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12312(b)) is
amended by striking ``Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for
National and Community Service'' and inserting ``Director of the
AmeriCorps Administration''.
(r) National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993.--Section 205
of the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C.
12682) is amended by striking ``Corporation for National and Community
Service'' and inserting ``AmeriCorps Administration''.
(s) Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007.--Section 20638 of
the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 (42 U.S.C. 12651i) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``Corporation for National and Community
Service'' the second, third, and fourth places it appears and
inserting ``AmeriCorps Administration''; and
(2) by striking ``Chief Executive Officer'' each place it
appears and inserting ``Director''.
(t) References.--Any reference in any other Federal law, Executive
order, rule, regulation, delegation of authority, or document to--
(1) the Corporation for National and Community Service is
deemed to refer to the AmeriCorps Administration; and
(2) the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for
National and Community Service is deemed to refer to the
Director of the AmeriCorps Administration.
<all>