Legislation Authored by Representatives DeSaulnier and Brat to Renew the Congressional Award for Young Americans Passes House
Washington, DC — Today, Representatives Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) and Dave Brat (R-VA) announced that their bipartisan bill, the "Congressional Award Program Act of 2018," to reauthorize the Congressional Award program for five years unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The program, which is a non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive program to honor young Americans who set and accomplish their own goals, was scheduled to expire on October 1, 2018.
"The Congressional Award Foundation is Congress's only charity and the highest honor a Member of the House or Senate can present to a youth civilian. Since the program was established in 1979, young Americans have contributed over 8.5 million hours of public service to communities around the country. It is an important way to honor dedicated youth, and I encourage Contra Costa's young people, and others around the country, to participate in the program," said Congressman DeSaulnier.
"I am grateful my colleagues chose to support and renew the Congressional Award Program. As a former professor, I have loved helping young people achieve success," said Congressman Brat. "The students that participate in this program learn how to chart a course and follow it – which is, of course, a lifelong skill that will serve these outstanding young people for years afterwards. Keep up the good work, Congressional Award Program!"
Participants may register when they turn 13 ½ years old and must complete their activities by their 24th birthday. Congressional Award participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.
The U.S. Congress established the Congressional Award to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people and it was originally signed into law by President Jimmy Carter.
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