HR 1388111th CongressSigned into LawHouse

Serve America Act

Policy Area: Education

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Origin Chamber

House

Last Updated

Jul 21, 2025

Latest Action Date

Apr 21, 2009

Primary Sponsor

Sponsor

Bill Sponsor

Rep. McCarthy, Carolyn [D-NY-4]

DNY

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Sponsor Committees

Related committee information is not available for this bill yet.

Legislative Timeline

Signed into Law

2009-03-09Referred to Committee

Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.

2009-03-09Introduced

Introduced in House

2009-03-11Reported

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 3.

2009-03-11Committee

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

2009-03-16Calendars

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 10.

2009-03-16Reported

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Education and Labor. H. Rept. 111-37.

2009-03-17Reported

Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 250 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1388 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against consideration are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor now printed in the bill.

2009-03-18Floor

The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 1388.

2009-03-18Floor

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2009-03-18Floor

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 321 - 105 (Roll no. 140).

2009-03-18Passed House

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 321 - 105 (Roll no. 140).

2009-03-18Floor

On motion to recommit with instructions Agreed to by recorded vote: 318 - 105 (Roll no. 139).

2009-03-18Floor

The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. (consideration: CR H3606)

2009-03-18Floor

DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Foxx of North Carolina motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to report the bill back to the House with amendments which prohibit organizations from attempting to influence legislation; organize or engage in protests, petitions, boycotts, or strikes; and assist, promote, or deter union organizing.

2009-03-18Floor

Ms. Foxx moved to recommit with instructions to Education and Labor. (consideration: CR H3604-3607; text: CR H3604-3605)

2009-03-18Floor

The House adopted the remaining amendments en gross as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

2009-03-18Floor

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H3604)

2009-03-18Floor

The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 1388.

2009-03-18Floor

UNFINISHED BUSINESS - The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

2009-03-18Floor

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Titus of Nevada amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Titus demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

2009-03-18Floor

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 250, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Titus of Nevada amendment.

2009-03-18Floor

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 250, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Teague of New Mexico amendment.

2009-03-18Floor

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 250, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Hill of Indiana amendment.

2009-03-18Floor

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Markey of Colorado amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Markey demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

2009-03-18Floor

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 250, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Markey of Colorado amendment.

2009-03-18Floor

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 250, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Roskam of Illinois amendment.

2009-03-18Floor

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Kilroy of Ohio amendment the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Foxx demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

2009-03-18Floor

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 250, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Kilroy of Ohio amendment.

2009-03-18Floor

The House resolved into Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for further consideration.

2009-03-18Floor

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3594-3608)

2009-03-18Floor

Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 1388 as unfinished business.

2009-03-18Floor

On motion that the Committee rise Agreed to by voice vote.

2009-03-18Floor

Mr. Andrews moved that the Committee rise.

2009-03-18Floor

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Roe of Tennessee amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Roe of Tennessee demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

2009-03-18Floor

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 250, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Roe of Tennessee amendment.

2009-03-18Floor

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Loebsack of Iowa amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. McKeon demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

2009-03-18Floor

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 250, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Loebsack of Iowa amendment.

2009-03-18Floor

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 250, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Hunter of California amendment.

2009-03-18Floor

ORDER OF PROCEDURE - Mr. Andrews asked unanimous request that his request for a recorded vote on amendment numbered one in House Report 111-39 be vacated and the amendment be considered adopted pursuant to the ruling of the Chair that the ayes had prevailed on a voice vote. Agreed to without objection.

2009-03-18Floor

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Pingree of Maine amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Andrews demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day.

2009-03-18Floor

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 250, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the Pingree of Maine amendment.

2009-03-18Floor

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Andrews amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment, and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Andrews demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative day. Subsequently, the request for a recorded vote was vacated and the amendment was considered as adopted pursuant to the voice vote.

2009-03-18Floor

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 250, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with thirty minutes of debate on the Andrews amendment as modified.

2009-03-18Floor

GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 1388.

2009-03-18Floor

The Speaker designated the Honorable Ed Pastor to act as Chairman of the Committee.

2009-03-18Floor

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 250 and Rule XVIII.

2009-03-18Floor

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1388 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. All points of order against consideration are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Education and Labor now printed in the bill.

2009-03-18Floor

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 250. (consideration: CR H3543-3594; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H3553-3582)

2009-03-18Passed House

Rule H. Res. 250 passed House.

2009-03-19Floor

Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (consideration: CR S3577; text: CR S3577)

2009-03-19Calendars

Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 35.

2009-03-23Floor

Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 74 - 14. Record Vote Number: 108. (consideration: CR S3600-3601; text: CR S3600)

2009-03-23Floor

Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S3592-3601)

2009-03-24Floor

Measure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S3636-3650)

2009-03-24Floor

Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.

2009-03-24Floor

Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (consideration: CR S3628-3636)

2009-03-25Floor

Cloture motion on the bill presented in Senate. (consideration: CR S3772; text: CR S3772)

2009-03-25Floor

Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3745-3753, S3754-3755, S3755-3773, S3776)

2009-03-26Passed Senate

Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Yea-Nay Vote. 79 - 19. Record Vote Number: 115. (text: CR S3848-3884)

2009-03-26Passed Senate

Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Yea-Nay Vote. 79 - 19. Record Vote Number: 115.(text: CR S3848-3884)

2009-03-26Floor

Cloture motion on the bill withdrawn by unanimous consent in Senate. (consideration: CR S3844)

2009-03-26Floor

Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S3822-3841, S3841-3885)

2009-03-30Floor

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

2009-03-31Legislative Action

Cleared for White House.

2009-03-31ResolvingDifferences

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2009-03-31ResolvingDifferences

On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 275 - 149 (Roll no. 169). (text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H4145-4181)

2009-03-31NotUsed

Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 275 - 149 (Roll no. 169).(text as House agreed to Senate amendment: CR H4145-4181)

2009-03-31ResolvingDifferences

The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H4185)

2009-03-31Floor

DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 296, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on the George Miller (CA) motion to agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 1388.

2009-03-31ResolvingDifferences

Mr. Miller, George moved that the House agree to the Senate amendments. (consideration: CR H4145-4186)

2009-04-20Sent to President

Presented to President.

2009-04-21Signed into Law

Became Public Law No: 111-13.

2009-04-21Signed by President

Signed by President.

Related Votes

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Roll call votes connected to this bill will appear here once bill-to-vote matching is enabled.

Latest Action

Became Public Law No: 111-13.

Official Summary

Official summary has not been imported yet.

GovScope Watchdog™

AI Government Intelligence™

Executive Summary

The Serve America Act (H.R. 1388) is a law enacted by the 111th Congress and signed into law on April 21, 2009. Although the official summary and full text are not provided in the source data, the bill is categorized under the policy area of Education and is known to expand national service programs. It aims to increase opportunities for Americans to engage in community service and volunteering, potentially through programs such as AmeriCorps. The law likely includes provisions to enhance service capacity, funding mechanisms, and administrative structures to support national service initiatives.

Bottom Line

The Serve America Act establishes and expands national service programs to promote community engagement and volunteerism, with a focus on education-related service activities.

Policy Risk Level

🟡 Medium

Neutral Risk Assessment

Key Points

The bill was enacted as Public Law No: 111-13 on April 21, 2009.
It falls under the Education policy area, indicating a focus on service programs related to educational outcomes or youth engagement.
The legislation likely includes provisions to increase funding and support for national service programs such as AmeriCorps.

Who Benefits?

['Participants in national service programs, including AmeriCorps members', 'Community organizations and nonprofits that receive support through service programs', 'Educational institutions and students benefiting from service-related activities', 'Federal agencies administering national service programs']

Potential Concerns

['Implementation challenges related to scaling up national service programs effectively', 'Costs associated with expanding funding and administrative support for service initiatives', 'Oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure program effectiveness and proper use of funds', 'Balancing federal authority with state and local involvement in service program administration']

Political Context

The Serve America Act was passed by the House and became law during the 111th Congress, reflecting bipartisan support for expanding national service opportunities. The legislation builds on previous national service laws and aligns with broader federal efforts to promote civic engagement and community service as part of education and youth development policy.

Hidden Impact Review

Hidden impact flags detected: 2

GovScope reviewed 2 policy-risk categories. Hover for a quick definition. Click detected flags for bill-specific details.

2 Detected

Detected Flags

Indirect Effects

['Increased community engagement and volunteerism may strengthen local organizations and social capital.', 'Expanded service opportunities could influence educational outcomes by integrating service learning.', 'Growth in national service programs may create new pathways for youth employment and skill development.']

GovScope Watchdog Notes

The absence of an official summary and full bill text in the source data limits detailed analysis. Transparency regarding funding levels, oversight mechanisms, and program evaluation criteria is essential to monitor the implementation and impact of the Serve America Act. Future reviews should assess how federal resources are allocated and whether program goals are met effectively.

Passage Likelihood: HighConfidence: 85%Model: gpt-4.1-mini

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