That would be REPUBLICAN Orrin Hatch

Some of you may have been as puzzled as me by all the signs protesting Obama's 'mandatory' volunteer service.  It seems the usual suspects on the right think this is an issue that will get the troops all worked up (judging from the signs today - it worked).  Only problem is there ain't no such thing.

HATCH LAUDS SENATE PASSAGE OF HISTORIC SERVE AMERICA ACT 

 
WASHINGTON – A historic bill that could put millions of American volunteers to work tackling the toughest challenges facing the nation’s neighborhoods and communities cleared the Senate today. 

Written by Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), the bipartisan Serve America Act (H.R. 1388) is the most sweeping overhaul of the nation’s national service programs in more than 16 years. Sens. Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) also played an integral role in crafting the bill. 

For his part, Hatch was pleased with the strong bipartisan show of support for the landmark legislation, which the Senate passed by a 79-19 margin. He called the bill a fiscally responsible way to re-enshrine volunteerism in the nation’s pantheon of principles by tapping the genius and resourcefulness of the American people. 

“The passage of the Serve America Act is a significant milestone for our country. By increasing opportunities nationwide for Americans to serve and, thus, enabling private citizens to do more for their communities, personal and community responsibility will take the place of direct government aid,” Hatch said. “Volunteer service is a keystone of our country’s traditions, and it is becoming increasingly important in these troubled economic times that we help our neighbors. I am honored to be a part of the bipartisan group of senators who joined together to support this important legislation.” 

Hatch further noted that the service rendered under this legislation will be strictly voluntary and that the bill enables faith-based groups to compete for program funds on an equal footing with secular nonprofits. 

“More Americans perform volunteer service through church-sponsored and faith-based organizations than in any other venue, and the Serve America Act will enable those groups to continue that longstanding tradition and perform more volunteer service than ever,” Hatch said. 

Moreover, the senator continued, the bill would eliminate waste and bring greater accountability to the nation’s service programs. It also represents a fiscally shrewd investment since every dollar spent on national service returns between $1.60 and $2.60 on that investment. 

“The Serve America Act is founded on the fundamental belief in the power of the American people to improve their country and communities at the local level,” Hatch said. “It is about looking first to community and faith-based institutions to help solve our toughest challenges. It underscores our belief in public-private partnerships that cost the government little and bring a high return on that investment. Most of all, it is about fostering a love of country during a time when Americans’ patriotism has been shaken by a tough economy, failing institutions and scheming individuals who have hurt many people. It is about renewing the confidence of the American people and the can-do spirit that makes this the greatest nation on Earth and the last, best hope of mankind.”