TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending July 22, 2005

S.335 a bill to reauthorize the Congressional Award Act.

BRIEF

  The Congressional Awards program provides for the recognition of excellence or at least the striving for excellence by young people between the ages of 14 and 23 who meet specific standards of achievement.

  The participants earn credits for completed hours in volunteer public service, personal development, physical fitness and expedition/exploration. The participants do not compete against each other as much as they challenge themselves, with adult supervision to establish and achieve their own goals.

   Participants can earn Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold medals. Gold medal winners attend a ceremony in the Capitol.

    The committee report noted that in 2004 1,343 participants earned certificates, 858 received medals of which 164 were gold. In 2001 8,000 participated. In 2004 the number rose to 20,000.

  The program was established in November 1979 and is extended through October 1, 2009.

Sponsor: Senator Joseph I. Lieberman (D-CT)

Vote: Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent (July 14, 2005)

Cost to the taxpayers: Other than the expense of using Congressional office space the report notes that the US Mint calculates it’ cost at less than $50,000 annually. The foundation that administers the program is largely sustained by donations.

## All Rights Reserved. © 2005 TheWeekInCongress.com No reproduction or distribution without written permission from TheWeekInCongress.com.

MORE INFORMATION

## All Rights Reserved. © 2005 TheWeekInCongress.com.

No reproduction or distribution without written permission from TheWeekInCongress.com.