Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – 2/11/26… This week, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), alongside Reps. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), and Dwight Evans (PA-03) introduced a bipartisan resolution expressing support for the designation of 2026 as the “National Year of the Volunteer,” honoring the millions of Americans who strengthen their communities through service and encouraging a renewed national commitment to volunteerism. 

The resolution also helps raise awareness of America250’s program, America Gives, a nationwide initiative designed to make 2026 the largest year of volunteerism in U.S. history. 

The effort coincides with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Dwight Evans (PA-03), and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27) serve on the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, America250, which was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

The coalition of legislators encourages Americans to visit America250.org to take the Year of Service pledge, find volunteer opportunities near them, or log their volunteer hours to count towards a national counter that tracks volunteer participation in real time, showcasing the collective hours of service across the country.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our communities. From volunteer firefighters and EMS workers to food banks, youth sports, and local nonprofits, service is what keeps communities like those across the Hudson Valley strong. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, this resolution is about honoring those who serve and encouraging more Americans to step up and get involved. The Hudson Valley helped win America’s independence through volunteer service, and 250 years later, that same spirit still defines us,” said Congressman Lawler.

“From our nation’s founding, Americans have answered the call to serve one another. Through America Gives, millions of Americans are stepping up in 2026 to make this the largest year of service in our history, and Congress’s effort to honor these volunteers reflects the true spirit of our country,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “By recognizing their time, compassion, and commitment, we affirm that service is not just something Americans do—it’s part of who we are.”

“From firefighters to food banks, volunteers are the backbone of our communities,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “When disaster strikes, volunteers are often the first to respond and the last to leave, helping families recover and rebuild. Designating 2026 as the National Year of the Volunteer is a powerful way to honor that service and recommit ourselves to the simple idea of neighbors helping neighbors. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort with Rep. Lawler, and I hope Americans across the country will get involved in their communities.”

“America is at its best when its people come together to help those in need,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman. “It's only fitting to designate 2026, the year of our nation's 250^th birthday as the National Year of the Volunteer. It's an honor to co-lead this bill and hope that it reminds all Americans that we are, in fact, tied through bonds of community and that to serve that community is an act of great patriotism.”

“As our nation begins to celebrate its 250^th anniversary, I am proud to co-lead the ‘Year of the Volunteer’ Resolution, which emphasizes the important and essential role volunteers play across the country. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to serving our neighbors with a sense of unity and purpose. When compassion is paired with action, our communities grow, and I hope all Americans will come together and take part in their civic responsibility this year,” said Congressman Aderholt.

Full text of the resolution can be found HERE. 

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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