Hickenlooper, Neguse, Cassidy Introduce Bill to Build AmeriCorps and National Guard Partnership, Bolster Community Resilience

Bill would help fill wildland firefighting positions among others

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and U.S. Representative Joe Neguse, along with Senator Bill Cassidy, introduced the National Guard for National Service Act to establish a formal partnership between AmeriCorps and the National Guard. The bill would launch a pilot program to train National Guard and Reserve service members in areas of critical national security importance.

"Members of the National Guard and AmeriCorps have service ingrained in everything they do," said Hickenlooper. "Service members who want to continue serving their country should have more opportunities to give back. We're excited to see a pilot program like this scaled nationwide."

"Colorado's National Guard members always answer the call to serve, and their pilot partnership with AmeriCorps has equipped Colorado servicemembers with specialized training for meaningful career advancement while also strengthening community resilience," said Neguse. "I am proud to introduce the National Guard for National Service Act, which takes a proven Colorado success story and expands its reach nationwide. This bill will create opportunities for National Guard members to continue their commitment to service by participating in AmeriCorps and receiving specialized training that protects our communities, supports local workforce needs, and opens the door for future careers in public service."

"Whether it's protecting families from crime or lending a helping hand after a hurricane, every Louisianian can attest to the invaluable role of the National Guard and AmeriCorps," said Dr. Cassidy. "By empowering guardsmen to partner with AmeriCorps, we make our communities safer."

Specifically, the bill establishes a nationwide employment and training pipeline to connect part-time National Guard and Reserve service members with career development opportunities such as:

• Protecting essential infrastructure like transportation, energy, communications, and water management systems.

• Strengthening the cybersecurity of local and Tribal governments, elementary and secondary schools, institutions of higher education, and nonprofits.

• Efforts to expand community preparedness for and resilience to major disasters, such as wildfires and hurricanes.

A similar initiative, the Colorado National Guard/AmeriCorps Wildland Fire Mitigation Crew, was piloted last year in Colorado. Members of the Colorado National Guard received training in wildland firefighting, and two pursued full-time wildland firefighting positions following their service year. The successful program is planning to return next year.

"Colorado is proud to have established the nation's first National Guard-AmeriCorps partnership, demonstrating that national service can strengthen critical infrastructure and community resilience while building valuable workforce skills. For example, through our pilot which focused on wildfire mitigation through forest thinning, chainsaw operations, and fire prevention efforts, members earned nationally recognized wildland firefighting certifications. This legislation recognizes the power of innovative cross-sector partnerships to advance both national security and community resilience, and we are excited to see Congress consider scaling this model so Colorado and other states across our country can benefit from its proven impact," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera.

"Combining the strengths of the National Guard and AmeriCorps does more than protect our forests and local communities, it builds real career pathways for Guardsmen fulfilling their dual mission to state and nation. Having seen this program in action firsthand, I know this partnership represents the very best of community-driven innovation. I'm grateful to Senators Hickenlooper and Cassidy and Representative Neguse for their bipartisan leadership in bringing this proven Colorado model to communities nationwide," said Major General Robert Davis, Adjutant General of Colorado.

Hickenlooper is a strong supporter of AmeriCorps and creating workforce training opportunities. When the Trump administration cut AmeriCorps funding and staff last year, Hickenlooper highlighted the work of its members in Colorado and demanded the cuts be reversed. He's also introduced legislation like the Lifelong Learning Act, allocating additional resources to workforce training programs that address current shortages.

Full text of the National Guard for National Service Act can be found HERE.

A one-pager on the bill can be found HERE.

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