President Obama issued a statement commending the Senate for passing the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. The President expressed his gratitude not only to members of the Senate, but to champions of service and social innovation everywhere – without whom this victory would not have been possible.

I’m so pleased that the Senate overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act — legislation that will usher in a new era of service. I want to applaud all those who have worked so hard to see this bill through, and I am eager to sign it into law.

We would like to join the President in thanking everyone who worked so hard to see this groundbreaking legislation pass! The Edward M. Kennedy Act is truly a victory for champions of social innovation everywhere. We would also like to echo the President – this legislation is not an end in and of itself, but rather a beginning.

Our work is not finished when I sign this bill into law – it has just begun. While our government can provide every opportunity imaginable for us to serve our communities, it is up to each of us to seize those opportunities. To do our part to lift up our fellow Americans. To realize our own true potential. I call on all Americans to stand up and do what they can to serve their communities, shape our history and enrich both their own lives and the lives of others across this country.

Once again, thank you all for your help and support!

Read the President’s statement here.