Senator Orrin Hatch, a champion of national service and co-sponsor of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, issued a statement today commending his fellow Senators for passing this legislation.

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. 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.

We would like to thank Senator Hatch for his tireless support of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. Without his leadership this bipartisan victory would not have been possible!

Read Senator Hatch’s full statement here.