(Washington, DC) - Congressman Baron Hill successfully added an amendment to the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act that passed the U.S. House of Representatives last night by a bipartisan vote of 321-105.  Hill’s amendment, which was adopted with no opposition, ensures that sending care packages to members of the Armed Forces deployed in combat zones overseas is also included as an eligible national services program.  As such, particular organizations that facilitate sending care packages abroad could be eligible for grants.

“This legislative idea was proposed to me by a constituent – Indiana University Professor Catherine Dalton,” Hill said.  “She told me of her involvement with a program that sends care packages to non-relative soldiers overseas, but she also told me of the high cost she incurs for such an important activity.  I turned her comments into a legislative package that I introduced last Congress and reintroduced just recently – the Homefront Heroes Tax Relief Act.  And, I saw a way to insert some of that language into the GIVE Act.  Any opportunity to reinforce support for our troops is an opportunity worth taking.”

The GIVE Act is comprehensive legislation to bolster and expand national service opportunities for Americans.  It now moves on to consideration in the Senate after passing the House yesterday.

“I am confident my amendment will be kept in this bill,” Hill said.  “It garnered bipartisan support and is a true reflection of what we as Members of Congress were sent here to do – listen to our constituents and put their ideas into action.”