US HR1044

Designates 2026 as the "National Year of the Volunteer" to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States

Honors millions of volunteers who serve in public safety, health, education, and civic organizations including volunteer fire/EMS departments, food banks, shelters, and mentoring programs

Encourages Federal, State, and local governments to highlight volunteer opportunities and raise public awareness of service value

Calls on nonprofits, schools, veterans' groups, civic associations, and companies to partner on volunteer engagement initiatives

Notes national volunteer rates have dropped significantly over the past decade, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, while critical civic organizations struggle to recruit and retain volunteers