This was a vote on a motion to suspend the rules and pass a resolution “recognizing the significant accomplishments of AmeriCorps and encouraging all citizens to join in a national effort to raise awareness about the importance of national and community service.” Americorps is a national public service program in which volunteers perform jobs ranging from education to environmental cleanup.

Motions to suspend the rules limit time allowed for debate, and prohibit members from offering amendments. A two-thirds vote is required to approve the motion and pass a bill, rather than the usual majority.

Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) urged support for the resolution: “I rise today in full support of House Resolution 1338, which recognizes the substantial contributions of AmeriCorps. Since 1994, AmeriCorps programs have engaged over 570,000 individuals of all ages in national service programs, totaling 705 million hours of service to our nation.”

Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-MI) also praised the resolution: “Americans have a long history of service to each other and to their country, and AmeriCorps creates a web of opportunities for Americans to serve….Nationwide, AmeriCorps provides 85,000 opportunities annually to serve communities from across the Nation and gives Americans the opportunity to offer their services in tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth, fighting illiteracy, building affordable housing, and assisting communities in times of natural disaster.”

No members spoke against the resolution. Most Republicans, however, voted against it. According to GOP.gov, the official website of the House Republican conference, offered this explanation: “Some members are concerned that AmeriCorps volunteers are currently employed (and recruited) by community organizations including Planned Parenthood [a pro-abortion rights organization which provides abortions through its clinics, along with a variety of other reproductive health and counseling services].  Members have expressed concern that federal funding should not support "volunteers" to be paid to work [Americorps volunteers receive stipends for food and other living expenses] for abortion providers…”

The House agreed to the motion to suspend the rules and pass the resolution by a vote of 280-128. 236 Democrats and 44 Republicans voted “yea.” 128 Republicans voted “nay.” As a result, the House passed a resolution “recognizing the significant accomplishments of AmeriCorps and encouraging all citizens to join in a national effort to raise awareness about the importance of national and community service.”