Obama also said the bill is "the boldest expansion of opportunities to serve our communities and our country since the creation of Americorps," and is appropriately named for a man "who has never stopped asking what he can do for his country."

Hatch and Kennedy sat to the side of Obama as he spoke at a boarding school for underprivileged children. As Obama signed the bill into law, he handed the first two pens to Kennedy and Hatch.

After the ceremony, Hatch praised the bill as "a significant milestone for America."

He said, "During a tough economic time for our country, it is important that we do not rely on government aid to solve every problem. This bill is founded on the fundamental belief in the power of the American people to improve their country and communities at the local level; it will increase opportunities for Americans to serve and, thus, increase personal and community responsibility."

Obama noted that when he spoke to a joint session of Congress in February, he asked it to quickly pass the bill — and praised it for doing so.

E-MAIL: lee@desnews.com

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