(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- Millions receiving extended unemployment benefit would have to contribute community service hours under a bill being sponsored by North Carolina Senator Richard Burr.

"So what this bill does is it proposed that they split the 40-hour work week with 20-hours of active job search and 20-hours of public service defined as either volunteering for a federal, state or local agency or committing that 20-hours to a 501 C-3," said Burr.

He added that volunteer service will encourage unemployed workers to maintain their job skills and marketability, and give them a sense of self-worth while providing a benefit for their community.

The bill allows for a reduction in the community service hours for individuals involved in activities that the federal government recognizes in welfare reform. Those include things like vocational training, education directly related to employment or providing child care to someone participating in a community service program.

Burr said the bill is relevant and worthwhile. "We're in the final stages of negotiations between the House and the Senate on the unemployment extension.  It's my hope that the conferees will see this as a beneficial addition to the policy that we've currently got in place."

The Extended Unemployment Benefits Reform Act would be administered by states.  He said it is important to keep the federal government out of it.

(Thanks to: WSJS)