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Peace Corps: Overview and Issues [Updated December 17, 2021]
From the Summary: "Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps pursues a legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in all corners of the world. [...] Peace Corps volunteers come from every U.S. state, and many public universities and colleges have close recruiting relationships with Peace Corps, generating consistent interest among Members of Congress in supporting constituents and their family members serving abroad. [...] The 117th Congress may consider proposed Peace Corps funding as part of the FY2022 State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs appropriations process, and may conduct oversight of reentry of volunteers throughout 2021. Congress may also monitor the implementation of the Farr-Castle Act, including progress as new policies and reporting lines are established for Peace Corps medical care. Congress may also work with Peace Corps during its annual portfolio review to ensure that volunteer health and safety is taken into account in decisionmaking, as well as to assess closure and opening of country programs as applicable. Several other issues may be of interest to Congress. Volunteer levels have declined in recent years from their peak of 9,095 in 2011, and the number of country programs has fallen from 69 in 2011 to 61 in 2020. Peace Corps has not achieved its statutory mandate of a 10,000-volunteer force since that goal was established. Volunteers also express dissatisfaction at the quality of training and their work responsibilities in annual surveys. Other Peace Corps issues that may be of interest to Congress include the geographic composition of Peace Corps programs, volunteer access to abortion, activities for returned volunteers, volunteer benefits, Peace Corps partnerships, and staffing practices of Peace Corps."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brown, Nick M.
2021-12-17
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Peace Corps: Overview and Issues [Updated June 26, 2019]
From the Introduction: "Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps sends American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns across the world. The Peace Corps' three-point legislative mandate, unchanged since its founding, is to promote world peace and friendship by improving the lives of those they serve, help others understand American culture, and bring volunteers' experience back to Americans at home. To date, more than 235,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in 141 countries. As of the end of September 2018, 7,367 volunteers were serving in 61 nations. The current Director of the Peace Corps is Jody Olsen, who was sworn into office in March 2018. In 2019, the 116th Congress may consider the President's FY2020 funding request for the Peace Corps, reauthorization of the Peace Corps,oversight of reforms related to the Farr-Castle Act, the geographic distribution of Peace Corps programs, and related issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Brown, Nick M.
2019-06-26
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [October 12, 2018]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. As of the end of September 2017, about 7,376 volunteers were serving in 65 nations. In 2018, the 115th Congress has considered and may again consider several issues related to the Peace Corps, including the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps and changes to the Peace Corps authorization legislation. The Sam Farr and Nick Castle Peace Corps Reform Act of 2018, P.L. 115-256, signed into law on October 9, 2018, includes provisions to improve volunteer medical care, both at post and after service; extend the allowable period of service for certain Peace Corps positions; establish the frequency, scope,and reporting requirements for impact surveys of volunteers; and improve advocacy for volunteers who are the victims of crimes, among other things. Current issues include the extent to which there is available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment, volunteer access to abortion, and other issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawson, Marian Leonardo
2018-10-12
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Peace Corps: Current Issue [April 26, 2018]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. As of the end of September 2017, about 7,376 volunteers were serving in 65 nations. In 2018, the 115th Congress may consider the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, changes to the Peace Corps authorization legislation, and related issues. On March 23, 2018, the Consolidated Appropriations, 2018 (P.L. 115-141), was signed into law, providing $410 million for the Peace Corps, the same level as in FY2017, 3% above the Administration request of $398.2 million. On February 12, the Trump Administration issued its FY2019 budget request, including $396.2 million for the Peace Corps, a 3% cut from the FY2018 level. The last Peace Corps funding authorization (P.L. 106-30), approved in 1999, covered the years FY2000 to FY2003. Current issues include the extent to which there is available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment, volunteer access to abortion, and other issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2018-04-26
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The Peace Corps: Current Issues [July 20, 2017]
"Generally viewed positively by the public and widely supported in Congress, the Peace Corps is the U.S. agency that provides volunteer skills internationally. In 2017, the 115th Congress may consider the President's FY2018 funding request for the Peace Corps, changes to the Peace Corps authorization legislation, and related issues. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2017-07-20
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [March 28, 2017]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. As of end September 2016, about 7,213 volunteers were serving in 65 nations. In 2017, the 115th Congress may consider the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, changes to the Peace Corps authorization legislation, and related issues. On December 10, 2016, the FY2017 Further Continuing Appropriations Act (P.L. 114-254) was signed into law. It amends an earlier continuing appropriations act (P.L. 114-223) to provide $409.2 million for the Peace Corps in FY2017. The appropriation expires on April 28, 2017. The last Peace Corps funding authorization (P.L. 106-30), approved in 1999, covered the years FY2000 to FY2003. Current issues include the extent to which there is available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment, volunteer access to abortion, and other issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2017-03-28
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [February 9, 2016]
From the Summary: "Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. As of end September 2015, about 6,919 volunteers were serving in 63 nations. In 2016, the 114th Congress will consider the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, changes to the Peace Corps authorization legislation, and related issues. On December 18, 2015, the President signed into law H.R. 2029 (P.L. 114-113), the Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY2016, providing the Peace Corps with $410 million in FY2016, matching the Administration request and an 8% increase over the FY2015 level. On February 9, 2016, the Administration submitted its FY2017 budget request, providing $410 million for the Peace Corps, the same level as in FY2016. […] A comprehensive assessment of Peace Corps operations was published in June 2010. It made 64 recommendations supporting a six-point strategy that was adopted by the agency and has guided agency actions since then. In March 2014, the Peace Corps published its strategic plan for the years FY2014 through FY2018. It contains strategic objectives and performance goals associated with them that will also guide the agency in the next few years. Current issues include the extent to which there is available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment, volunteer access to abortion, and other issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2016-02-09
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [March 10, 2015]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. As of end September 2014, about 6,818 volunteers were serving in 64 nations. In 2015, the 114th Congress will consider the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, changes to the Peace Corps authorization legislation, and related issues. On December 16, 2014, the President signed into law H.R. 83 (P.L. 113-235), the Consolidated and Continuing Appropriations Act, FY2015, providing the Peace Corps with $379.5 million in FY2015, $0.5 million more than the FY2014 level. On February 2, 2015, the Administration issued its FY2016 budget request, proposing $410 million for the Peace Corps, $30.5 million more than the FY2015 level, an 8% increase. The last Peace Corps funding authorization (P.L. 106-30), approved in 1999, covered the years FY2000 to FY2003. On November 21, 2011, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 was signed into law (P.L. 112-57). It put into place a number of safeguards to address and reduce the incidence of volunteer rape and sexual abuse. […] It made 64 recommendations supporting a six-point strategy that was adopted by the agency and has guided agency actions since then. In March 2014, the Peace Corps published its strategic plan for the years FY2014 through FY2018. It contains strategic objectives and performance goals associated with them that will also guide the agency in the next few years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2015-03-10
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [December 23, 2014]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. As of end September 2014, about 6,818 volunteers were serving in 64 nations. In 2015, the 114th Congress will consider the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, changes to the Peace Corps authorization legislation, and related issues. On March 4, 2014, the Administration issued its FY2015 budget request, proposing $380 million for the Peace Corps, $1 million more than the FY2014 level approved in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (P.L. 113-76, H.R. 3547). On June 27, 2014, the House Appropriations Committee reported H.R. 5013, the FY2015 State, Foreign Operations appropriations, providing $379 million for the Peace Corps. On June 19, 2014, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported S. 2499, the FY2015 State, Foreign Operations appropriations, providing $380 million for the Peace Corps. On December 16, 2014, the President signed into law H.R. 83 (P.L. 113- 235), the Consolidated and Continuing Appropriations Act, FY2015, providing the Peace Corps with $379.5 million in FY2015, $0.5 million more than the FY2014 level."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2014-12-23
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [December 2, 2014]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. As of end September 2014, about 6,818 volunteers were serving in 64 nations. In 2014, the 113th Congress has considered the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, changes to the Peace Corps authorization legislation, and related issues. […] On November 21, 2011, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 was signed into law (P.L. 112-57). It put into place a number of safeguards to address and reduce the incidence of volunteer rape and sexual abuse. A comprehensive assessment of Peace Corps operations was published in June 2010. It made 64 recommendations supporting a six-point strategy that was adopted by the agency and has guided agency actions since then. In March 2014, the Peace Corps published its strategic plan for the years FY2014 through FY2018. It contains strategic objectives and performance goals associated with them that will also guide the agency in the next few years. Current issues include the extent to which there is available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment, volunteer access to abortion, and other issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2014-12-02
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [July 2, 2014]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. As of end September 2013, about 7,209 volunteers were serving in 65 nations. In 2014, the 113th Congress will consider the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, possible efforts to reauthorize the Peace Corps, and related issues. On March 4, 2014, the Administration issued its FY2015 budget request, proposing $380 million for the Peace Corps, $1 million more than the FY2014 level approved in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (P.L. 113-76, H.R. 3547). On June 27, 2014, the House Appropriations Committee reported H.R. 5013, the FY2015 State, Foreign Operations appropriations, providing $379 million for the Peace Corps. On June 19, 2014, the Senate Appropriations Committee reported S. 2499, the FY2015 State, Foreign Operations appropriations, providing $380 million for the Peace Corps. The last Peace Corps funding authorization (P.L. 106-30), approved in 1999, covered the years FY2000 to FY2003. Authorization legislation offered in the 112th Congress in both the House (H.R. 2583) and Senate (S. 1426) failed to receive floor action. On November 21, 2011, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 was signed into law (P.L. 112-57). It put into place a number of safeguards to address and reduce the incidence of volunteer rape and sexual abuse."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2014-07-02
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [April 2, 2014]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. As of end September 2013, about 7,209 volunteers were serving in 65 nations. In 2014, the 113th Congress will consider the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, possible efforts to reauthorize the Peace Corps, and related issues. […] On November 21, 2011, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 was signed into law (P.L. 112-57). It put into place a number of safeguards to address and reduce the incidence of volunteer rape and sexual abuse. A comprehensive assessment of Peace Corps operations was published in June 2010. It made 64 recommendations supporting a six-point strategy that was adopted by the agency and has guided agency actions since then. In March 2014, the Peace Corps published its strategic plan for the years FY2014 through FY2018. It contains strategic objectives and performance goals associated with them that will also guide the agency in the next few years. Current issues include the extent to which there is available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment, volunteer access to abortion, and other issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2014-04-02
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [February 11, 2014]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. As of end September 2013, about 7,209 volunteers were serving in 65 nations. In 2014, the 113th Congress will consider the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, possible efforts to reauthorize the Peace Corps, and related issues. […] On November 21, 2011, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 was signed into law (P.L. 112-57). It put into place a number of safeguards to address and reduce the incidence of volunteer rape and sexual abuse. A comprehensive assessment of Peace Corps operations was published in June 2010. It made 64 recommendations supporting a six-point strategy that was adopted by the agency and has guided agency actions since then. Current issues include the extent to which there is available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment, volunteer access to abortion, and other issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2014-02-11
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [May 10, 2013]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. As of end September 2012, about 8,073 volunteers were serving in 76 nations. In 2013, the 113th Congress will consider the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, efforts to reauthorize the Peace Corps, and related issues. On April 10, 2013, the Administration issued its FY2014 budget request, proposing $378.8 million for the Peace Corps, 6% more than the agency's currently estimated FY2013 post-sequester and across-the-board rescission level of $356.0 million. The last Peace Corps funding authorization (P.L. [Public Law] 106-30), approved in 1999, covered the years FY2000 to FY2003. Authorization legislation offered in the 112th Congress from both the House (H.R. 2583) and Senate (S. [Senate bill] 1426) failed to receive floor action. On November 21, 2011, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 was signed into law (P.L. 112-57). It put into place a number of safeguards to address and reduce the incidence of volunteer rape and sexual abuse. A comprehensive assessment of Peace Corps operations was published in June 2010. It makes 64 recommendations supporting a six-point strategy that has been adopted by the agency for implementation over the next several years. Current issues include the extent to which there is available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether the Peace Corps has the institutional capacity to expand, and whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2013-05-10
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [October 25, 2012]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. As of end September 2012, about 8,073 volunteers were serving in 76 nations. In 2012, the 112th Congress has considered the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, efforts to reauthorize the Peace Corps, and related issues. In February 2012, the Administration issued its FY2013 budget request, proposing $374.5 million for the Peace Corps, $500,000 less than the FY2012 level of $375 million approved in December 2011 in the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2012 (Division I of P.L. 112-74, H.R. 2055). In September 2012, the Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2013 (H.J.Res. 117, P.L. 112-175), was approved by Congress, providing FY2013 funding for the Peace Corps at the level in the FY2012 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 112-74) plus .612%. The resolution expires on March 27, 2013. [...] A comprehensive assessment of Peace Corps operations was published in June 2010. It makes 64 recommendations supporting a six-point strategy to be implemented in the coming years. Current issues include the extent to which there is available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether the Peace Corps has the institutional capacity to expand, and whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2012-10-25
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [October 2, 2012]
"Generally viewed positively by the public and widely supported in Congress, the Peace Corps, the U.S. agency that provides volunteer skills internationally, drew congressional attention in 2011 on the issue of volunteer safety and security. In 2012, the 112th Congress has considered the President's FY2013 funding request for the Peace Corps, efforts to reauthorize the Peace Corps, and related issues. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2012-10-02
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [April 4, 2012]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. [At the end of] September 2011, about 9,095 volunteers were serving in 76 nations. In 2012, the 112th Congress is considering the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, efforts to reauthorize the Peace Corps, and related issues. […] On July 21, the House Foreign Affairs Committee reported H.R. 2583, the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2012, which includes language authorizing $375 million for the Peace Corps in FY2012 as well as provisions addressing Peace Corps safety and security. On July 27, 2011, Senator Kerry introduced S. 1426, the Foreign Relations Authorization for FY2012 and FY2013, including language authorizing $439.6 million for the Peace Corps in FY2012 and 'such sums as may be necessary' for FY2013. On November 21, 2011, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act of 2011 was signed into law (P.L. 112-57). It puts into place a number of safeguards to address and reduce the incidence of volunteer rape and sexual abuse. A comprehensive assessment of Peace Corps operations was published in June 2010. It makes 64 recommendations supporting a six-point strategy to be implemented in the coming years. Current issues include the extent to which there is available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether the Peace Corps has the institutional capacity to expand, and whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2012-04-04
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [January 3, 2012]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. As of end September 2011, about 9,095 volunteers were serving in 76 nations. In 2011, the 112th Congress is considering the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, efforts to reauthorize the Peace Corps, and related issues. In February 2011, the Obama Administration issued its FY2012 budget request, proposing $439.6 million for the Peace Corps, a 17% increase over the final FY2011 appropriation of $374.3 million (H.R. 1473, P.L. 112-10), which represented a cut of 6% for the Peace Corps from the previous year. On December 23, 2011, the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2012 (P.L. 112-74, H.R. 2055) was signed into law. Division I provides $375 million for the Peace Corps, $750,000 more than in FY2011. [...] Current issues include the extent to which there is available funding for Peace Corps expansion, whether the Peace Corps has the institutional capacity to expand, and whether volunteers are able to function in a safe and secure environment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2012-01-03
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [October 6, 2011]
"Generally viewed positively by the public and widely supported in Congress, the Peace Corps, the U.S. agency that provides volunteer skills internationally, drew congressional attention in recent years largely due to a 2002 presidential initiative to double the size of the volunteer force and to a series of reauthorization measures in the 108th, 109th, and 110th Congresses, some of which were approved by the House or Senate, but none of which made it into law. In 2009, the 111th Congress addressed the size of the volunteer force by providing a significant increase from the previous year in its FY2010 budget. In 2011, the 112th Congress is considering the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps, safety and security concerns, efforts to reauthorize the Peace Corps, and related issues. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2011-10-06
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [Updated February 4, 2008]
"Generally viewed positively by the public and widely supported in Congress, the Peace Corps, the U.S. agency that provides volunteer skills internationally, has drawn congressional attention in recent years largely due to two issues - a 2002 Presidential initiative to significantly expand the size of the agency and reports in 2003-2004 raising concerns regarding the safety and security of volunteers. Both issues stimulated legislative action with bills being approved by House or Senate. However, these legislative efforts died with the 108th Congress. In 2007, the 110th Congress will consider the President's annual funding request for the Peace Corps."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2008-02-04
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [November 15, 2007]
"As it prepares authorization and State/Foreign Operations appropriations legislation in 2007, Congress is considering the FY2008 level of funding for the Peace Corps and related issues. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2007-11-15
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [August 13, 2007]
"As it prepares authorization and State/Foreign Operations appropriations legislation in 2007, Congress is considering the FY2008 level of funding for the Peace Corps and related issues. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2007-08-13
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [February 23, 2007]
"As it prepares authorization and Foreign Operations appropriations legislation in 2007, Congress will consider the FY2008 level of funding for the Peace Corps and related issues. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2007-02-23
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [June 2, 2006]
"As it prepares authorization and Foreign Operations appropriations legislation in 2006, Congress will consider the FY2007 level of funding for the Peace Corps and related issues. This report will be updated as events warrant."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2006-06-02
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Peace Corps: Current Issues [January 5, 2006]
"Founded in 1961, the Peace Corps has sought to meet its legislative mandate of promoting world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to serve at the grassroots level in villages and towns in all corners of the globe. Living and working with ordinary people, volunteers have contributed in a variety of capacities -- such as teachers, foresters, health promoters, and small business advisers -- to improving the lives of those they serve and helping others understand American culture. They also seek to share their understanding of other countries with Americans back home through efforts like the Paul D. Coverdell World Wise School program, which links serving volunteers with U.S. elementary school classrooms. To date, more than 182,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in 138 countries. About 7,810 volunteers currently serve in 71 nations. The current Peace Corps Director is Gaddi Vasquez. In addition to its basic two-year tour of duty, the Peace Corps introduced in 1996 a Crisis Corps, drawing on former volunteers to provide short-term (up to six months) emergency and humanitarian assistance at the community level with NGOs [non-governmental organization], relief, and other development organizations. Nearly 600 Crisis Corps volunteers have served in 39 countries, including post-tsunami Thailand and Sri Lanka. In September 2005, Crisis Corps volunteers were deployed to assist Hurricane Katrina relief, the first time in Peace Corps history that volunteers were used domestically. To date, 272 volunteers have begun assignments on the Gulf Coast."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tarnoff, Curt
2006-01-05
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