Latest news about peace corps bill

The Peace Corps Bill, also known as the "Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2022", was signed into law by President Joe Biden on December 27, 2022. Here are some of the latest updates and key provisions of the bill:

Key Provisions:

  1. Increased Funding: The bill provides a significant increase in funding for the Peace Corps, with a total of $450 million allocated for fiscal year 2023.
  2. Expanded Eligibility: The bill expands eligibility for Peace Corps service to include individuals with disabilities, individuals who are 50 years old or older, and individuals who have previously served in the Peace Corps.
  3. Improved Safety and Security: The bill includes provisions to improve the safety and security of Peace Corps volunteers, including increased funding for security measures and enhanced training for volunteers.
  4. Enhanced Support for Volunteers: The bill provides additional support for Peace Corps volunteers, including increased funding for mental health services, family support, and career counseling.
  5. Increased Focus on Climate Change: The bill requires the Peace Corps to prioritize projects that address climate change, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and conservation.
  6. Improved Transparency and Accountability: The bill requires the Peace Corps to provide regular reports to Congress on its activities, including information on volunteer safety, security, and well-being.

Recent Developments:

  1. Peace Corps Director Confirmation: On January 3, 2023, the Senate confirmed Carol Spahn as the new Director of the Peace Corps, replacing Sarah Landers who served as Acting Director since 2021.
  2. Peace Corps Reauthorization Hearing: On December 14, 2022, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to discuss the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2022, with testimony from Peace Corps Director-designate Carol Spahn and other experts.
  3. Peace Corps Volunteer Deployment: In December 2022, the Peace Corps deployed its 220,000th volunteer since its founding in 1961, marking a significant milestone in the organization's history.

Upcoming Events:

  1. Peace Corps Reauthorization Implementation: The Peace Corps is expected to begin implementing the provisions of the new law in the coming months, including increased funding and expanded eligibility.
  2. Peace Corps Volunteer Deployment: The Peace Corps is expected to continue deploying volunteers to countries around the world, with a focus on addressing global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and inequality.

Please note that the information provided is subject to change and may not reflect the most up-to-date information. For the latest news and updates on the Peace Corps Bill, I recommend visiting the official Peace Corps website or following reputable news sources.