Latest news on 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 of age 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. Signing into Law: The Peace Corps Bill was signed into law by President Biden on December 27, 2022, after passing the House of Representatives and the Senate with bipartisan support.
  2. Implementation: The Peace Corps is currently implementing the provisions of the bill, including increasing funding, expanding eligibility, and improving safety and security measures.
  3. Volunteer Recruitment: The Peace Corps is also working to increase recruitment and retention of volunteers, including through targeted outreach and marketing efforts.
  4. Congressional Oversight: The bill requires the Peace Corps to provide regular reports to Congress on its activities, including information on volunteer safety, security, and well-being. Congressional committees will also conduct oversight of the Peace Corps to ensure compliance with the bill's provisions.

Next Steps:

  1. Implementation: The Peace Corps will continue to implement the provisions of the bill, including increasing funding, expanding eligibility, and improving safety and security measures.
  2. Congressional Oversight: Congressional committees will conduct oversight of the Peace Corps to ensure compliance with the bill's provisions and to identify areas for improvement.
  3. Future Reauthorization: The Peace Corps Bill is set to expire in 2027, and Congress will likely consider reauthorization legislation in the future to continue supporting the Peace Corps and its mission.

I hope this information is helpful!