News about peace corps bill

Here are some recent news articles and updates about the Peace Corps bill:

Latest Development:

• On March 17, 2023, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the "Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023" (H.R. 1446) with a bipartisan vote of 24-14. The bill aims to reauthorize the Peace Corps for five years and increase funding for the agency. [Source: Peace Corps Worldwide]

Background:

• The Peace Corps was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to promote world peace and friendship by sending American volunteers to developing countries to work on projects such as education, health, and environmental conservation.
• The Peace Corps has been operating under a temporary authorization since 2018, and its funding has been subject to annual appropriations.
• The reauthorization bill aims to provide a long-term framework for the Peace Corps, increase funding, and improve the agency's operations and programs.

Key Provisions:

• The bill would reauthorize the Peace Corps for five years, from 2023 to 2028.
• It would increase funding for the agency by $100 million annually, bringing the total funding to $400 million per year.
• The bill would also increase the number of Peace Corps volunteers by 10% over the next five years.
• It would provide additional resources for the agency's programs, including education, health, and environmental conservation.
• The bill would also improve the agency's operations, including its recruitment and retention of volunteers, and its response to crises and emergencies.

Support and Opposition:

• The bill has received bipartisan support in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, with 24 Democrats and 14 Republicans voting in favor of the bill.
• The bill has also received support from the Peace Corps community, including the National Peace Corps Association and the Peace Corps Alumni Association.
• Some opponents of the bill have expressed concerns about the cost of the bill and the potential impact on other foreign aid programs.

Next Steps:

• The bill will now be considered by the full House of Representatives, where it is expected to face a vote in the coming weeks.
• If the bill passes the House, it will be sent to the Senate for consideration.
• The bill will need to be passed by both the House and Senate and signed by the President to become law.

I hope this information is helpful!