Around the NPCA
Capitol Hill Update Peace Corps legislation you need to know about by Jonathan Pearson
Peace Corps Funding There is currently a $30 million difference between the Senate and House of Representatives concerning Peace Corps funding for fiscal year 2014. The Senate Appropriations Committee is recommending $385 million for the Peace Corps. This is seven million dollars above President Obama’s request of $378 million. Meanwhile, the House Appropriations
Committee is recommending $356 million for the Peace Corps. This figure would continue Peace Corps funding at reduced levels that were established earlier this year when across-the-board federal spending cuts of approximately five percent were implemented. The Senate and House will need to reach an agreement on these disparate figures as they finalize appropriations for FY 2014.
Senate Language on Equity Act, NCE Along with reaching agreement on funding figures, the Senate and House will also need to reach agreement on certain Peace Corps policy language if and when they approve a final appropriations bill for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The Senate included language on two issues NPCA has been working on. Language to incorporate the fix called for in the Peace Corps Equity Act (S. 813), allowing volunteers to have the same right as others serving our nation overseas in regards to reproductive health care, is included in the Senate
Where in the World is WorldView? Peace Corps Volunteer Libby Weiler’s students used WorldView magazine to create environmental posters and collages during the environmental day of Spring Camp Zagora in the Atlas Mountains. How do you use WorldView? Every issue of WorldView comes with a lesson plan. You can see all of them at www.peacecorpsconnect.org/npca/news/worldview-magazine/ lesson-plans. Submit your ‘Where in the World is WorldView’ photo to news@ peacecorpsconnect.org. We will post it to Facebook.
16 | WorldView ∙ Fall 2013 ∙ National Peace Corps Association
Appropriations bill (RPCVs can sign a statement of support by visiting http:// www.peacecorpsconnect.org/supportequity-act/). Also included in the Senate bill is language that would call upon the Peace Corps to report on the possibility of extending the Non-Competitive Eligibility benefit provided to volunteers upon the completion of their service.
Senate Hearing on Peace Corps Director The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Carrie Hessler-Radelet to become the 19th director of the Peace Corps. President Barack Obama nominated Hessler-Radelet, the current deputy director, on July 18. A hearing is expected sometime this fall. Questions? Get connected. Contact advocacy@peacecorpsconnect.org. Jonathan Pearson (Micronesia 1987-89) is the Advocacy Director for the National Peace Corps Association.
PC Morocco
Senate Passes Peace Corps Commemorative The United States Senate gave swift unanimous passage to S. 230, legislation that would authorize space near the National Mall for a privately funded commemorative to mark the historic significance of the founding of the Peace Corps. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Rob Portman (R-OH). Similar legislation (H.R. 915) introduced in the House of Representatives by RPCV Congressman Joseph Kennedy III (DMA) awaits further consideration by the Natural Resources Committee.