Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023

3/9/2024, 8:15 AM

Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023

This bill requires or authorizes various policies for the Peace Corps program. For example, the bill

  • increases the minimum rate for readjustment allowances paid to Peace Corps volunteers upon their return to the United States;
  • requires the Peace Corps to establish processes to return volunteers to service after their service has been interrupted by a mandatory evacuation, and to strive to allow evacuated volunteers to return to the country in which they had formerly been assigned (except for Peace Corps missions in China);
  • requires the Peace Corps to provide separating volunteers with information on postservice health care options;
  • provides statutory authority to an executive order that provides returning volunteers with noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment purposes (i.e., eligibility to be noncompetitively appointed to a competitive federal position);
  • requires the Peace Corps to implement a zero-tolerance policy regarding volunteer or trainee involvement with illegal drugs;
  • requires the Peace Corps to take all reasonable measures to prevent and address reprisal or retaliation against a volunteer by any person with supervisory authority over the volunteer, such as a Peace Corps officer; and
  • authorizes suspension without pay for employees engaged in serious misconduct that could impact the efficiency of the service and could lead to removal for cause.
Bill 118 HR 1273, also known as the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation that aims to reauthorize and strengthen the Peace Corps program. The Peace Corps is a volunteer program run by the United States government that sends American volunteers to work on development projects in countries around the world.

The main provisions of the bill include increasing funding for the Peace Corps, expanding the number of volunteers, and improving the safety and security of volunteers serving abroad. The bill also aims to enhance the training and support provided to volunteers, as well as increase the diversity and inclusivity of the program.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve the monitoring and evaluation of Peace Corps projects, as well as increase transparency and accountability within the organization. The bill also seeks to strengthen partnerships with host countries and other organizations to maximize the impact of Peace Corps projects. Overall, the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023 is focused on enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of the Peace Corps program, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of volunteers serving abroad.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 1273

Introduced on
2023-03-01

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

3/1/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023

This bill requires or authorizes various policies for the Peace Corps program. For example, the bill

  • increases the minimum rate for readjustment allowances paid to Peace Corps volunteers upon their return to the United States;
  • requires the Peace Corps to establish processes to return volunteers to service after their service has been interrupted by a mandatory evacuation, and to strive to allow evacuated volunteers to return to the country in which they had formerly been assigned (except for Peace Corps missions in China);
  • requires the Peace Corps to provide separating volunteers with information on postservice health care options;
  • provides statutory authority to an executive order that provides returning volunteers with noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment purposes (i.e., eligibility to be noncompetitively appointed to a competitive federal position);
  • requires the Peace Corps to implement a zero-tolerance policy regarding volunteer or trainee involvement with illegal drugs;
  • requires the Peace Corps to take all reasonable measures to prevent and address reprisal or retaliation against a volunteer by any person with supervisory authority over the volunteer, such as a Peace Corps officer; and
  • authorizes suspension without pay for employees engaged in serious misconduct that could impact the efficiency of the service and could lead to removal for cause.
Bill 118 HR 1273, also known as the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation that aims to reauthorize and strengthen the Peace Corps program. The Peace Corps is a volunteer program run by the United States government that sends American volunteers to work on development projects in countries around the world.

The main provisions of the bill include increasing funding for the Peace Corps, expanding the number of volunteers, and improving the safety and security of volunteers serving abroad. The bill also aims to enhance the training and support provided to volunteers, as well as increase the diversity and inclusivity of the program.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve the monitoring and evaluation of Peace Corps projects, as well as increase transparency and accountability within the organization. The bill also seeks to strengthen partnerships with host countries and other organizations to maximize the impact of Peace Corps projects. Overall, the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023 is focused on enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of the Peace Corps program, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of volunteers serving abroad.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the Peace Corps Act by providing better support for current and returned volunteers, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
International Affairs

Potential Impact
Advisory bodies
Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration
Cemeteries and funerals
Congressional oversight
Cosmetics and personal care
Dental care
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Drug therapy
Employee benefits and pensions
Employee hiring
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government studies and investigations
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Health care quality
Health information and medical records
Health personnel
Health technology, devices, supplies
Immunology and vaccination
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Internet, web applications, social media
Judicial review and appeals
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Mental health
National and community service
National symbols
Peace Corps
Prescription drugs
Sex and reproductive health
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
User charges and fees
Women's health
Worker safety and health

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary1/9/2024

Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023

This bill requires or authorizes various policies for the Peace Corps program. For example, the bill

  • increases the minimum rate for readjustment allowances paid to Peace Corps vol...

Latest Action3/1/2023
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.