Funding for the Peace Corps had an important victory today in the House of Representatives, but a setback in the Senate.
In the House of Representatives, lawmakers defeated an amendment offered by Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-FL) to reduce Peace Corps funding from the $450 Million recommended by the House Appropriations Committee, to $373.4 Million, the level proposed in President Obama's Fiscal Year 2010 budget request.
The vote was 172 in favor of the amendment, and 259 opposed. Thanks to everyone who took quick and effective action!
(Hyperlinks in this section to C-SPAN transcript and video.)
Congressman Stearns cited the President's request, the struggling economy, and the need to be creating jobs in the U.S. rather than overseas as reasons for offering his amendment. (Additional remarks here and here.)
Those speaking in support of the $450 Million included Nita Lowey (D-NY) who noted that she and her colleagues have heard from thousands of RPCVs, serving volunteers and others in support of the higher funding. RPCV Congressmen Sam Farr (D-CA) and Steve Driehaus (D-OH), and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) also spoke forcefully about the benefits of the Peace Corps and the need for a $450 Million appropriation.
In the Senate, the full Appropriations Committee met to consider its version of the State/Foreign Operations bill. The Committee unanimously passed a bill that includes a $373.4 Million recommendation for Peace Corps.
Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) cited the importance of Peace Corps as a "smart power" investment, and made positive reference to the need for higher funding levels. State/Operations Subcommittee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) noted the funding represents the largest percentage increase since 1993 and said he decided to add $33 Million on the hope there would be better leadership. Language included in the report states that a new Director with a new vision who recognizes the need for reform, supports transparency and a constructive relationship with Congress is urgently needed.
While today's results were mixed, all of your phone calls, emails, meetings and events have positioned the prospects for Peace Corps funding in a better place than has been seen in quite some time. Where we stand tonight is a point where the President's request for increased Peace Corps funding is serving not as the ceiling in the ongoing debate, but rather the floor. Congratulations to MorePeaceCorps Campaign Coordinator Rajeev Goyal and the many, many supporters of the campaign for your efforts to date.
Stay tuned!
Stay Tuned? Stay tuned to what? Please clarify! How much money is the Peace Corps getting for the 2010 budget?
Thanks,
Josh
Posted by: Josh | July 10, 2009 at 07:40 PM