Senate Gives Final Congressional Approval to $400 Million for Peace Corps

A short while ago, the United States Senate gave final congressional approval to a package of six appropriations bills to fund many government programs for Fiscal Year 2010.The package includes $400 million for the Peace Corps.

President Obama is expected to sign the appropriations package into law shortly.

Thanks to the efforts of Peace Corps champions on Capitol Hill and thousands of advocates around the world, the approved funding level for Peace Corps is a significant step forward:

• The $60 million increase in funding (over the previous fiscal year) represents the largest single-year dollar increase in funding in the history of Peace Corps.
• The $60 million increase is higher than the combined, minimal funding increases for Peace Corps over the past seven years.
• While less than the $450 million requested by the House, the approved funding is $23 million above the request made by President Obama and recommended by the Senate. 

Once again, thank you and congratulations to all who worked so hard to achieve this major accomplishment!